Chiba: Theme Parks, Beaches, and Hot Springs

Where is Chiba?

Chiba Prefecture is located in the Kanto region of Japan, facing Tokyo Bay. The prefectural capital is Chiba City, which is known as a bedroom community for Tokyo.

Chiba Prefecture is rich in nature and tourist attractions. For example, the Boso Peninsula has beautiful coastlines and hot spring resorts where visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and hot springs. Narita City is also home to Narita International Airport, an international gateway to the city, and historical temples such as Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple are also a must-see.

In addition, there is an abundance of theme parks and leisure facilities popular with families, such as Tokyo Disney Resort, Kamogawa Sea World, and Mother Farm. Agricultural products are also abundant, with pears and peanuts being well-known specialties.

Urayasu Area

About 2 hours from Tokyo station by trains.

Tokyo Disney Resorts

Tokyo Disney Resort, located in Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture, is one of Japan's leading theme parks, with two parks, Tokyo Disneyland, which opened in 1983, and Tokyo DisneySea, which opened in 2001, each offering different themes and attractions to entertain visitors.

Tokyo Disneyland consists of seven themed lands with attractions based on classic Disney characters and movies. Tokyo DisneySea, on the other hand, features seven themed ports with ocean and adventure themes, offering a different worldview.

The resort also offers a wide range of accommodations, shopping, and dining areas, and is packed with more entertainment than you can enjoy in a single day. It is a great place for families, couples, and friends to visit.

IKSPIARI

Opened in 2000, Ikspiari is a large shopping mall adjacent to Tokyo Disney Resort and located in Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture, and is an integrated entertainment, shopping, and dining complex.

The mall has more than 140 stores, restaurants, and cafes, offering visitors a wide variety of choices. There is also a movie theater where visitors can enjoy new movies.

Ikspiari is an ideal location for visitors to Tokyo Disney Resort, offering a convenient spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Pear Picking

Chiba Prefecture is known as one of Japan's leading pear-growing areas, and pear picking can be enjoyed every summer and fall. Mainly from August to October, many pear orchards offer the experience of picking fresh pears by yourself.

In Chiba Prefecture, many pear orchards welcome tourists, allowing them to sample and purchase different varieties of pears. Among the most popular are sweet and juicy varieties such as "Hosui" and "Kosui.

Pear picking is an activity that can be enjoyed by families and friends, and is a rare opportunity to taste fresh pears in a natural setting. Many pear orchards require advance reservations, so it is a good idea to check before visiting.

Narita Area

About 2 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo station by trains

Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple

Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple is a well-known Buddhist temple located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, and was founded in 940. Shinsho-ji Temple is a popular tourist spot, attracting approximately 10 million visitors annually.

The temple grounds are dotted with beautiful gardens and historical buildings, with the main hall and three-story pagoda, designated as important cultural properties, being particular highlights. Shinsho-ji Temple is also popular among foreign tourists because of its proximity to Narita Airport and convenient accessibility.

Every January, the Naritasan Kaiun Yakuyoke Grand Festival is held, attracting many visitors to pray for good luck and to ward off bad luck. Furthermore, the approach to the temple stretches around Shinsho-ji Temple, lined with traditional Japanese food and souvenir stores, which can be enjoyed after visiting the temple.

Boso-no-Mura (Boso Village)

Boso no Mura is a history and folklore museum where visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Boso region. On its expansive grounds, old private homes, merchant houses, and farmhouses from the Edo period to the early Showa period have been relocated and restored.

Visitors can experience traditional farming and crafts, and participate in seasonal events to get a real feel for life in the past. Visitors can also enjoy gardens filled with seasonal flowers and lush natural scenery.

Boso no Mura is ideal for families and educational trips, and provides a valuable learning opportunity to experience history and culture. It is a fascinating place to step away from modern life and experience life in old Japan.

Choshi Area

About 3 hours from Tokyo station by trains

Cape Inubosaki

Inubosaki is a cape located in Choshi City, and is a scenic spot jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. Because of its location at the eastern tip of Japan, it is known as a famous place for sunrises, attracting many tourists.

Inubosaki is home to the Inubosaki Lighthouse, built in 1874. This lighthouse is one of the oldest Western-style lighthouses in Japan, and its interior can be toured, offering a beautiful view of the ocean from the lighthouse.

In the surrounding area, there are walking paths and parks along the coastline, ideal for refreshing yourself in nature. There are also hot spring facilities and accommodations nearby for a relaxing time. Inubosaki is an attractive sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy nature and history.

Fresh Seafood Rice Bowl

Fresh Seafood Rice Bowl, which is called Kaisen-don, in Choshi City is an exquisite dish with plenty of fresh seafood on top. Choshi Port is one of the leading fishing ports in Japan, and an abundance of seafood is landed there every day. As a result, local restaurants offer fresh and delicious kaisen-don, a bowl of rice topped with fresh seafood.

Kaisen-don is made with a variety of ingredients such as tuna, salmon, squid, shrimp, sea urchin, and salmon roe, allowing you to fully enjoy the rich flavor of the seafood. Some restaurants also offer original Kaisen-don made with local specialty fish.

When you visit Choshi City, be sure to enjoy a bowl of Kaisen-don that is full of fresh seafood.

Bōsō Peninsula Area

About 4 hours from Tokyo station by trains

Tokyo German Village

Tokyo German Village is a theme park that recreates German scenery and culture. The expansive grounds are dotted with gardens filled with seasonal flowers and German-style buildings, providing visitors with an exotic experience.

The park also offers attractions such as a Ferris wheel and go-carts, which are popular with families. In winter, an illumination event is held, creating a fantastic sight.

In addition, there is a restaurant serving German food and beer, where visitors can enjoy authentic German flavors. Tokyo German Village is a spot that offers visitors healing and enjoyment through a fusion of seasonal nature and exotic culture.

Mother Farm

Mother Farm is a popular tourist farm, where visitors can experience interacting with a variety of animals and enjoy seasonal flowers in its vast grounds.

The ranch offers cow milking, sheep shows, and horseback riding experiences, which are especially popular among families with children. The beautiful flower fields of rape blossoms in spring, sunflowers in summer, and cosmos in autumn are also ideal for taking pictures.

Visitors can also enjoy barbecues using fresh ingredients and handmade ice cream. Mother Farm is a place where families can enjoy themselves all day long, relaxing in nature while interacting with the animals.

Yoro Valley

Yoro Valley is a beautiful valley and a sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy nature in all four seasons. The valley has a well-maintained promenade where visitors can enjoy the scenery of waterfalls, oddly-shaped rocks, and clear streams as they stroll along.

The valley is especially well known for its autumn foliage, which attracts many visitors in the fall when the vivid colors of the leaves adorn the valley. There is also a hot spring in the valley, where visitors can relax after a day of hiking.

In addition, there are stores selling local specialties and restaurants in the area where visitors can enjoy local cuisine. Yoro Valley is an attractive spot where visitors can refresh themselves in nature and enjoy beautiful scenery and hot springs.

Kamogawa Sea World

Kamogawa Sea World is a large aquarium located in Kamogawa City and is a popular tourist spot where visitors can enjoy marine life exhibits and shows. It is especially famous for its performance shows featuring killer whales, dolphins, and sea lions, which attract many families and tourists.

The museum exhibits various types of marine life, allowing visitors to observe sharks, rays, and tropical fish up close. The museum also offers a wide variety of hands-on programs and plenty of opportunities to interact with the animals.

Kamogawa Sea World also has a restaurant and gift store, making for a full day of fun. It is a wonderful spot to learn and be inspired while interacting with marine life.