BIGHOP Garden Mall Inzai is a large-scale commercial and entertainment complex in Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture. In addition to a wide range of shops and restaurants, the complex features a giant Ferris wheel, indoor animal facilities, family entertainment, and a local government service office.
With shopping, leisure, and family-friendly attractions all in one location, BIGHOP Garden Mall Inzai is a popular destination for both local residents and visitors to the area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BIGHOP Garden Mall Inzai is home to a diverse selection of stores. Some representative tenants include the following.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.