Mother Farm in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture will hold its winter illumination event "Mother Farm Illumination" (マザーイルミ), now in its 15th year, from October 31, 2026 to February 28, 2027. It is held only on weekends, national holidays, Christmas, and the year-end and New Year period.
Taking advantage of the location of Mother Farm's "Mountaintop Area" (山の上エリア), about 300 meters above sea level, the event pairs colorful, brightly glowing illuminations with scenery such as an evening sky with the silhouette of Mt. Fuji and the night views of Tokyo and Yokohama across Tokyo Bay.
This year's illuminations are themed on the sheep, the zodiac animal of 2027 and one of the animals most associated with Mother Farm.
The evening program also includes animal encounter events held only in the late afternoon and evening, night bungee jumping, a visit to the top of a tower to see the night view, and a night amusement park with lit-up attractions, including a Ferris wheel whose highest point, counting the elevation of its location, is the highest in Chiba Prefecture. Illumination-only dishes are served as well. It is a side of Mother Farm that can only be seen at night, a little different from the daytime.
Event Overview
Dates:
- Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays from October 31 (Sat), 2026 to February 28 (Sun), 2027
- Every day from December 24 (Thu), 2026 to January 4 (Mon), 2027
Hours: 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Admission (from 4:00 PM):
- Adults (junior high school students and older): ¥900 (¥1,800 when entering from the daytime)
- Children (ages 4 to 6th grade of elementary school): ¥450 (¥900 when entering from the daytime)
- Ages 3 and under: Free
- Accompanying dogs: Free (¥700 when entering from the daytime)
Parking: Free from 4:00 PM (¥1,000 when using it from the daytime)
Notes:
- Mother Farm operates as usual during the day. Visitors who arrive in the daytime can also continue to enjoy the illumination.
Official website: https://www.motherfarm.co.jp/information/illumination2026/
Highlights of Mother Farm Illumination
1. Sheep-Themed Illuminations for the Coming Zodiac Year
Illuminations themed on the sheep, the zodiac animal of 2027 and one of the animals most associated with Mother Farm, decorate the venue. A "giant photo frame" overlooking Tokyo Bay from the "field of light flowers" (光の花畑) is placed at an angle that fits both the field of light flowers and Mt. Fuji into the same shot, making it a good spot for a commemorative photo on a winter night.
2. Illuminations Set Against Hilltop Scenery
Mother Farm sits at the top of a mountain about 300 meters above sea level and overlooks Tokyo Bay, so its illuminations come with a backdrop of scenery. In the evening, the view glows orange in the setting sun. During the magic hour, the 40 minutes after sunset, the sky shows beautiful gradations of color. At night, the view opens onto a romantic panorama of the night view over Tokyo Bay. The scenery changes with the time of day, and the colorful illuminations can be enjoyed alongside it. If the weather is clear, the evening view with the silhouette of Mt. Fuji can also be seen.
Things to Do at Mother Farm in the Evening
1. Night Shows and Animal Encounters (Illumination Days Only)
Popular experiences such as shows and animal encounters starring the farm's animals are also held after 4:00 PM. Even visitors who arrive in the evening can enjoy Mother Farm along with the illumination through events such as:
- Night Farm Show (ナイトファームショー): Farm animals appear to introduce their characteristics and show off their talents. Starts at 4:30 PM, about 15 minutes.
- Usa-Moru Touch (うさモルタッチ): Visitors can interact with rabbits and guinea pigs in a warm indoor space. 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Sheep Feeding Experience (ひつじのエサやり体験): 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
2. Night Bungee: A Thrilling Jump Into the Illuminated Night
The tower is 21 meters tall, which makes the jump point 321 meters above sea level when the elevation is included. Participants jump toward the illuminations in a special experience that feels quite different from the daytime bungee jump.
- Hours: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM)
- Fee: ¥2,500 (¥2,000 for the second jump and after)
- Eligibility: Elementary school students and older, up to age 65, weighing 35 kg to 100 kg
Notes:
- Reception may close early when it is crowded.
- The activity is suspended in strong winds or bad weather.
- Participants are asked to sign a designated pledge form.
- Participants aged 18 and under need a guardian's signature on a designated consent form.
- The image is for illustration purposes.
3. Night Illumi Tower Experience: A View of the Illuminations From Above
Visitors can climb the bungee tower to look out over the sparkling illuminations and the night view of Tokyo Bay.
- Hours: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM)
- Fee: ¥300 per person (about 10 minutes per group, up to 6 people)
4. Night Amusement Park With Family-Friendly Attractions
"Wakuwaku Land" (わくわくランド), a popular spot for families during the day, is lit up and stays open at night. Its attractions for children and adults alike include a Ferris wheel whose highest point, counting the elevation of its location, is 330 meters, the highest in Chiba Prefecture, with views of the illuminations and the night view of Tokyo Bay; a sparkling merry-go-round; and a cycle monorail that lets riders take a stroll through the night sky.
- Night unlimited rides: ¥2,100 (on sale from 4:00 PM)
Illumination-Only Food
1. All-You-Can-Eat Steamed "Meisui Mochibuta" Pork or Genghis Khan
This is a 90-minute all-you-can-eat meal in which diners choose either "Genghis Khan" (ジンギスカン), Mother Farm's classic dish, or the illumination-only "steamed Meisui Mochibuta pork in a bamboo steamer" (名水もち豚のせいろ蒸し). It has been well received every year, and side dishes are available as well.
- Price: Adults ¥3,800, children ¥1,900, soft drink bar ¥380, and more
- Admission + meal set ticket: Adults ¥4,200, children ¥2,100
- Admission + meal + unlimited rides set ticket: Adults ¥6,200, children ¥4,000
2. Kirakira Petit Parfait (キラキラ☆プチぱふぇ)
A limited sweet made with Mother Farm's soft serve ice cream. Soft serve is placed on a soda jelly base and decorated to resemble the illuminations, making it a photogenic treat.
- Price: ¥650
- Location: Rosemary CAFE (ローズマリーCAFE)
- Hours: Until 7:30 PM, sold only on Mother Farm Illumination days
A "Kirakira Soft" (キラキラ☆ソフト) is also available for ¥550.
3. Warm Dishes for Winter Nights
Menu items to warm up cold visitors are also available, including the rich "Makiba no Milk Ramen" (まきばのミルクラーメン), "Makiba no Corn Soup" (まきばのコーンスープ), and thick-sliced house-made bacon and sausages grilled over charcoal.
