Overview of the Facility
BIGHOP Garden Mall Inzai consists mainly of two areas: the Value Mall and the Makinohara Fureai Mall. Each area has its own atmosphere and facilities.
Value Mall
The Value Mall is a two-story outlet-style shopping area with a wide selection of stores. As of November 2015, approximately 70 stores were operating in the complex, offering a variety of shopping options.
At the center of the mall stands the “Sorappa” Ferris wheel, which reaches approximately 50 meters in height and has become one of BIGHOP’s most recognizable landmarks. A park-style theater in the central plaza also hosts a variety of events, particularly on weekends.
Makinohara Fureai Mall
The Makinohara Fureai Mall features a design inspired by an Italian village, creating a different atmosphere from the Value Mall.
The area also houses the Makinohara Branch Office of Inzai City Hall, providing convenient administrative services for local residents.
Connection with Nearby Commercial Facilities
BIGHOP Garden Mall Inzai is located along the Hokusō Railway Hokusō Line and National Route 464. Numerous other commercial facilities are located nearby, including Makinohara More, Forest Mall Inzai Makinohara, Joyful Honda, and US Cinema Chiba New Town.
Together, these facilities form a large shopping and entertainment area in the Hokusō region, making the area convenient for spending an entire day shopping, dining, and enjoying leisure activities.
History of BIGHOP Garden Mall Inzai
BIGHOP Garden Mall Inzai opened in 2007. The complex initially expected approximately six million visitors annually, but only seven months after opening, the company responsible for its development and operation went bankrupt.
The facility subsequently faced challenges including competition from new commercial complexes and several changes in operating companies. Despite these difficulties, the mall has gradually moved toward more stable operation.
Major Events in Its History
- September 26, 2007: Pre-opening.
- September 28, 2007: Grand opening.
- May 19, 2008: Mixing, the original development and operating company, went bankrupt.
- February 2013: Keihan Ryutsu Systems took over management from Sumisho Urban Development.
- July 2016: Jones Lang LaSalle Co., Ltd. became the operating company.
- October 2018: CBRE, Inc. became the operating company.
Major Tenants
BIGHOP Garden Mall Inzai is home to a diverse selection of stores. Some representative tenants include the following.
Stores in the Value Mall
- ABC-MART OUTLET
- Zoff
- TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE
- Nishimatsuya
- 2nd STREET
- Lopia
Stores and Facilities in the Makinohara Fureai Mall
- Sanpatsuya / Thank You Cut
- Human Academy Inzai Makinohara Nursery School
- Makinohara Branch Office, Inzai City Hall
Family Entertainment and Attractions
BIGHOP Garden Mall Inzai offers much more than shopping. It also has several entertainment facilities where families can spend time together. Popular attractions include the Sorappa Ferris wheel, Fantasy Kids Resort, and MOFF Animal World.
Sorappa Ferris Wheel
The Sorappa Ferris wheel stands approximately 50.8 meters high and has 32 gondolas, including two gondolas designed to accommodate wheelchair users.
Each gondola can accommodate up to six people and is equipped with air conditioning and audio equipment. The approximately 15-minute ride provides views of the surrounding area from above and is one of the signature attractions of BIGHOP.
Fantasy Kids Resort
Fantasy Kids Resort is a fully indoor amusement facility designed especially for children. It features a variety of attractions, including a soft-play area where children can play safely and a fashion photo studio where families can enjoy taking pictures.
The facility places emphasis on both safety and hygiene, allowing parents and guardians to relax while their children enjoy the various activities.
MOFF Animal World
MOFF Animal World is a 450-tsubo indoor animal facility, equivalent to approximately 1,490 square meters. Visitors can interact with a wide variety of animals, including alpacas, rabbits, snakes, and owls.
The facility also includes a rescue dog café and an indoor dog run, providing opportunities for visitors and their pets to enjoy time together.
Access to BIGHOP Garden Mall Inzai
Transportation
BIGHOP Garden Mall Inzai is exceptionally convenient to reach by public transportation. It is only about a one-minute walk from Inzai-Makinohara Station on the Hokusō Line.
The complex is also located along National Route 464, making it easy to access by car.
Surrounding Area
The surrounding area includes residential communities such as Garden Court Nishinohara, Floral City Nishinohara, and Avantone Hara, making BIGHOP a convenient destination for local residents.
With electronics retailers, fashion-oriented shopping facilities, and other commercial establishments located nearby, visitors can combine shopping and entertainment in a single trip.
Summary
BIGHOP Garden Mall Inzai is a large shopping and entertainment complex where visitors can enjoy much more than shopping. Its diverse selection of stores is complemented by family-friendly attractions, including the Sorappa Ferris wheel, an indoor children’s amusement facility, and opportunities to interact with animals.
Its convenient location just one minute from Inzai-Makinohara Station, together with easy access by car, makes it an accessible destination for both local residents and visitors exploring Chiba.
For travelers looking for a place where shopping, family entertainment, leisure activities, and animal experiences can all be enjoyed in one location, BIGHOP Garden Mall Inzai offers a convenient and varied day-out destination in the Hokusō area.