NEWS What's New

On October 31, 2020, Chiba Ushino Hiroba (hereinafter referred to as Ushino Hiroba), a campsite where cows live, opened in Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, which is easily accessible by car, about 30 minutes from Chiba City's city center, and is surrounded by rich natural countryside.

It was originally a dairy cow breeding farm (a farm where calves taken from dairy farmers were raised into dairy cows) run by Chiba City.

While retaining its role as a dairy cattle breeding ranch,

The facility will offer a variety of activities, including camping and BBQs on the vast grounds, and harvesting experiences in collaboration with the local community, and aims to be a facility that can be enjoyed by many people, including those living in urban areas and nearby areas.

This day was the day of the "Christmas Market" event, which Ushino Hiroba held in preparation for its first Christmas.

We spoke with President Kawakami under the cold sky with light snow falling.

It's been about two months since the opening.

"Customers' response to camping has been good," says Kawakami.

On this day too, at check-in time of 12 noon, there were cars lined up with people planning to camp.

The camp started on November 28th.

The number of members has reached approximately 1,200, and some people are hardcore repeat customers who have already used the service seven times.

While camping is going well, he says, "We need to expand our services to cater to customers who are not here to camp but are just here to shop or take a walk, and we also need to deal with the congestion in the surrounding area caused by visitors."

Ushino Hiroba is located in Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, which is surrounded by nature.

"This is my first time in Wakaba Ward."

"There was a place like this."

They say they sometimes hear this kind of feedback from customers living in Chiba City.

Apparently, Kawakami himself had never heard of this area before.

"When I came here, I thought it was a good place and interesting,

"I want to do something to liven up this place," he said enthusiastically.

Ushinohiroba has become one of the tourist hubs in the area,

I would be happy if many customers came.

There are other areas surrounded by nature, such as Yamanashi and Nagano,

"Camping and nature alone are not enough.

We need to create another opportunity to make people think, "Chiba has that, I want to come back."

Kawakami says.

Furthermore,

"There are many good things in Chiba, so we are working to deepen our ties with local farmers.

I want to share things that are unique to Chiba, such as food.

And at Ushino Hiroba, we want people to know about the good things that are unique to Chiba,

I want people to love Chiba even more."

He speaks passionately.

We want to deepen our ties with the local community and spread the good things about Chiba.

I can feel Mr. Kawakami's strong feelings.

Last year in 2019, a typhoon caused severe damage in Chiba.

Approximately 250 trees also fell at Ushinohiroba.

At Ushino Hiroba,

We are currently holding workshops to create tools for camping and living using fallen trees and waste materials from building the ranch.

In addition, we hold various events, such as harvesting experiences at local farms and a market selling fresh vegetables.

On the day of the Christmas market, in addition to the events mentioned above, unique vendors livened up the venue.

We also plan to fully focus on our consignment business, in which we take in calves from dairy farmers and raise them into dairy cows.

At the breeding farm where calves are raised,

We use cameras to check the calves' condition 24 hours a day.

There is also a picnic area next to the breeding farm,

We will also consider utilizing the Hilltop Farm in the future.

Finally, when asked about future developments,

"I would like more people from Tokyo to come here.

By making Ushino Hiroba a place that gives customers the opportunity to change their values, we hope to convey the charm of Chiba,

More and more people are moving to Chiba and working in Chiba.

I want to help resolve the various problems facing both urban and rural areas."

said Kawakami-san.

We will be keeping a close eye on the ever-changing Chiba Ushino Hiroba and Kawakami's activities.