Mother Farm, a Vast Ranch with Views of Mt. Fuji

Mother Farm sprawls across Mount Kano in Futtsu City, Chiba, as one of the Kanto region largest tourist ranches. Opened in 1962, it centers on farm areas where you can meet dairy cows, sheep, alpacas, and horses, and adds amusement rides and seasonal flower fields, making a single day hardly enough. Playing with animals amid sweeping nature and surrounded by seasonal blooms, this is a leisure spot that puts a smile on the whole family.

Highlights

Perched on a highland around 300 meters above sea level, the farm offers views of Mt. Fuji across Tokyo Bay on clear days. Flower fields color the hillsides through the seasons: spring canola (said to number around 3.5 million blooms) and tulips, petunias and hydrangeas in early summer, and cosmos in autumn, all making for photogenic scenery.

Hands-on activities abound, from milking and butter making to sheep-shearing shows and piglet races, letting visitors watch, touch, and learn. You can meet a wide range of animals including cows, sheep, horses, and alpacas, a huge hit with children. Farm treats are not to be missed either, such as soft-serve ice cream made with fresh milk, Genghis Khan grilled lamb, and homemade cheese.

Seasonal fruit picking, including strawberries, is available, along with thrill activities like bungee jumping and a zip line, offering everything from gentle animal encounters to active fun for every generation.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best time to visit: early spring or autumn for flowers, and clear winter days for Mt. Fuji views
• Avoiding crowds: peak flower seasons and the Golden Week holidays are busy, so arrive soon after opening
• Time needed: half a day to a full day for animals, activities, and flower fields
• Nearby spots: Nokogiri Mountain, Futtsu Cape, and Umihotaru on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line
• Budget feel: beyond admission, plan for a few thousand yen per person for activities, fruit picking, and meals

Getting There & Tips

• Location: Takura, Futtsu City, on Mount Kano at about 300 meters elevation
• From Tokyo or Kanagawa, driving via the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line is convenient
• Direct buses run from Kimitsu Station on the JR Uchibo Line in about 40 minutes
• Adult admission (junior high school age and up) is around 1,500 yen as a guide, please confirm; activities and rides cost extra
• The grounds are large and hilly, so wear comfortable shoes, and check the show and activity schedule on arrival to plan your route

📚 Sources

This article is compiled from public information from the operator of Mother Farm, tourism guidance from Futtsu City and the Futtsu City Tourism Association, and the facility public materials on the flower fields, animal encounters, and hands-on programs. Admission, hands-on programs, and show times may change, so please confirm fees, hours, and access with official sources before you set out. Please also refer to on-site signage and the day schedule.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Half a day to a full day to enjoy the animal encounters, hands-on programs, and flower fields.
• What to bring and prepare: The grounds are large with ups and downs, so easy-walking shoes are recommended. Dress for the season since you spend time outdoors, and for Mount Fuji aim for a clear, crisp winter morning.
• Suggested route: On arrival, check the schedule of animal shows and hands-on programs to plan your order, then tour the flower fields, farm areas, and activities. Combine with Mount Nokogiri, Futtsu Cape, and the Umihotaru area of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line for a Boso loop.
• Tip to avoid crowds: Peak bloom and Golden Week get busy, so the morning right after opening is easiest to get around.