Chiba Nanohana News (June 2019)

 Index

　I.News       II . Festivals and Events      III. Exhibitions & Concerts

 I.News

 1) Governor Morita Visits Germany and the Netherlands

Governor Kensaku Morita visited Germany and the Netherlands with former Chairperson of the Chiba Prefectural Assembly, Mr. Mitsuru Yoshimoto, from May 23 (Thurs) to May 29 (Wed), 2019.

In Germany, a partnership agreement between Chiba Prefecture and the City of Düsseldorf, the two regions which have engaged in active exchanges for 14 years, was signed on May 25 in Düsseldorf City Hall. Governor Morita and Mr. Thomas Geisel, Mayor of Düsseldorf, expressed their delight at the 14 years of exchanges in the fields of culture and sports which led to the signing of the partnership agreement. Both leaders agreed that it is of utmost importance for both sides to make an effort to continue this relationship to the future generations.

Further, Governor Morita revealed the signing of the partner city agreement at the opening ceremony of “Japan Day”, an event visited by about 600,000 people which showcases Japanese culture, along with highlighting the appeals of Chiba Prefecture. The Chiba Prefecture PR booth hosted a variety of activities, such as a panel which highlights Chiba Prefecture and Düsseldorf’s exchanges, an origami and Japanese calligraphy workshop, and a photoshoot with CHI+BA-KUN, among others.

In the Netherlands on May 27, Chiba Prefecture, the Dutch Olympic Committee and the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation signed an agreement regarding holding the training camp for the Dutch Olympic Swimming team next year in Chiba as well as held a fruitful exchange of opinions regarding the preparations for the training camp.

The Dutch Olympic Swimming Team will hold a training camp in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Chiba Prefecture International General Swimming Center (Narashino City) for 3 weeks from early July 2020. 

Inquiries: Policy and Planning Department International Affairs Division TEL: 043-223-2394 

 2) Study Abroad Students and Foreign Residents Appointed as "CHI-BA+KUN Ambassadors"

Twenty foreign exchange students and residents, from different areas of Chiba Prefecture, representing 11 countries were officially appointed as CHI-BA+KUN Ambassadors on June 3rd. The CHI-BA+KUN Ambassadors promote Chiba Prefecture’s many attractions—tourist spots, delicious cuisine, and the cultural differences they experience in Chiba—in their native languages through blogs and other social media.

The project began in 2011. You can read more about the CHI-BA+KUN Ambassadors on Chiba Prefecture’s website.  

＊The official program name for the “CHI-BA+KUN Ambassadors” is the “Ambassadors to Spread Chiba Prefecture’s Charm to the World Together with CHI-BA+KUN”

Ambassadors’ home country/area (number of people)
Vietnam (4), Indonesia (3), Taiwan (3), China (2), USA (2), Bangladesh (1),
Philippines (1), Thailand (1), Korea (1), France (1), Russia (1)

• Inquiries: Chiba Prefecture, International Affairs Division TEL: 043-223-2436
• E-mail: kokusai@mz.pref.chiba.lg.jp

 3) Chiba Prefectural Citizen's Day 

In 1984, “Kenmin no Hi” (Chiba Prefectural Citizens’ Day) was established as a day for residents of Chiba Prefecture to learn about Chiba, love Chiba, and help make Chiba Prefecture into a place for the next generation to be proud of.
June 15 commemorates June 15, 1873, when the Kisarazu and Imba Prefectures merged to form the present-day Chiba Prefecture. 
In celebration of Prefectural Citizens’ Day, there will be a variety of events held on and around June 15 all around the Prefecture. The main event is the Chiba Wakuwaku Festa in Makuhari Messe on Sunday, June 16. Additionally, many facilities and tourist attractions around the Prefecture will be offering discounts for residents of Chiba Prefecture.
Please take advantage of this day to enjoy Chiba’s history, culture, nature, and industries.

Chiba Wakuwaku Festa 2019

• Date: Sunday, June 16,9:30-17:00
• Location: Makuhari Messe Exhibition Hall 3/2-1Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba City
• Entrance: FREE
• Main Program
  - Makuhari Sogo Prefectural High School Dance/Chorus Club Stage
  - Sodegaura Prefectural High School Calligraphy Club Calligraphy Performance
  - Chiba Cultural Asset “Mobara Tanabata Festival” PR (Mobara Awa Dance Performance/Large Tanabata Display)
  - Chiba Prefecture Mascot Character “CHI+BA-KUN”’s theme song Dance Contest
  - Chiba Prefectural Citizens’ Music Festival PR Concert
     Performers: Chiba Phillharmonic Orchestra, Kimitsu Boys and Girls Chorus, Makuhari Sogo Prefectural High School Chorus Club
  - Olympic/Paralympic Sports Experience (Fencing, Surfing, Tae Kwon Do, Wrestling, Goalball, Wheelchair Fencing, Boccia)
  - Chiba Prefecture Related Gourmet & Overseas Gourmet
  - Municipality Booths & Local Mascot Character Greeting
• Access: 5minutes on foot from Kaihin-Makuhari Station (JR Keiyo Line).
• Inquiries: Chiba Prefectural Government, Cultural Promotion and Citizens’ Life Affairs Division TEL: 043-223-4160
• URL: http://www.pref.chiba.lg.jp/kkbunka/press/2019/2019kenminnohi.html

 4) Free Conference on Labor for Foreigners 

The Chiba Bar Association, with the support of the Chiba Labor Dept., will hold a free conference on labor for foreigners on Friday, June 28.

Lawyers will guide and talk with participants to solve the general labor troubles such as below:

• (1) Salary and overtime pay are not properly paid.
• (2) Layoff without any reason.
• (3) Be in an awkward position due to harassment.
• (4) Accidents while at work.

※If you have any documents such as an employment contract or pay-bill, please bring them.

• Date & Time: Friday, June 28 2019 3:00 p.m.~ 5:00 p.m
  To apply, please call: 043-227-8431 *Response in Japanese only
• Location: Chiba Bar Association Chamber 4-13-9, Chuo, Chuo-ku, Chiba City
• Interpreters (expected): English, Chinese, Tagalog, Spanish and Thai
  ※For participants whose language is not listed as the above, please come with
  someone who can speak Japanese.
• Access: From JR Chiba Station, 15 minutes on foot. From Chiba-Chuo Station, 7 minutes on foot.
  From Bus stop, Chuo・4 chome, 3 minutes on foot.(JR Chiba Station, Bus stop 1-5, 7) 

 II.  Festivals and Events 

 1) Seasonal Flowers

In the U.S. there is a saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” Though the timeline is a little different from Chiba’s June rainy season, the sentiment of rain bringing flowers is the same. Though the rainy season is not a popular one, it is a beautiful time of year in which many water-loving plants bloom. Here are some of the best places in Chiba to see flowers like hydrangeas and irises.

Hondoji Temple (Matsudo City)

Hondoji, opened in 1277, is a temple which practices the Nichiren school of Buddhism and is known by its nickname “Hydrangea Temple”.
At the start of summer, the temple grounds become completely enveloped in a beautiful array of hydrangea and irises.

• When to go: Late May - Late June
• Location: 63 Hiraga, Matsudo City
• Admission: Middle school and above 500 yen, elementary school and below free
• Access: 10 minutes on foot from the JR Joban Line Kitakogane Station
• Inquiries: TEL: 047-341-0405 (telephone services limited to June and November)
• URL: http://www.hondoji.net/( External link )

Sogo Mausoleum (Narita City)

On the grounds behind the main Sogo Mausoleum, a wide variety of over 7000 hydrangea flowers are available for visitors to enjoy. A hydrangea festival is being held every Sunday from June 2 to June 23.

• When to go: Mid-June - Early July
• Location: 1-558 Sogo, Narita City
• Access: 20 minutes on foot from the Keisei Sogo Sando Station
• Inquiries: Narita City Tourism Association TEL: 0476-22-2102

Fureai Hydrangea Road (Asahi City)

This colorful walking course will take you past 1,500 hydrangea flowers.

• When to go: Early to late June
• Location: Nittama, Asahi City
• Access: 15minutes on foot from Asahi Station (JR Sobu Line)
• Inquiries: Asahi City Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Division TEL: 0479-62-5338

Hattori Farm Hydrangea House (Mobara City)

The Hattori Farm Hydrangea House will blow you away with over 10,000 flowers of 200 varieties that look beautiful from anywhere on the grounds.

• When to go: June 1- early July (open every day 8:00-18:00during this period)
• Admission: 500yen for adults, 200yen for children
• Location: 719Sangaya, Mobara City
• Access: 20minutes by car from Mobara-Chonan IC (Ken-O Expressway), 10minutes by taxi from Mobara Station (JR Sotobo Line)
• Inquiries: Hattori Farm Hydrangea House TEL: 0475-24-8511

Nihonji Temple (Kyonan Town)

1,300 years ago, upon receiving orders from Emperor Shomu, the monk Gyoki opened this temple, making it the oldest place of imperial worship in Kanto region. Within the temple grounds, along with the housing Japan’s largest rock-carved Buddha, a wide variety of tourist attractions can be found. Over 20,000 hydrangea flowers are blooming on the temple grounds.

• When to go: Late June
• Location: 184 Motona, Kyonan Town
• Time: 8:00 - 17:00
• Admission: Adults 600 yen, Children 400 yen
• Access: 7 minutes on foot from JR Uchibo Line Hamakanaya Station to the ropeway, 5 minutes on foot from the summit after getting off the ropeway
  5 minutes by car from the Tateyama Roadway Kyonan Hota Interchange to the East Exit free parking lot
• Inquiries: Nihonji Temple TEL: 0470-55-1103

Mamenbara Plateau (Otaki Town)

Hydrangeas bloom on Mamenbara-kogen, a 340m plateau, and can be enjoyed from early July. At the top of the plateau lies Myohoji Temple, nicknamed the Hydrangea Temple, where a monk began planting Hydrangeas in 1951. Now, over 20,000 blue Hydrangeas bloom down the hillside.

• When to go: Early July—mid July
• Location: Tsutsumori, Otaki Town
• Access: From Awa-amatsu Station (JR Sotobo Line), take the bus bound for “Kiyosumi-dera” and get off at “Kiyosumi-dera” stop and 60minutes on foot.
• Inquiries: Otaki Town Tourism Association TEL: 0470-80-1146

 2) Iioka Oyster Festival (Asahi City)

The fresh oysters fished off the beaches of Iioka from May to August take 7 years to grow to the size of the palm of your hand. These oysters are very tasty and filled with nutrients, even being dubbed the the “Milk of the Sea”. This festival, where you will be able to experience true high-quality oysters, is being held from June 1 (Sat) to Mid-August at two Iioka Hotel Association establishments.

In the lunch oyster course (3,900 yen, tax incl.), raw/cooked oyster along with tasty side dishes are served (reservation required). Oyster dinner plans are also available for those staying overnight, so please feel free to consult with them.

• Time period: June 1 – Mid August
• Location: 2 Iioka Hotel Association Establishments
• Guest House Gampekiso (6-1 Shimonagai, Asahi City) TEL: 0479-57-4936
• Tsuberi Country House (1217 Kaminagai, Asahi City) TEL: 0479-57-3190
• Access: By car: 50 minutes by car on National Route 126 off the Chiba-Togane Road Yokoshiba Hikari Interchange
  By train: 15 minutes by taxi from the JR Sobu Line Iioka Station
• Inquiries: Iioka Hotel Association TEL: 0479-57-4248

 3) Blueberry Picking

Summer brings with it opportunities to participate in blueberry picking all around the Prefecture. Here are some places where you can take part;

Koganeya Farm (Kamagaya City)

• When to go: Early July – Late August
• Time: 10:00 - 17:00
• Admission: 30 minutes All-you-can-eat Adults: 1,000 yen, Children (ages 6-12) 600 yen Infants (ages 3-5) 500 yen
• Location: 2084-3 Karuizawa, Kamagaya City
• Access: Kamagaya City Community Bus in the direction of Karuizawa departing from the Shinkeisei Line/Tobu Urban Park Line (Tobu Noda Line)/Hokuso Line/Narita Sky Access Line Shinkamagaya Station, getting off at the “Karuizawa Shukaijo” stop
• Inquiries: TEL047-401-0020

Kodera Blueberry Farm (Inzai City)

• When to go: Mid-June - Mid-September (Closed Mondays)
• Time: 10:00 - 17:00
• Admission: Free, 200 yen per 100g of berries picked
• Location: 200 Hiraoka, Inzai City
• Access: Fureai Bus East Route departing from either JR Narita Line Kobayashi Station or Kioroshi Station, getting off at the “Hiraoka Kantei” stop and 5 minutes on foot 
• Inquiries: TEL090-6568-7252

Kato Blueberry Farm (Sammu City)

• When to go: Mid-July - Mid-August
• Admission: 300 yen
• Location: 2325 Haniya, Sammu City
• Access: 10 minutes by taxi from JR Sobu Line Yachimata Station
• Inquiries: TEL0475-89-0524

 4) Futtsu Hakarime Conger Eel Fair (Futtsu City)

 

Hakarime is a nickname of Futtsu City’s famous conger eel, named after a bohakari, or measuring stick used in markets and on the sea, which is said to look strikingly similar to this eel.

This prime season to get your hands on this eel is early summer, and is known for its low calorie/high protein content and fluffy texture. Several varieties of the eel will be served at the fair alongside rare sashimi varieties.

If you order eel dishes during the fair, your meal will come with a side dish or some other addition.

Time period: Saturday, June 1 – Wednesday, July 31 *planned

Location: Participating stores in Futtsu City

Access: Please inquire

URL: http://www.futtu-city.or.jp/index.htm( External link )

Inquiries: Futtu City Chamber of Commerce TEL: 0439-87-7071

 5) Tomisato Watermelon Festival & 36th Watermelon Road Race (Tomisato City)  

Take the opportunity this June to visit Tomisato City and enjoy watermelon at a variety of events!
On Sunday, June 16 is the Watermelon Festival, an event where you can eat watermelon to your heart’s content. Tomisato City is one of the major producers of watermelon in Japan, so the fruit at this festival will be some of the best in the country.

If you can’t get enough watermelon, visit the Tomisato Watermelon Road Race on June 23rd. This event consists of 3km and 10km-events. The highlight of the race is no doubt the “watermelon station,” located along the final leg of the course. Here runners can quench their thirst with watermelon as they make their way to the finish line. Although the registration period for the race has already ended, you can join the fun by helping cheer on runners from the sidelines.

Tomisato Watermelon Festival

• Date: Sunday, June 16,9:00-14:30
• Place: Tomisato City Hall/652-1Nanae, Tomisato City
• Access: Take the Chiba Kotsu Bus from Keisei Narita Station (Keisei Line) bound for “Kuno/Ryogoku”, and get off at “Tomisato Chugakko” or “Tomisato Nokyo・ Tomisato shiyakusho”.
• Inquiries: Tomisato City Agricultural Administration Division TEL: 0476-93-4943

36th Watermelon Road Race

• Date: Sunday, June 23,8:00-13:00
• Place: Tomisato Junior High School 652-226Nanae, Tomisato City
• Access: Take the Chiba Kotsu Bus from Keisei Narita Station (Keisei Line) bound for “Kuno/Ryogoku”, and get off at “Tomisato Chugakko”.
  ※ There will be a special shuttle bus (bus fare required) departing from the east exit of Keisei Narita Station (Keisei Line) on the day of the race.
• URL: https://tomisato-suikaroad.jp/( External link )
• Inquiries: Tomisato Watermelon Road Race Planning Committee TEL: 0476-93-1145

 6) Minamiboso Firefly Fantasia (Minamiboso City)

 

Come and experience the otherworldly glow of a variety of firefly species at special viewing locations within Shirahama Flower Park. This event is sponsored by local onsen baths.

• Date and time: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 23 20:00-21:00
• Location: Shirahama Flower Park/1454-37 Shirahamanemoto, Minamiboso City
• Access: JR Bus in the direction of Awa Shirahama departing from JR Uchibo Line Tateyama Station getting off at the “Flower Park” stop
  30 minutes by car from the Futtsu Tateyama Road Tomiura Interchange
• Admission: Adult (middle-school and above) 500 yen, elementary school and below free (must be accompanied by guardian)
• Inquiries: Minamiboso City Onsen Union (inside the Minamiboso City Tourism Association Chikura Location) TEL: 0470-44-3581  

 III. Exhibitions & Concerts

 1) Chiba Prefectural Otone Museum Special Exhibition "The Tale of your Appliances, from Meiji to Heisei" (Katori City) 

The rapid change in society from the Meiji to the Heisei period will be shown through the changes that various well known appliances and machinery went through during this time.

Related Courses: Both courses free (first 40 arrivals, elementary school and above)
Course 1; “16mm Film Screening” June 1 (Sat) 13:30-15:00
Course 2; “Appliances Close to You” June 15 (Sat) 13:30-15:00

• Date and time: ongoing until Sunday, June 23, 9:00-16:30 (no days off during this time period)
• Admission: General 300 yen, High school/University students 150 yen, Middle school and below/aged 65 and above free
• Location: Chiba Prefectural Otone Museum
• Access: By car: 5 km from the Higashi-Kanto Expressway Itako IC, 10km from the Sawara Katori IC, 15km from the Taiei IC
  By Train: Bus in the direction of Ogishima/Itako Shako departing from JR Narita Line Sawara Station, getting off at the “Suigo Sawara Ayame Park Iriguchi” stop and 600 meters
• Inquiries: Chiba Prefectural Otone Museum TEL: 0478-56-0101

URL: http://www2.chiba-muse.or.jp/OTONE/( External link )

 

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