Hagoromo Park 千葉県立羽衣公園

Pine tree with a story

Between Kencho-Mae Station on Chiba's monorail line and the Kencho (prefectural government building is this square with trees, pavers, and a water feature. It doesn't look remarkable, but it has a story. The pine tree is celebrated as the place where a heavenly maiden landed, set down her feathers, and enjoyed the lotus pond that was once there. The local lord fell for her. The emperor on hearing the story declared that the local lord and the region adopt the name Chiba, which means a thousand leaves, alluding to the lotus, the story, and the poetry anthology Manyoshu. You can read the story on the signboard next to the pine tree. The park is a stop on your way to Chiba Castle.