Sakura Furusato Square (Cosmos Festa)

Overview

Tucked along the shores of Lake Inba in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture, Sakura Furusato Square opened in 1994 as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the Netherlands. At the heart of the grounds stands a full-scale Dutch windmill named "Liefde" — Dutch for "love" — standing roughly 15 meters tall. On clear days its white silhouette reflects in the still surface of Inbanuma Lake, conjuring a vista that feels lifted from the Dutch countryside. Behind the windmill, a sweeping field stretches into the distance, and each autumn it is transformed into an ocean of cosmos flowers — reportedly around one million blooms in peak years. Sakura City has long cultivated a reputation as a flower destination. The spring tulip festival draws visitors from across the Kanto region, and the autumn Cosmos Festa serves as its seasonal counterpart, typically unfolding in early to mid-October. During that window, cosmos in shades of pale pink, white, crimson, and soft lavender sway together in the lake breeze, creating a layered tapestry of color that sets the Dutch windmill off to spectacular effect. The combination has made the square a favourite subject for photographers and social-media enthusiasts alike, though the appeal goes well beyond a single frame: walking through the flowers while the windmill slowly turns overhead is a genuinely unhurried pleasure. The setting along Inbanuma Lake adds a further dimension. A lakeside promenade offers views of waterfowl gliding across the water, and a cycling path threads through the surrounding countryside, making it easy to extend a visit into a half-day excursion. Despite sitting within comfortable day-trip range of central Tokyo, the square preserves a calm, pastoral character that makes the distance feel greater than it is. Festival dates and special events vary by year, so checking the official website or Sakura City's tourism information before visiting is always advisable.

Access

📍 Address: 2714 Usuita, Sakura, Chiba

Approx. 20-min walk from Keisei Sakura Station (Keisei Main Line), or a short taxi ride. By car, about 20 min from Sakura IC on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway. Parking is limited during the festival — an early arrival is recommended.

Map

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