Historic Sites and Tourist Attractions
Midori Ward is home to historic temples and shrines, spacious parks, museums, and other attractions surrounded by greenery. The following are some of the area’s notable places to visit.
Ariyoshi Hie Shrine
Ariyoshi Hie Shrine is an old Shinto shrine in Midori Ward that has long been respected as a guardian shrine of the local community.
The trees within the shrine grounds change appearance with the seasons, creating a peaceful setting for worshippers and visitors.
Kinjoji Temple
Kinjoji Temple is one of the well-known temples in Chiba City. This historic Buddhist temple attracts worshippers and visitors interested in the area’s religious and cultural heritage.
Chiba City Showa-no-Mori Park
Chiba City Showa-no-Mori Park is a large park equipped with various sports facilities and playgrounds. It also hosts events such as cross-country competitions.
The extensive grounds provide opportunities to enjoy nature throughout the four seasons, making the park popular with both local residents and visitors.
Izumitani Park
Izumitani Park is known for its beautiful seasonal scenery. Cherry blossoms create an attractive landscape in spring, while colorful foliage can be enjoyed in autumn.
Walking paths run through the park, making it a pleasant destination for strolling, relaxing, and family picnics.
Hoki Museum
Hoki Museum specializes in realist painting. The museum is known for its distinctive architecture and highly detailed works of art.
It attracts art enthusiasts from both Japan and overseas and offers a unique cultural experience within the natural surroundings of Midori Ward.
Shiki-no-Michi: A Walking Trail for All Four Seasons
Shiki-no-Michi, meaning “Path of the Four Seasons,” is a walking trail that circles the Oyumino area. Different sections of the route are associated with the four seasons, allowing visitors to enjoy changing landscapes throughout the year.
The trail is popular with families, walkers, and local residents looking for a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors.
Golf Courses
Midori Ward is also home to several golf courses surrounded by spacious green landscapes. Some venues host professional tournaments and attract both golfers and spectators.
Tokyu Seven Hundred Club
Tokyu Seven Hundred Club is a prestigious golf club that has hosted professional tournaments, including the Fujitsu Ladies. It attracts golf enthusiasts of all levels, from professionals to recreational players.
Sodegaura Country Club
Sodegaura Country Club is another golf course that has hosted professional tournaments. Its courses are surrounded by beautiful greenery and natural landscapes, providing an attractive setting for golfers and spectators alike.
Historic Shrines and Castle Sites
Midori Ward also contains several sites where visitors can encounter traces of Japanese history, including historic shrines and former castle sites.
Oyumi Castle Ruins
Oyumi Castle Ruins mark the site of a former castle that once served as an important local center. Some remains of the former fortified site can still be found today.
The site is of particular interest to visitors who enjoy exploring the history of Japan’s castles and regional strongholds.
Ariyoshi Castle Ruins
Ariyoshi Castle Ruins preserve traces of a former castle site. Surrounded by greenery and a quiet atmosphere, the site offers a peaceful setting in which to imagine the area’s history.
Highlights of Midori Ward
Convenient Transportation and New Town Development
Midori Ward was officially established in 1992, when Chiba City became a government-designated city. Residential development subsequently progressed in various parts of the ward, accompanied by population growth.
Oyumino, centered around Kamatori, Gakuemmae, and Oyumino stations, and Asumigaoka, centered around Toke Station, are two of the best-known New Town areas in Midori Ward.
These communities combine modern residential neighborhoods with parks, green spaces, shopping areas, and convenient transportation.
Residential Environment
According to the Town Living Comfort Rankings published by Daito Trust Construction, Midori Ward has ranked highly among municipalities in Chiba Prefecture in evaluations of residential convenience and living environment.
Individual station areas, including Kamatori Station, Toke Station, and Oyumino Station, have also appeared highly in station-area rankings.
Geography and Climate
Geographical Features
The eastern part of Midori Ward is located inland, and the Toke area sits at an elevation of around 100 meters, making it relatively elevated compared with other parts of Chiba City.
Because of this inland and elevated location, temperature differences between day and night and between seasons can be relatively noticeable. Snowfall can occasionally occur in winter.
In summer, tropical nights are relatively uncommon, and temperatures can be more comfortable at night than in densely urbanized areas.
Rivers
Several rivers flow through Midori Ward and contribute to its rich natural environment.
- Class A River: Kashima River – Tone River water system
- Class B Rivers: Miyakawa River and its tributary, Shisen Miyakawa – Miyakawa River water system; Murata River – Murata River water system
History of Midori Ward
Midori Ward retains many traces of its historical past, including connections to the Edo period and earlier regional communities.
Oyumi Domain: Chiba City’s Only Domain
During the Edo period, the Oyumi Domain existed within what is now Chiba City. The Morikawa clan established Oyumi Jin’ya, a fortified administrative residence, in the area.
It was the only feudal domain within the present-day boundaries of Chiba City, giving the area particular historical significance. Remains and historical sites associated with the former domain can still be found today.
Formation of the Ward
The area that became Midori Ward was formed from parts of former Honda Village and Shiina Village in Chiba District, as well as Toke Town in Sammu District.
The communities developed along the JR Sotobo Line and the historic Oami Highway. The name “Midori Ward” was selected through a public naming process and has since become the established name of the area.
Transportation
Railways
Midori Ward has several railway stations, with Kamatori Station serving as an important transportation center.
- JR Sotobo Line: Kamatori Station, Honda Station, Toke Station
- Keisei Chihara Line: Gakuemmae Station, Oyumino Station
Bus Services
Midori Ward has an extensive network of express and local bus services. These provide convenient connections to surrounding cities as well as Haneda Airport.
- Airport Limousine Bus: Haneda Airport route – operated by Chiba Chuo Bus and Tokyo Airport Transportation
- My Town Liner: Oyumino Station and Gakuemmae Station to Tokyo Station and Ginza Station – operated by Heiwa Kotsu and Nishizaki Kanko
Road Access
Midori Ward has a well-developed road network, including access to the Ken-O Expressway (Metropolitan Inter-City Expressway) and the Chiba-Togane Road.
In 2023, part of the former Chiba Sotobo Toll Road was made free of charge, further improving road accessibility in the area.
Conclusion
Midori Ward is an area where history, nature, and modern residential communities coexist. Its attractions include historic temples and shrines, castle ruins, large parks, walking trails, and the Hoki Museum, while the surrounding greenery provides a relaxing atmosphere away from the busiest parts of Chiba City.
The New Town areas of Oyumino and Asumigaoka offer modern urban conveniences, while places such as Showa-no-Mori Park and Shiki-no-Michi provide opportunities to enjoy nature throughout the year.
For visitors exploring Chiba City, Midori Ward offers a chance to discover a different side of the city—one where historical heritage, abundant greenery, outdoor recreation, and comfortable modern communities come together.