Station Senmaita Pocket Park

Discover the Heart of Chiba’s Rural Charm

Senmaita Pocket Park is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the serene countryside of Minamiboso, Chiba Prefecture, where rolling fields meet quiet forest trails. Tucked between lush rice paddies and seasonal wildflowers, it offers travelers a peaceful retreat rich in local flavor and natural beauty. More than just a place to refuel, it’s a celebration of regional heritage, where visitors can savor fresh, locally grown produce and artisanal goods crafted with care.

The station is especially known for its seasonal harvest festivals, hands-on farming experiences, and a charming market featuring organic vegetables, handmade noodles, and locally roasted coffee. With panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a thoughtfully designed space for relaxation, Senmaita Pocket Park invites travelers to slow down, connect with nature, and taste the authentic spirit of rural Japan.

Senmaita Pocket Park stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering handcrafted sake brewed from locally grown heirloom rice in a traditional stone jar. Visitors can also sample freshly made barley soba noodles at the on-site kitchen, made daily from organic grains milled just steps away. The park’s seasonal cherry blossom viewing area, planted with rare local varieties, provides a unique photo opportunity not found elsewhere.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the counter of the in-house bakery, where freshly baked milk bread is served only during the morning hours and often sells out by 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: Check the back corner of the deli counter near the refrigerated display for the limited-edition seasonal pickled vegetables, which are only available during the summer harvest months and restocked every Thursday
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays, visit the outdoor seating area between 1:00–3:00 PM to catch the live folk music performances by local musicians who perform exclusively at Senmaita Pocket Park during the weekend lunch hours
• Must-Try Product: Purchase the "Senmaita Harvest Soup" from the food truck near the parking lot—it is made daily using ingredients sourced from the on-site community garden and is only available from 12:00–2:00 PM
• Parking Strategy: Use the far-left parking space closest to the entrance gate to avoid the congestion near the main food hall, which fills up quickly during lunchtime and is reserved for delivery vehicles
• Restroom Access: The accessible restroom is located just past the information desk on the right-hand side as you enter; it is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and features a changing table and automatic door sensors
• Local Market Timing: Head to the regional produce stand at 3:00 PM on Fridays to meet the farmers who deliver their fresh mountain-grown greens directly from the nearby valley, as this is the only time they are available for purchase during the week

Spring (March–May): Late March to April brings peak canola flower blooms, ideal for photography and picking. Fresh bamboo shoots are available at the roadside station market in early spring.

Summer (June–August): Mid-July features the local summer festival with traditional performances and grilled seafood. Watermelon and fresh herbs are in season at the roadside station.

Autumn (September–November): October is harvest time for sweet potatoes and chestnuts, sold at roadside station stalls. Clear autumn skies enhance views of the surrounding mountains.

Winter (December–February): December brings a winter light festival with illuminated displays. Hot roasted sweet potatoes and local sake are available during the cold months.