Tokyo German Village, Chiba

A flower-and-greenery theme park in Sodegaura, Chiba, modelled on the German countryside, with seasonal flower fields and huge winter illuminations.

Colourful winter light display covering the lawns of Tokyo German Village at night — Photo: Zengame, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pink German-style building with a clock tower at Tokyo German Village — Photo: ToshiJapon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

German countryside on a hill in Chiba

Despite the "Tokyo" in its name, Tokyo German Village is a theme park in the hills of Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture. It opened in 2001 as a "flower and greenery theme park" that recreates the German countryside, built around the idea of getting close to nature.

The grounds are vast, about 19 times the size of Tokyo Dome. The park is split into four areas: the Lake Area, where seasonal flowers bloom; the Country Area, with lawns and play equipment; the Market Area, for food and souvenirs; and the Park Area, with rides and a children's zoo.

Seasonal flowers and winter lights

In spring about 70,000 shibazakura plants (moss phlox, small flowers that spread over the ground like a carpet) turn the park pink, and roses bloom too. Early summer brings lavender and hydrangeas, summer brings sunflowers, and autumn is the time for marigolds and kochia (a grass that grows into round, bushy mounds).

The winter highlight is the illuminations. Every year from early November to early April, the park is lit up at night, and it is known as one of the most famous illuminations in the Kanto region.

A theme park you can drive around

Parking for about 3,000 cars is spread across the different areas, so you can drive right up to the area you want to visit without leaving your car, which is what makes this park unusual. Besides rides such as a Ferris wheel, there are chances to meet animals, pick produce and try crafts, and there is a restaurant serving German food.

By car, it is about 5 minutes from Anesaki-Sodegaura IC or about 10 minutes from Kisarazu-higashi IC. By train, take a bus from JR Sodegaura Station, which takes about 35 minutes. Check opening hours and prices on the official website.

Tips

During the illumination season the park stays open into the evening, so you can enjoy the flower fields by day and the lights from dusk.
Some rides may be closed for inspection or maintenance. If there is one you really want to ride, check the notices on the official website beforehand.
There are spaces where you can have fun with your dog, and events for dog owners are held too.