Located in the city of Funabashi in Chiba prefecture, the Funabashi Andersen Park is a spacious park that offers visitors a glimpse into the world of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. The park features numerous attractions and facilities, including gardens, playgrounds, a museum, a petting zoo, and various seasonal events. With its charming atmosphere, the Funabashi Andersen Park is a popular destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. History and Background The Funabashi Andersen Park was established in 1999 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the birth of Hans Christian Andersen. It was built on the site of a former landfill and covers an area of approximately 114 hectares. The park was designed to reflect the themes and motifs of Andersen’s fairy tales, which have captivated readers and inspired generations of writers and artists around the world. Attractions and Activities The Funabashi Andersen Park offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the highlights: Fairy Tale Hill The Fairy Tale Hill is the centerpiece of the park and features a large statue of Hans Christian Andersen surrounded by various characters from his stories, including the Little Mermaid, the Ugly Duckling, and Thumbelina. The hill is also home to a series of play areas and playgrounds, including a giant slide, a trampoline, and a rope climbing course. Flower Garden The park’s Flower Garden is a spacious area featuring a wide variety of flowers and plants arranged in intricate patterns and designs. The garden is particularly stunning in the spring and summer, when the cherry blossoms, roses, and hydrangeas are in bloom. Children’s Farm The Children’s Farm is a petting zoo that allows visitors to interact with various animals, including cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Children can also participate in feeding and grooming the animals, as well as enjoy pony rides. Hans Christian Andersen Museum The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is a small museum located within the park that showcases the life and work of the famous author. The museum features a collection of original manuscripts, books, illustrations, and other artifacts related to Andersen’s life and career. Seasonal Events Throughout the year, the Funabashi Andersen Park hosts various seasonal events and festivals, including cherry blossom viewing in the spring, a hydrangea festival in the summer, and a winter illumination event in the winter. These events feature special displays, performances, and activities that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Getting There The Funabashi Andersen Park is located in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, which is approximately 30 kilometers east of Tokyo. The park is easily accessible by train or bus. From Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line to Funabashi Station, which takes approximately 30 minutes. From Funabashi Station, take the Keisei Bus to the park, which takes approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, visitors can take the Keisei Line from Tokyo Station to Keisei Funabashi Station, which takes approximately 40 minutes, and then take the Keisei Bus to the park, which takes approximately 10 minutes. Admission and Hours The admission fee for the Funabashi Andersen Park varies depending on the season and the age of the visitor. Generally, admission fees range from 200 to 500 yen for adults and 50 to 250 yen for children. The park is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., although the hours may be extended during certain seasonal events.