🗺️ Shimizu Park清水公園

Shimizu Park, located in Chiba Prefecture, opened in 1894 (Meiji 27) and is one of the selected sites for Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. It is also a premier azalea viewing location in the Kanto region, featuring over 500 types of flowers, including plum blossoms, peonies, and wisteria, blooming throughout the seasons. In addition to being an outstanding flower viewing destination, the park offers a variety of facilities including an "Outdoor Sports Field," "Camping Area," "Barbecue Area," "Mini Horse Ranch," "Water Park," and "Flower Fantasy Land" (each facility requires a ticket). These diverse amenities allow both children and adults to enjoy themselves together all year round. Particularly notable is the "Outdoor Sports Field" at Shimizu Park, which is the largest in Japan and features over 100 types of playground equipment. All the equipment is handcrafted by staff, with careful attention to detail, such as rounding off sharp corners to prevent injuries. Among the most popular attractions are the "Ant Race," where children run back and forth on a sloped wooden board, the "Water Drift," where they walk across logs to cross a river, and the "Water Zip Line." Additionally, the "Barbecue Area" allows visitors to bring their own chairs, tables, and barbecue grills, enabling them to enjoy an open-air experience amidst the trees. Even for those making a round trip in one day, it offers a sense of camping fun.

There are five parking lots available, making it very convenient to choose based on the facilities you want to use. Although the park has free admission, there are fees for using various facilities, so please check the official website for details in advance. The popular "Outdoor Sports Field" offers "Challenge," "Adventure," and "Water" programs, each lasting about one hour. It is recommended to wear sports shoes or comfortable clothing for activities. The day after it rains may be slippery, and some facilities may be temporarily unavailable, so please confirm on the official website in advance.