20 Recommended Tourist Spots in Kashiwa◎ What Makes This Cutting-Edge City More Convenient Than the Metropolis?

Located in northwestern Chiba Prefecture, Kashiwa City is often referred to as "The Shibuya of Chiba" and is known as a hub for young people. The area around Kashiwa Station is filled with department stores and shopping streets, allowing visitors to enjoy trendy shopping and gourmet experiences without the need to travel all the way to central Tokyo. This makes Kashiwa a hidden gem for tourism in Chiba Prefecture.

At the same time, Kashiwa also boasts abundant parks and natural spaces, making it a family-friendly city. In fact, in 2012, it was ranked as the number one most desirable city to live in within Chiba Prefecture.

In this article, we will introduce the best attractions and highlights of Kashiwa City, showcasing the unique charm of this vibrant urban destination.

1. Akebono Yama Agricultural Park

At Akebono Yama Agricultural Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences while being surrounded by seasonal flowers. It is a famous tourist spot in Kashiwa, known for its iconic windmill, which has become a symbol of the city. The park is well-equipped with facilities, including an indoor play area for children, a large grassy field, and a summer-only pool. There’s also a hassle-free BBQ area, where visitors can enjoy grilling without bringing their own equipment.

Inside the Processing and Training Hall, unique workshops are available! Activities such as miso-making and shiitake mushroom cultivation are highly recommended for those interested in food education. Additionally, Akebono Yama Park, which is adjacent to the agricultural park, is home to Kashoen-tei, the only authentic tea house in Chiba Prefecture. The tea house and the Japanese garden next to it are especially famous for their beautiful autumn foliage.

For those wanting to fully enjoy Kashiwa’s natural beauty, Akebono Yama Agricultural Park is a must-visit tourist destination. Why not start your Kashiwa sightseeing here?

2. Teganuma Fishing Center

Spanning across Kashiwa City and Abiko City, Lake Teganuma is home to the Teganuma Fishing Center, a popular fishing spot on the Kashiwa side. Rod rentals and bait sales are available, making it an ideal destination for beginners. On weekends, the center is bustling with visitors from both inside and outside of Kashiwa City.

At Teganuma, you can fish for freshwater species such as rainbow trout and carp. All fish caught must be purchased, but there's an on-site BBQ area, where you can grill and eat your catch immediately! For those uncomfortable with cleaning fish, a paid service for gutting the fish is also available.

Nearby, there is a dog run area, separated into sections for large and small dogs. This makes the Teganuma Fishing Center a great spot for sightseeing in Kashiwa with pets. In 2017, new facilities were added, further enhancing its appeal as a fun and exciting tourist attraction.

3. Kashiwa Shrine

A five-minute walk from JR Kashiwa Station, Kashiwa Shrine enshrines the deities of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto and Haguroyama Shrine in Yamagata. Established in 1688, it is said that during an epidemic in the Edo period, the shrine was dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, making it a beloved guardian against misfortune.

The shrine attracts many visitors during New Year's celebrations, Setsubun (Bean-Throwing Festival), and Shichi-Go-San (a traditional rite of passage for children). Setsubun is particularly lively, with a grand event hosted by local shopping streets and community associations, featuring celebrity guests throwing lucky beans.

Additionally, the "Handmade Teno Market" is held every month at the shrine. This event showcases locally sourced fresh vegetables, fruits, processed foods, handmade accessories, and wooden crafts, making it a delightful stop for tourists.

Loved by the people of Kashiwa, Kashiwa Shrine remains a significant spiritual site. Since it’s so close to the station, it’s a great sightseeing spot to visit in between shopping trips.

4. Kashiwanoha Park

Kashiwa City is known for its numerous large parks and abundant nature. Among them, Kashiwanoha Park stands out as the largest, boasting a land area equivalent to approximately ten Tokyo Domes! With its wide range of facilities and well-maintained grounds, this park is a favorite spot for families, couples, and even visitors with dogs, catering to a wide age group.

The park features Kashiwanoha Stadium, the home stadium of J-League’s Kashiwa Reysol, along with a baseball field, tennis courts, an athletic area, a barbecue space, a Japanese garden, and an outdoor stage—offering something for everyone.

For parents with babies, nursing rooms and diaper-changing stations are available within the park, ensuring a stress-free visit for families.

Visitors can relax under the sun, enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets while admiring the Japanese garden, or spend a fun-filled day with family. If you're looking for a refreshing holiday outing, Kashiwanoha Park is the perfect choice!

5. Seven Park Ario Kashiwa

Opened in April 2016, Seven Park Ario Kashiwa is one of the hottest tourist spots in Kashiwa City. As a highly competitive shopping mall area, this location continues to attract visitors with its expansive grounds and variety of attractions. The mall houses approximately 200 stores, including a state-of-the-art movie theater, a park for children, and popular restaurants.

On sunny days, visitors can play at the outdoor Smile Park and enjoy a barbecue. Since all necessary equipment, tools, and ingredients are available on-site, it is a convenient and hassle-free experience. Additionally, guests can bring in food purchased from stores inside Ario.

On rainy days, the Round One Stadium inside the mall is a great alternative. It also features Kids Spocha, an indoor play area designed for younger children, making it an ideal spot for multigenerational family fun.

6. Michi-no-Eki Shonan

Michi-no-Eki Shonan is a roadside station packed with the charm of Kashiwa. Located at the foot of the Tega Bridge over Lake Teganuma (on the Kashiwa side), this popular facility features a direct sales market, offering fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers from local farms.

A must-visit spot here is Viachio, a restaurant where visitors can enjoy Kashiwa’s specialty dishes while taking in the scenic view of Lake Teganuma.

One of the most famous menu items among tourists is the soft-serve ice cream made with leeks, spinach, and turnips—all representative agricultural products of Kashiwa. It’s a unique flavor that’s hard to imagine until you try it! The availability of these flavors depends on the vegetable harvest season, so be sure to check the website beforehand.

7. Tega no Oka Park

The giant dinosaur slide is the landmark of Tega no Oka Park, a natural park known for its family-friendly attractions. The most popular feature in summer is the splash pool, perfect for cooling off while enjoying nature.

With its vast natural forest, this park offers an open and refreshing environment, making visitors feel as if they’ve traveled deep into the countryside. Whether you’re playing on the athletic equipment or splashing in the water, the park provides a perfect nature escape.

The forested areas also make it an excellent spot for forest bathing and relaxation. It's a great place for multi-generational family trips. The Donguri House, the park’s main information center, features a library, exhibition room, and meeting space, making it a safe and convenient place for visitors with young children.

8. Koryuzan Tokai-ji Temple

Koryuzan Tokai-ji Temple is one of the three great Benzaiten temples in the Kanto region. Locally known as "Fuse no Benten-sama," it is a popular spiritual power spot that attracts many visitors.

The temple’s main deity is the Great Benzaiten, believed to have been crafted by Kobo Daishi (Kukai). The temple grounds feature important cultural properties, including historical buildings designated as Tangible Cultural Properties of Chiba Prefecture and Myoken Daibosatsu, known as the embodiment of the North Star.

A unique tradition here is receiving a boiled egg instead of a traditional talisman. Originally, these eggs were offerings from worshippers, but the temple later began blessing and distributing them as a sign of good fortune. These special boiled eggs are only available on the 1st, 15th, and the day of the snake each month, and are limited to 108 pieces, so be sure to check your travel dates carefully if you wish to receive one!

9. Energy Climbing Gym

Indoor bouldering has become a popular activity in recent years, and Energy Climbing Gym offers an exciting space where even beginners can easily challenge themselves. The gym provides bouldering lessons, making it accessible for first-time visitors. Climbing gear is also available for rent, so you can drop in and participate anytime, even while sightseeing.

Lessons are open to children aged 10 and above, as long as they are accompanied by a guardian. However, experienced climbers as young as 7 can also join. This sport enhances balance, flexibility, core strength, and concentration, making it a great activity not just for tourists but also for those looking for a new hobby.

10. Minori no Yu Natural Hot Spring

For ultimate relaxation, nothing beats a hot spring! Minori no Yu Natural Hot Spring is more than just a hot spring facility—it also offers stone sauna rooms, traditional saunas, germanium baths, and esthetic treatments, making it a haven for wellness and beauty.

One of the most unique features here is the "Snow Spa," where artificial snow is used to gradually cool muscles and blood vessels, stimulating skin cell activation. This rare therapy is still relatively new in Japan, with only a few Snow Spa machines available nationwide, making it a must-try experience.

The facility also features Kashiwa-tei, a dining area that hosts live events and performances almost daily. The theatrical performances by drama troupes are particularly popular, attracting visitors who come specifically for the shows.

For group outings or private parties, reservations for viewing seats can be made in advance. Whether you're visiting with friends, family, or colleagues, Minori no Yu is a fantastic place to relax, enjoy entertainment, and rejuvenate.

11. Hirohata Hachiman Shrine

Quietly nestled in the suburbs of Kashiwa City, Hirohata Hachiman Shrine is a sacred site surrounded by towering trees along a long approach leading to its majestic main hall. The shrine enshrines five deities, each offering different blessings, attracting numerous visitors daily who come to seek their divine favor.

Among them, Okina Tarashihime no Mikoto, the sacred mother goddess, is believed to grant blessings for fertility, safe childbirth, and child-rearing. As a result, many families visit the shrine for prayers related to childbirth, baby blessings, and the Shichi-Go-San festival.
Having watched over the women and children of Kashiwa for generations, Hirohata Hachiman Shrine is also a popular destination for Hatsumode (New Year's prayers).

12. Lalaport Kashiwanoha

Located directly connected to Kashiwanoha Campus Station, Lalaport Kashiwanoha is a large shopping mall with excellent accessibility by car, making it a bustling tourist destination for visitors from inside and outside Kashiwa.

The North Wing, opened in 2014, is especially popular among families with children. It features large baby product stores, a kids' café with play areas, a movie theater, and an electronics store, ensuring entertainment for both kids and adults.

While weekend shopping is fun, why not try participating in one of the cultural center classes held on weekdays? The mall hosts a variety of lessons, from art classes for children to professional jazz singing courses, catering to all age groups. You might discover a new hobby or talent during your visit!

13. Former Yoshida Residence Historical Park

For those interested in the history of Kashiwa, a visit to Former Yoshida Residence Historical Park is highly recommended. This traditional thatched-roof mansion was originally built by the wealthy Yoshida family during the Edo period.

The vast grounds house beautifully preserved buildings, including the main house, study hall, storage buildings, and a traditional garden, all of which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

While the exhibits and buildings offer a glimpse into the past, the garden is a must-see, especially during cherry blossom season, where its harmony with the historical structures creates a breathtaking view.

At the on-site café, visitors can try shaved ice topped with soy sauce syrup, a unique specialty inspired by the Yoshida family's past involvement in soy sauce production. Why not take a break from regular sightseeing and enjoy a historical exploration of Kashiwa?

14. Kashiwa Shonan Yume Farm

Kashiwa City offers a variety of outdoor facilities, and Kashiwa Shonan Yume Farm is one that should not be missed. This facility features thrilling athletic attractions, including the "Sky Adventure" obstacle course, one of the most exciting in the area.

To participate, children must be at least elementary school-aged and 110 cm tall (younger children must be accompanied by an adult). Safety harnesses are provided to ensure a secure experience.

The final challenge of the course is the "Sky Slider," a thrilling ride that even adults may find nerve-wracking as they glide across a valley! The exhilarating attractions will make everyone feel like a kid again.

In addition to the adventure course, the facility includes a dedicated skateboarding area and a BBQ area, making it an ideal place for a day of outdoor fun.

15. Refresh Plaza Kashiwa

Established in 2006, Refresh Plaza Kashiwa is a community wellness center where visitors can enjoy a heated pool, spa, and training gym at affordable prices all year round.

The facility offers a variety of fitness classes, including aqua aerobics, yoga, and more, all of which are professional-level programs designed for both beginners and advanced participants.

For those concerned about declining physical fitness, personal training programs are available. After a thorough consultation, trainers create personalized exercise routines based on an individual's health condition and fitness level, ensuring an effective and enjoyable training experience.

After a workout, guests can relax in the sauna or spa, leaving them refreshed and revitalized.

16. Minamimasuo Kotori no Mori Green Space

Birdwatching in the middle of a residential area? That’s exactly what makes Kashiwa’s rich natural environment such a unique attraction. Minamimasuo Kotori no Mori Green Space is a 7,500-square-meter woodland nestled within a residential neighborhood, where visitors can observe local birds such as the Azure-winged magpie (Onaga), Japanese white-eye (Mejiro), and Bull-headed shrike (Mozu).

The well-maintained walking paths and observation fences make it safe and enjoyable for visitors of all ages, including those with young children. However, one downside is its inconvenient access via public transportation. If you’re taking the train, the best option is to use the Tobu Bus from Minami-Kashiwa Station.

17. Kashiwa Information Center

For everything you need to know about Kashiwa, visit the Kashiwa Information Center! From local life and sightseeing tips to general inquiries, the friendly Kashiwa staff are happy to assist visitors with any concerns. If you're new to Kashiwa tourism, this is the first place you should stop by.

The center provides maps of recommended lunch spots, event calendars for city-wide activities, and even rental umbrellas printed with Kashiwa’s local mascot, Kashiwani, perfect for rainy days. The services are comprehensive and convenient, ensuring visitors have an enjoyable experience.

18. Kashiwa Planetarium

One of Kashiwa’s hidden gems, the Kashiwa Planetarium, is a fantastic sightseeing spot that even many locals don’t know about. It is the smallest planetarium in the Kanto region, located on the second floor of the Kashiwa City Library. Its cozy and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal first planetarium experience for young children.

The projection programs, created by volunteer staff, are carefully crafted to be warm and engaging for both children and adults. Additionally, the planetarium regularly hosts unique events, including art exhibitions related to space and music performances featuring celestial themes. Since the projection content changes monthly, visitors can enjoy a different experience every time they visit.

19. Teganuma Fireworks Festival

One of Kashiwa’s biggest summer events, the Teganuma Fireworks Festival, is a joint event between Kashiwa and Abiko cities, making it one of the largest fireworks festivals in Chiba Prefecture. The breathtaking underwater fireworks illuminating Lake Teganuma, along with fun character-themed fireworks for children, create an unforgettable spectacle.

Because the event spans two cities, visitors can enjoy the fireworks from different locations, each offering a unique perspective.

For those who love the classic festival atmosphere, head to the Teganuma Park Venue in Abiko City, which features food stalls and carnival games. However, be prepared for heavy crowds, especially if you're bringing children.

If you prefer a more relaxed viewing experience, consider watching from the rooftop parking areas of nearby shopping malls. These spots offer easy access to restrooms, food, and comfortable seating, making them a great choice for families.

20. Candle Studio Hanaori Workshop

The Candle Studio Hanaori Workshop is a candle-making school based in Kashiwa that offers a variety of courses, from beginner-friendly workshops to instructor certification programs and even traveling classes. Anyone above elementary school age can participate, making it a great experience for families visiting Kashiwa.

Among the most popular creations are the adorable, sweets-themed candles, which are especially beloved by children. Additionally, the workshop offers aromatherapy candles for relaxation and seasonal, event-themed candles, allowing visitors to create one-of-a-kind designs that suit their personal style.

Wouldn't it be fun to craft your own unique candle as a special souvenir from Kashiwa?

◎ Summary

Many people may already be familiar with Kashiwa’s bustling downtown area, its nature-rich parks, and its shopping malls. It goes without saying that Kashiwa is a convenient and livable city.

On the other hand, Kashiwa is also home to historical temples and cultural sites that are not widely known. For some, discovering these hidden gems may change their perception of the city.

Perhaps this is a great opportunity to take a closer look at Kashiwa’s rich history and uncover a new side of the city.

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20 Recommended Tourist Spots in Kashiwa◎ What Makes This Cutting-Edge City More Convenient Than the Metropolis?