Mother Farm, Chiba | Japan is Nippon

A 250-hectare farm park on a Boso Peninsula hilltop overlooking Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji: stampeding sheep, seasonal flower fields and animals to meet.

Several sheep breeds standing on a tiered stage during a sheep show at Mother Farm — Photo: Syced, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

A black-and-white dairy cow in a milking stand at Mother Farm — Photo: Syced, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

A farm born from a mother's wish

Mother Farm is a farm park on Mount Kano (Kanozan) in Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture. It was founded in February 1962 by the businessman Maeda Hisakichi.

The "Mother" in the name comes from Maeda's own mother. When he was a child she often said, "If only we had one cow, life would be so much easier", and this was one of the reasons he created the farm. It was also meant to develop agriculture, improve livestock farming techniques and raise farmers' incomes.

The Great Sheep Stampede and other animals

The grounds are huge, 250 hectares, and home to lots of animals: sheep, cows, horses, goats, pigs, alpacas, capybaras, rabbits and more. The signature event is the Great Sheep Stampede (Hitsuji no Daikoshin), in which a flock of about 200 sheep races across the land all at once (it started in 1972 and takes a break in July and August). There is also the Sheep Show, which introduces 19 breeds of sheep gathered from around the world and lets you watch sheep being sheared.

Besides meeting the animals, you can pick fruit and vegetables, try hands-on crafts, go on rides and have a go at adventure-style activities. There is also a glamping site.

Seasonal flower fields and hilltop views

Different flower fields come into bloom through the year, colouring the hills with nanohana (yellow rapeseed flowers) and nemophila in spring, and cosmos in autumn, among others.

The farm sits on top of a mountain with views over Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji. On a clear day you may even spot Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji from the Ferris wheel.

Getting there

Take a direct local bus from the south exit of Kimitsu Station on the JR Uchibo Line (about 35 minutes), or a local bus from Sanukimachi Station (about 25 minutes). In some seasons a direct bus also runs from Kanaya Port, where the Tokyo Bay Ferry arrives (in 2026, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 7 March to 31 October).

Tips

As of September 2026, Typhoon No. 25 has suspended JR Uchibo Line services between Anegasaki and Kisarazu, and the bus route from Sanukimachi Station is also temporarily suspended. Some roads in the area are down to one-way alternating traffic. Always check the latest notices on the official website before you go.
The grounds are very large, so check the times of the shows and activities you want to see first and plan your day around them. The Great Sheep Stampede takes a break in July and August.
When the flowers are at their best and what you can pick change with the season and the weather (fig picking was temporarily paused in September 2026). Check the official website.