About
The famous "Sheep's Great March" at Mother Farm, where approximately 150-200 sheep run across the grounds in a spectacular procession. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.
Mother Farm represents one of Japan's most significant agricultural tourism destinations, embodying the cultural evolution of Japanese agritourism since its establishment in 1962. 🔗 The farm's origin story reflects deep Japanese values - founder Hisakichi Maeda (founder of Sankei Shimbun newspaper and Tokyo Tower) named it to honor his mother, who grew up in poverty in prewar rural Osaka and often said "if only we had one more cow, we could prosper." 🔗 This personal history transformed into a 250-hectare vision to bring nature and agriculture to urban Japanese families.
Located on Mt. Kanozan within Minami Boso Quasi-National Park, the farm offers panoramic views of the Boso Peninsula mountains, Tokyo Bay, and Mt. Fuji. 🔗 As one of Japan's leading facilities for agricultural education and entertainment, Mother Farm bridges the urban-rural divide, offering city dwellers - especially children - direct contact with farming heritage that forms the foundation of Japanese culture. 🔗
Cultural & Historical Significance
The farm exemplifies Japanese agritourism's cultural significance, where agricultural practices are deeply intertwined with cultural and spiritual life. 🔗 Through hands-on experiences like rice planting, tea cultivation, and animal husbandry, visitors gain authentic insights into agricultural lifestyles that foster deeper appreciation for Japanese food culture and traditions. 🔗
This agricultural experience connects visitors with Japanese farming heritage that represents Japan's cultural foundation. Agritourism in Japan serves educational purposes, fostering deeper appreciation for food culture and traditional practices that remain integral to Japanese identity. 🔗 Mother Farm's founding story - honoring a mother's dream of farm prosperity - embodies quintessential Japanese values of filial piety and perseverance.
Visiting Information
Hours (November 2025)
- Weekdays: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Weekends/Holidays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed Days: December 15-19, 2025 (farm open throughout November) 🔗
Admission
- Adults (junior high school and older): ¥1,500
- Children (4 years to elementary school): ¥800
- Companion dogs: ¥700
- Children under 4: Free
- Combination ticket with Kamogawa Seaworld: ¥4,100
- Additional fees required for special experiences and activities 🔗
Getting There
From Tokyo/Shibuya (House YOYOGI Park):
By Car (Recommended for Flexibility):
- Via Higashi-Kanto Expressway, exit at Kimitsu Interchange
- Journey time: Approximately 90 minutes from central Tokyo
- Allows freedom to explore at your own pace and carry purchases 🔗
By Train + Bus (Most Common Public Transit):
Option 1 - Via Kimitsu Station:
- Shibuya → Chiba Station: JR Sobu Line rapid service (35-40 minutes)
- Chiba → Kimitsu Station: JR Uchibo Line (approximately 50 minutes, ¥970)
- Kimitsu Station → Mother Farm: Direct bus (30-40 minutes, ¥720 one way)
- Bus frequency: Every 2 hours on weekdays, hourly on weekends 🔗
- Total journey time: Approximately 2-2.5 hours one way
Option 2 - Via Sanukimachi Station:
- Shibuya → Chiba Station: JR Sobu Line rapid service
- Chiba → Sanukimachi Station: JR Uchibo Line (60-70 minutes, ¥970)
- Sanukimachi → Mother Farm: Nitto bus to Kano-san (20-25 minutes, ¥490 adult/¥240 child)
- Bus frequency: Every 2 hours weekdays, hourly weekends 🔗
By Ferry + Bus (Scenic Alternative):
- Ferries from Port Kurihama to Port Hamakanaya in Chiba
- Direct bus from port to farm
- Total transit time: Approximately 90 minutes 🔗
Critical Transportation Note: The farm bus runs on very limited schedules both ways - missing the last bus could mean waiting over an hour. Check return bus schedules immediately upon arrival and plan your departure accordingly. 🔗
Best Time to Visit
- Autumn Festival period (through November 25) offers special events and activities
- November features autumn foliage of kochia (early-mid October peak) and cosmos/salvia flowers 🔗
- Weekdays offer smaller crowds but reduced bus frequency
- Morning arrival recommended to catch all shows and avoid afternoon crowds
Typical Duration
- Full day recommended (5-7 hours)
- Factor in 2-way travel time (4-5 hours total) for day trip planning
- Farm is massive (250 hectares) with attractions spread widely - expect extensive walking 🔗
Current Status
- Fully operational for November 2025
- FARM-BUNGY available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from June 1, 2025 🔗
- Autumn Festival ongoing through November 25, 2025
The Experience
Signature Animal Shows
The Great Sheep March (Sheep's Great Parade)
The farm's most iconic event, started in 1972, features approximately 150-200 sheep running across the meadowlands in a spectacular procession. 🔗 At the sound of a whistle, the herd emerges from the thicket with two sheepherding dogs working together, creating a scene where visitors find themselves surrounded by fluffy sheep. 🔗 Note: Not available July-August, canceled in rain. 🔗
Sheep Show (Agrodome)
Started in 1996, this indoor show introduces 19 different sheep species from around the world, with specimens appearing one by one and lining up on tiered steps. 🔗 A real sheepherder provides demonstrations including sheep shearing, offering educational insights into wool production and breed characteristics. 🔗
Other Daily Shows:
- Duck Parade: Charming procession of ducks marching in formation
- Piglet Race: Popular event where children aged 3 to elementary school (selected by lottery) race alongside mini pigs to the goal 🔗
- Daily show schedules vary - check timetable upon arrival or on official website 🔗
Animal Interactions
Petting Zoo & Animal Contact:
- Direct interaction with sheep and rabbit-like Patagonian mara
- Hand-feeding experiences with various animals
- Daily hand-milking experience with dairy cows 🔗
- Animals include: sheep, cows, horses, goats, pigs, alpacas, capybaras, rabbits, and guinea pigs 🔗
Mother Farm Tour DX (Highly Recommended):
- Cost: Adults ¥2,000, Children ¥1,000
- Tractor train ride through meadowlands
- Only way to feed adorable alpacas and watch sheep-herding up close
- Tours conducted 1-2 times hourly (check schedule upon arrival) 🔗
Seasonal Flowers (November)
During autumn, the farm transitions from its famous nanohana (rapeseed) spring displays to autumn blooms:
- Cosmos and Salvia: Grown in seasonal rotation 🔗
- Kochia Autumn Foliage: Early-mid October peak, may still have color in early November 🔗
- The farm features the Kanto Region's largest nanohana collection (3.5 million flowers) in spring, but November showcases autumn varieties 🔗
Hands-On Activities
Farm Experiences:
- Horseback riding (additional fee)
- Cow milking demonstrations
- Butter, cheese, and jam making workshops
- Sweet potato digging (available until late October) 🔗
- Seasonal fruit picking (separate fees)
Amusement Attractions:
- Small hilltop amusement park with roller coasters, fun house, go-karts
- Cycle monorail offering elevated views across the farm
- Ferris wheel and maze 🔗
- FARM-BUNGY (weekends/holidays only from June 2025)
Transportation Within Farm:
- Two themed sightseeing buses: Wanwan Bus (Dog) and Tonton Bus (Pig)
- Not free, but saves significant walking across 250 hectares
- Recommended for families with young children 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
November 2025 Seasonal Considerations
Autumn Festival (Through November 25):
- Special animal interaction events themed around 2026 zodiac sign "Horse"
- Autumn-exclusive activities and programming
- Enhanced seasonal programming beyond regular daily shows 🔗
Weather & Climate:
- Mountain location means colder temperatures than Tokyo, even without snow
- Constant strong winds due to hilltop position
- Dress in warm layers - wind chill can be significant 🔗
- Mostly outdoor activities - prepare for changeable weather
Photography Conditions:
- Panoramic views of Boso Peninsula, Tokyo Bay, and Mt. Fuji
- Perfect vantage point for landscape photography
- Farm hosts annual "Mother Farm Photo Contest" 🔗
- Photogenic scenery changes with viewing point and time of day
- Autumn light excellent for photography
Recommended Timing:
- Arrive at opening (9:00-9:30 AM) to maximize time and catch all shows
- Plan departure around last bus schedule (critical!)
- Allocate full day including 4-5 hours round-trip travel from Tokyo
Essential Preparations
What to Bring:
- Warm clothing and windbreaker - mountain top gets very cold with strong winds in November
- Comfortable walking shoes - farm is huge with significant walking; for children, shoes that can be washed and dried easily after animal interactions 🔗
- Stroller for young children - distances are considerable
- Sunblock and rain gear - mostly outdoor activities with weather exposure
- Camera for spectacular views and animal encounters
Money-Saving Tips:
- Consider combination ticket with Kamogawa Seaworld if planning to visit both (¥4,100 vs ¥1,500 + separate admission)
- Bring snacks/drinks or budget for on-site food facilities
- Factor in additional costs for special experiences beyond basic admission
Best Photo Spots
- Observation point (展望台) for panoramic Boso Peninsula, Tokyo Bay, and Mt. Fuji views
- Large flower slope (花の大斜面) for landscape compositions
- Agrodome during sheep show for animal photography
- Meadowlands during Great Sheep March for action shots
Crowd Avoidance Strategies
- Weekday visits have smaller crowds but less frequent bus service
- Morning arrival essential - shows run throughout day but get busier
- Consider internal farm bus to quickly move between attractions and avoid walking crowds
Local Etiquette & Rules
Prohibited Items:
- Fireworks, barbecue utensils, drones
- Pets not allowed (except assistance dogs)
- Assistance dogs cannot participate in tours for security reasons 🔗
Animal Interaction Etiquette:
- Follow staff instructions during feeding and petting
- Wash hands at water taps with soap (available at every attraction stop)
- Respect animal welfare - gentle interactions only
- Farm is "generally clean and doesn't stink" due to good hygiene maintenance 🔗
Nearby Attractions
Boso Peninsula Region:
- Kamogawa Seaworld (combination ticket available)
- Cape Futtsu coastal landscapes
- Minami Boso Quasi-National Park hiking and nature areas
- Traditional Boso Peninsula mountain villages
Regional Integration: Mother Farm serves as anchor attraction for Boso Peninsula tourism, easily combined with coastal and mountain exploration in Chiba Prefecture. 🔗
Integration with Tokyo Day Trip
Day Trip Context:
- Excellent contrast to Tokyo's urban density
- Educational family experience showcasing Japanese agricultural heritage
- Natural setting with Mt. Fuji views unavailable in metropolitan Tokyo
- Accessible as full-day excursion from Shibuya/Tokyo accommodation
- Represents rural Japanese experience without overnight travel commitment
Thematic Connection: Complements any Tokyo itinerary seeking nature, family activities, or cultural depth beyond temples and urban attractions. Provides insight into Japanese agricultural tourism movement and traditional farming values modernized for contemporary audiences.
Important Notes
Critical Transportation Warning
The farm bus schedule is very limited. Missing the last bus means waiting over an hour or more. Upon arrival, immediately check return bus times and plan your departure around the last available bus. 🔗 This is the single most important practical consideration for public transit visitors.
Weather Preparation
November mountain weather can be significantly colder than Tokyo with constant strong winds. Multiple visitors emphasize the need for warm clothing and wind protection, even on days without precipitation. 🔗
Time Allocation
The 250-hectare farm requires extensive walking with attractions spread widely. A full day is necessary to experience main shows and activities without rushing. Factor in 4-5 hours total travel time for day trips from Tokyo. 🔗
Show Schedules
Show times vary and aren't fixed - check the regularly updated timetable on the official website before visiting or inquire upon arrival to plan your route through the farm efficiently. 🔗
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/chiba/mother-farm.md