“Summer means watermelon” echoes in my mind as we approach this quirky landmark. Right before us stands the \u5de8\u5927\u30b9\u30a4\u30ab a giant watermelon. But it is not just any watermelon. It is a massive watermelon painted on a gas tank.
This \u5de8\u5927\u30b9\u30a4\u30ab is located in Tomisato City. Tomisato is Chiba Prefecture’s watermelon hub. These melons are known throughout Japan for their sweetness.
Did you know that Tomisato started growing watermelons in the 1930s? The city gifted watermelons to the royal family. This made Tomisato watermelons a nationwide sensation. The watermelon became a symbol of Tomisato. They even host a Watermelon Road Race and a Watermelon Festival.
But why a giant watermelon on a gas tank? It is said that the \u5de8\u5927\u30b9\u30a4\u30ab represents Tomisato’s special product. It might be a symbol of the town. The formal name of this location is Chiba Gas Co Tomisato Supply Station.
The \u5de8\u5927\u30b9\u30a4\u30ab is taller than you might think. The steps in the pictures might look small. But the height of one step is about the height of one floor. The \u5de8\u5927\u30b9\u30a4\u30ab has about seven floors.
Chiba Prefecture is one of Japan’s most productive agricultural areas. This is thanks to its mild climate and plentiful land. Chiba is known as the pear prefecture. They are called Asian pears. Chiba also produces strawberries. You can even go strawberry hunting along the Strawberry Road in Sanmu City.
As you stand here admiring this giant watermelon remember the taste of summer. Think of the juicy sweetness that defines Tomisato. The \u5de8\u5927\u30b9\u30a4\u30ab is more than just a quirky landmark. It is a symbol of Chiba’s agricultural richness and local pride.