Tomisato City is located in central-northern Chiba Prefecture. Surrounded by abundant greenery and agricultural land, the city is particularly famous as one of Japan’s leading watermelon-producing areas.
Tomisato is also part of the Narita metropolitan area and is located close to Narita International Airport. Its convenient transportation connections make it easily accessible from both the Tokyo metropolitan area and the airport.
The city has a variety of historic sites, cultural heritage, leisure facilities, and seasonal events. Visitors can discover its agricultural traditions, enjoy nature and hot springs, and experience local festivals throughout the year.
Tomisato is home to numerous historic sites that reflect the development of agriculture, livestock farming, and local communities over the centuries.
The Ruins of Suehiro Farm are closely associated with the development of modern agriculture in Tomisato. The area is considered an important symbol of the city’s agricultural heritage and provides an opportunity to learn about the agricultural technologies and developments that contributed to the growth of the region.
The Former Iwasaki Family Suehiro Villa is a historic building designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Its architecture reflects the combination of traditional Japanese design and Western influences that characterized modern Japanese architecture.
The building offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate the architectural techniques and lifestyle of an important period in Japan’s modern history.
The Ruins of the Takano Noma Capture Enclosure preserve the history of the traditional horse-breeding culture of the region. The site was once used to capture and train semi-wild horses known as noma.
Learning about the history of the site provides insight into the way horses were raised and managed and how livestock contributed to life and industry in the region.
Takano Roku Jizo and Roku Kannon is a historic site where six Jizo statues and six Kannon statues have long been objects of local worship. These Buddhist figures reflect the prayers of local residents for safety, good harvests, and the well-being of their communities.
The Memorial Pagoda for Mitani Tanemasa was erected in memory of Mitani Tanemasa, a figure associated with the area’s history. The monument remains as a cultural heritage site where visitors can learn more about the historical figures connected with Tomisato.
The Monument Marking the Site Selected for the Okubo Sheep Farm commemorates the history of sheep farming in Tomisato. The monument provides a reminder of the development of livestock industries during the modernization of Japan.
The Former Tomisato Sheep Farm represents another chapter in the city’s agricultural history. Sheep farming once played an important role in the development of local livestock production, and the site helps preserve this lesser-known aspect of Tomisato’s past.
Nakazawa Yotsuzuka and the rice-paddy landscape of Yotsumata Benten are located in a valley where the Takasakigawa River and its tributaries flow toward Lake Inbanuma.
The area features traditional valley rice fields surrounded by natural scenery. The landscape illustrates the harmonious relationship between agriculture and nature and changes beautifully with the seasons.
In addition to historic sites, Tomisato offers a variety of leisure activities. The city’s history as a former imperial ranch area has particularly influenced its horse-riding culture.
Several facilities in Tomisato offer opportunities to enjoy horse riding. Visitors can interact with horses and experience riding in spacious natural surroundings, providing a relaxing break from the busy atmosphere of urban areas.
For information on available facilities and activities, visitors can check the sightseeing information provided by the Tomisato Tourism Association.
Tomisato also has hot spring facilities where visitors can relax after sightseeing or outdoor activities. Surrounded by the area’s natural environment, these facilities offer an opportunity to unwind and refresh both body and mind.
Tomisato Onsen features a sodium-chloride strong salt spring. The mineral-rich water is known for providing a warming bathing experience, making it a relaxing option after traveling or enjoying outdoor activities.
Tennen Onsen Kogane no Sato is a natural hot spring facility surrounded by greenery. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely bath while taking a break from sightseeing and appreciating the peaceful surroundings.
Tomisato hosts numerous festivals and community events throughout the year. These events provide opportunities to experience local traditions, food, music, and the lively atmosphere of the community.
The Tomisato Watermelon Road Race is held annually in June and is a popular short-distance running event. It celebrates Tomisato’s reputation as a major watermelon-producing area.
One of the event’s distinctive features is the presence of watermelon stations instead of ordinary water stations. Runners can stop to enjoy pieces of fresh watermelon during the race, creating a uniquely local experience.
The Tomisato Furusato Festival is a lively summer festival featuring traditional performances, fireworks, and other entertainment. The event brings together local residents and visitors and provides a chance to experience the community’s summer traditions.
The Watermelon Festival celebrates one of Tomisato’s most famous agricultural products. Local watermelons and vegetables are sold at the event, while an awards ceremony recognizes outstanding watermelons.
Various activities and food stalls are also available, making the festival an enjoyable event for families and visitors of all ages.
Jazz Festival in Tomisato features performances by the jazz orchestra club of Chiba Prefectural Tomisato High School. The event has also welcomed talented young musicians selected in the United States and professional jazz artists active in Japan and abroad.
A jazz band made up of graduates of Tomisato High School also performs each year, making the festival an important local music event where audiences can enjoy a diverse range of jazz performances.
Approximately 68 percent of Tomisato’s land consists of forests and agricultural areas, while residential areas account for around 14 percent. The city’s slogan, “An Airport-Adjacent City Where People and Greenery Coexist and Open the Way to the Future,” reflects its aim to balance its natural environment with urban functions.
Tomisato became a city in 2002. Before that, it was known as Tomisato Town in Inba District. The transition to city status was made possible after the population exceeded 50,000 in the 2000 national census, meeting the population requirement for becoming a city.
Tomisato is known as one of Japan’s leading watermelon-producing areas and is described as the country’s second-largest producer after Kumamoto Prefecture. Watermelon cultivation began in the city in 1933, and in 1936, locally grown watermelons were presented to the Imperial Household, helping establish Tomisato’s reputation as a major watermelon-producing region.
The city’s connection with watermelons is particularly visible during the annual Watermelon Road Race, which attracts more than 10,000 participants. The unique watermelon refreshment stations have become one of the event’s most recognizable features.
Tomisato was once home to a huge watermelon-patterned gas tank operated at the Tomisato supply station of Tokyo Gas, formerly Chiba Gas.
The tank measured approximately 33.8 meters in diameter and became a familiar symbol of the city. It was eventually dismantled in 2021, but its distinctive design remains part of Tomisato’s local history.
Tomisato is also known as the “home of racehorses”. An imperial ranch was established here during the Meiji period, contributing to the development of horse breeding in the area.
Today, traces of this history remain throughout the city, and horse-riding facilities provide visitors with opportunities to experience Tomisato’s connection with horses.
Tomisato is located in central-northern Chiba Prefecture, approximately 25 kilometers from Chiba City and within approximately 50 to 60 kilometers of central Tokyo.
The city is also within approximately 5 kilometers of Narita International Airport, giving it particularly convenient access for international travelers.
Geographically, Tomisato lies within the Kanto Plain on the relatively flat Shimosa Plateau.
East to west: approximately 10 kilometers
North to south: approximately 11 kilometers
Total area: 53.91 square kilometers
Tomisato once consisted largely of extensive open fields and wilderness, and livestock grazing had been practiced in the area since earlier times.
During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate established state-managed pastures here. Tomisato was home to Uchinomaki, one of the Seven Pastures of Sakura, where horses were raised.
During the Meiji period, the new government promoted the development of former pasturelands as part of efforts to provide livelihoods for people facing economic hardship. Settlers moved into Tomisato to cultivate the land.
However, the harsh environment and difficult conditions made settlement challenging, and many people eventually left. Several place names in present-day Tomisato are connected with this period of land development.
In the 1960s, when plans for the construction of Narita Airport were being developed, Tomisato was one of the locations considered as a possible airport site.
Many local residents opposed the proposal, leading to an active protest movement. The airport was ultimately planned for the Sanrizuka area of neighboring Narita City, bringing the airport-related dispute in Tomisato to an end.
In 2012, the Former Iwasaki Family Suehiro Villa was donated to Tomisato City. The building was designated as a city historic site in 2013 and was subsequently registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
The name Tomisato is associated with the municipal merger that took place in 1889 under Japan’s modern municipal system.
Thirteen villages were merged and the area was referred to as Jusan no Sato, meaning “thirteen villages.” The name is said to have evolved from Jusanri to Tomisato, eventually taking the characters 富里.
Agriculture remains an important part of Tomisato’s economy, with watermelon production being particularly well known.
Watermelon cultivation began in 1933, and the presentation of locally grown watermelons to the Imperial Household in 1936 helped establish the city’s reputation as a leading watermelon-producing area.
Tomisato benefits from its proximity to Narita International Airport. Airport-related businesses, accommodation facilities, logistics, and other industries connected with air transportation play an important role in the local economy.
The city also has numerous commercial facilities, particularly roadside shops and large-scale stores, serving both local residents and visitors.
Tomisato City offers a distinctive combination of agricultural heritage, historic sites, nature, hot springs, horse-related culture, and seasonal events.
The city is particularly famous for its watermelons, while its history as a former pasture and imperial ranch area has created a strong connection with horses and horse riding. Historic sites such as the Former Iwasaki Family Suehiro Villa and the ruins of former ranches provide further insight into Tomisato’s development.
Its close proximity to Narita International Airport also makes Tomisato a convenient destination for travelers exploring the northern part of Chiba Prefecture.
From tasting local watermelons and enjoying unique festivals to exploring historic sites, relaxing in hot springs, and experiencing horse riding in the countryside, Tomisato provides many different ways to discover the culture and natural beauty of Chiba.