Roadside Station Rosemary Park

A park in Chiba Prefecture that feels like you’ve traveled to medieval Europe, lined with a church-like “Rosemary Hall” and buildings that recreate the birthplace of England’s great writer Shakespeare. Seasonal flowers like rosemary and roses bloom around the grounds, making it a very photogenic place.

Inside the park is Hanamaru Market, where you’ll find a collection of Minamiboso City’s local eats. There’s a huge lineup, including fresh locally grown vegetables and fruit, ham, sausages and seafood, Chiba specialties like peanuts, and even 50 kinds of soy sauce made in the prefecture (tastings available), with so many items it’s hard to choose. Popular souvenirs include the market’s original loquat sweets made with loquats, a fruit favored by the Imperial Household: “Loquat Roll Cake” and “Loquat Mooncake.” The food court also has spots where you can enjoy fresh seafood like tuna and salmon in a seafood rice bowl.

It’s a great-value spot where you can enjoy Chiba’s delicious food and a European-style streetscape stroll—two different experiences in one visit.