Mihamaen Garden

Mihamaen Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located within Makuhari Seaside Park in Chiba City. The garden's name derives from a Heian period diary entry and means "to view from the beach." Built as an expression of Japanese culture for both domestic and international visitors, the garden serves as an urban oasis amid the modern Makuhari New City district, surrounded by office buildings, hotels, and convention facilities.

The garden covers 1.6 hectares and was designed in the chisen kaiyu shiki style, characterized by a winding path that circles a central pond. This traditional design represents natural elements including mountains, rivers, seas, and forests. The landscape features a waterfall symbolizing childhood, rolling hills representing life's ups and downs, and carefully placed elements such as a dock, beach, peninsula, island, and bridge. Many design elements were crafted using materials directly from Kyoto, including bamboo fences and stone walls that line the entrance approach, connecting visitors to Japan's former imperial capital.

Visitors can stroll the stone paths that wind through the garden, enjoying seasonal changes from spring blossoms to autumn foliage and winter landscapes. The garden includes viewing spots such as the Arbor and Sandy Beach area, where the juxtaposition of traditional garden aesthetics with modern skyscrapers creates a distinctive visual contrast. Black and white cranes inhabit the grounds, and maple trees provide vibrant red and gold colors during autumn months.

The Shorai-tei teahouse operates within the garden, offering visitors matcha green tea and traditional sweets for an additional ¥400 to ¥500 beyond admission. The teahouse hosts traditional tea ceremonies and outdoor tea parties by prior reservation, providing cultural experiences that appeal to those unfamiliar with tea ceremony traditions. The garden also hosts seasonal events, including the annual Mihamaen Lantern Festival in November, featuring approximately 200 lanterns created by local children, illuminated trees, and evening viewing opportunities.

The garden is accessible by an 8 to 10-minute walk from the south exit of Kaihin-Makuhari Station, served by the JR Keiyo and Musashino Lines. The station area features English signage directing visitors to the garden. Parking is available at surrounding lots for approximately ¥610 for 8 hours. Admission is ¥100 for adults and ¥50 for children, making it one of the most affordable attractions in the region. The garden is open 365 days a year and features wheelchair accessibility, handicap parking, and service dog accommodation.