What is Sambanze?
What is Sambanze?
Sambanze is a tidal flat and wetland in the furthest interior of Tokyo Bay, with a width stretching to 1,800 hectares.
About some 400 years before the present time, at the beginning of Japan’s Edo era (between 1603 and 1868), this area played the important role of providing fresh seafood to the family positioned to accede to the shogunate.
From the 1960s to the 1970s, a part of Sambanze’s land was reclaimed, but its other areas hosted an active fishing industry that continues to this day.
In the sand bar, young fish such as Japanese sea perches and right eye flounders are grown, fish that have grown in Tokyo Bay are harvested in great numbers.
In addition, an especially notable feature of the Funabashi fishing industry is aquaculture producing shellfish and nori (edible seaweed).
The tidal flats provide an environment for a great many living inhabitants, such as gobies, littleneck clams, and crabs. And many waterfowl on the hunt for them gather in the area.
The tidal flat that stretches out before Funabashi Sambanze Seaside Park is a man-made area, but its I inhabited by various kinds of animal life, making it a valuable spot from which visitors can observe the abundant natural blessings of Tokyo Bay.
What is there to do at Sambanze?
From April to June, visitors can enjoy shellfish gathering on the man-made tidal flat. In winter, many birds such as sandpipers and plovers come to the area, making it a popular birdwatching destination.
Twice a year, you can see the sun set directly over the summit of Japan’s national symbol of Mt. Fuji, creating a stunning view termed “Diamond Fuji”.
This scenery was selected as one of the One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji.
Also, at Funabashi Sambanze Seaside Park, there are events such as barbeques, tennis, and baseball that can be enjoyed all year round.
At Funabashi Sambanze Museum of Environment located within the park, you can enjoy learning about the earth’s natural environment with your friends and family, and delve deep into the nature and history of the Sambanze area.
Entry into dangerous areas is not allowed at Sambanze.
Please follow the instructions of the staff members and observe the signs.
Funabashi Sambanze Seaside Park
- Location: 40 Shiomicho, Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture
- Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
- Telephone number: 047-435-0828
- Parking fee: 500 yen for standard vehicle size, 2,200 yen large vehicle size
Funabashi Sambanze Museum of Environment
- Location: 40 Shiomicho, Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture (within the Seaside Park)
- Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed: Mondays (or the next weekday if a holiday falls on a Monday), Year-end and New Year holidays
- Admission: General: 400 yen, High school: 200 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 100 yen
Note: Free for elementary and junior high school students living or attending school in Funabashi, and for pre-school children - Telephone number: 047-435-7711
