Chiba Prefecture Charms - Open Gardens

Izumi, Kashiwa City roses

How's your Golden Week plan shaping up? I have no big plans. So I'm taking it easy and enjoying spring close to home in the coming weeks.

In some cities in Chiba Prefecture, home and business owners generously open their luxurious gardens to the public. I've got my eye on Kashiwa, Nagareyama, and Noda cities, where you can stroll and take in the hard work of green thumbs.

Kashiwa City goes all out, holding a festival called Kashiniwa. Between May 8th and 12th, 65 locations, a word quiz rally, and workshops.

For 19 years, gardeners in Nagareyama City have held an open garden event. The event runs from May 16th to 18th, featuring 15 gardens scattered around the city. I recommend the Edogawadai Station area for its abundant roses. 

Noda City's "garden friends", 10 gardeners, will open their gates on May 9th and 10th (and some again on June 7th).

When you visit, you can take photos. The organizers remind visitors not to touch plants and use public facilities. Make a mental note of where the public park toilets are located.

Does your community have garden events like this? When?