Chiba Prefecture is located just east of Tokyo and home to one of the most-visited place by international tourists… Narita International Airport! Many people also know Chiba Prefecture for Tokyo Disneyland that is also located in the region. But Chiba is also home plenty of other fascinating sightseeing spots ranging from beautiful nature to hidden cultural activities. A large part of the prefecture is made up of the Boso Peninsula, which offers popular tourists’ destinations especially for people from the Kanto region. Chiba is popular as a daytrip from Tokyo, and features one of the longest beaches in Japan (60 km!), a large aquarium, historical sites, one of the most important temples in the country, the most visited theme parks in Japan, and much more. Here are our recommended places to visit in Chiba that you should visit!
1. Kujukuri Beach
Kujukuri Beach is a sandy beach that occupies much of the northeast coast of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. With kilometers of beach, the beach is about 60 kilometers long (the longest beach open to public in Japan), Kujukuri Beach is popular for swimming, surfing, and other marine sports. There are no reefs in front of the beach and long, high Pacific waves crash right onto the beach, making the beach especially famous as one of the best surfing spots in the country. From Tokyo you can do a day trip to Kujukuri Beach by public transportation, but the easiest way to travel to Kujukuri beach is by car. There are plenty of parking areas and facilities such as free showers that you can use along the beach. There are also some local ryokan and small minshuku located in the fishermen towns.
How to get to Kujukuri Beach
From Tokyo Station, take JR Sobu Line Limited Express to Choshi Station. From Choshi Station, take a local bus to Inubou bus stop (about 15 min).
2. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, founded in 940, is one of the best-known temples in Kanto Region which includes a large complex of buildings and grounds. It is located in Narita city, not far from Narita International Airport. The temple is dedicated to Acala, Fudo Myo-Ou in Japanese, who is usually depicted holding a sword and rope and surrounded by flames. Often called a fire god, it is associated with fire rituals.
A wide variety of temple buildings can be found on the ground of Naritasan, including the temple’s new and former main hall, a three storied pagoda and the Great Pagoda of Peace, along with a pleasant park.
You can also enjoy exploring the Omotesando, the approach to the temple which stretches about one kilometer from the train station. Naritasan’s Omotesando is a lively street lined by numerous restaurants and shops selling traditional crafts, foods and souvenirs.
How to get to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
15 to 20 min walk from JR Narita or Keisei Narita Station.
3. Nokogiriyama
Beautiful views, the biggest stone statue of Buddha of Japan and amazing nature. This is what you can find at Mount Nokogiri also know as Nokogiriyama, which translates as sawtooth mountain. There are two ways to reach the top of the mountain: you can take the ropeway or hike your way to the summit. After the relatively easy hike leads you through a thick forest full of wildlife, you will be rewarded with some stunning views of Tokyo Bay. There are multiple view points at the top, all providing you with great views, on a clear day, you will see Mount Fuji from the top!
On the mountain you can also visit the Nihonji Temple, one of the oldest places of worship in the Kanto region built over 1300 years ago in 725. Here you can find the largest carved Buddha statue, over 1500 statues of Buddhist disciples (rakan) and other stone statues.
Nokogiriyama Ropeway
9am – 4pm (Nov 16 – Feb 15)
9am – 5pm (Feb 16 – Nov 15)
Admission ¥950 (round trip), ¥500 (one-way)
4. Yoro Valley
Yoro Valley is a part of Okukiyosumi Prefectural Natural Park, one of the best natural areas in Chiba. Located at the center of the Boso Peninsula, the valley stretches six kilometers to the south from Yoro-Keikoku Station. The valley is popular for visitors all year round: the blooming cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, various outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming in summer, red-coloured leaves in autumn, and icicles hanging from the rocks in winter.
The valley features the largest waterfalls in Chiba called Awamata no Taki, and walking trails along the banks of the Yoro River which passed right by the waterfalls. This is a very popular spot for hiking.
How to get to Yoro Valley
From Tokyo Station, take the Keiyo Line to Soga Station. From Soga Station, take the Uchibo Line to Goi Station. From Goi Station, take the Kominato Line and get off at Yoro-Keikoku Station (about 2.5 hrs).
5. Sawara
Sawara is a small town northeast of Narita city, known as Little Edo due to its’ the preserved atmosphere of the Edo Period (1603-1867). During the Edo Period, Sawara prospered as a hub for merchants and rice shipments. Some of the businesses have operated continuously since that time, and the streets of Sawara are lined with the merchants’ houses, old warehouses, and historic buildings. The canals that run through Sawara are also the very same waterways merchants used 200 years ago. Present day, you can enjoy a tour on a flat bottomed boat along these canals under several beautiful bridges crossing the canals, including the “waterfall bridge” from which water flows at certain times each day.
Photo by Prashant 
The popular times to visit Sawara are during the Sawara Matsuri, a festival held twice a year in July and October. The floats topped by giant dolls, representing mythological Japanese warriors and heroes, are wheeled through the streets.
Sawara
9am – 5pm
Free admission
How to get to Sawara
From Chiba Station, take JR Sobu Main Line, get off at Sawara station (about 1 hr).
6. Cape Inubosaki
Located in the eastern area of the Kanto Region in Choshi city, Cape Inubosaki is famous for being one of the Japan’s leading fishing harbours. Inubosaki means “cape where a dog barks”. The name came from a legend that an abandoned dog howled for seven days before turning into stone. The main attraction is the Inubosaki Lighthouse which was designed by Henry Brunton and built in 1874. It offers spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding area.
How to get to Inubosaki
From Tokyo Station, take the Choshi Electric Railway Line to Inubo Station (about 3 hrs).
7. Tokyo Disney Resort
Hands down the most popular spot in Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo Disney Resort comprises of two theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, along with the Ikspiari shopping mall and multiple resort hotels. Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are the most visited theme parks in Japan and one of the most visited theme parks in the world.
Tokyo Disneyland was opened in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside of the United States. There are seven themed lands; World Bazaar, Tomorrowland, Toontown, Fantasy Land, Critter Country, Westernland, and Adventureland. Although the park is modelled after Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida, there are some attractions unique to Tokyo Disney Land. Similar to other Disneylands, the park features seasonal decorations and parades.
Tokyo DisneySea, opened in 2001, is unique to Japan and there are seven themed ports; Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery and American Waterfront.
Tokyo Disney Resort
Daily opened from 10am – 9pm
Admission fee starting at ¥8,200 and ticket sales start every Wednesday at 2pm for up to approximately one month ahead.
Get your Tokyo Disneyland tickets online!
How to get to Tokyo Disney Resort
To Tokyo Disneyland, walk 5 minutes from JR Maihama Station.
To Tokyo DisneySea, take the Disney Resort Monorail to Tokyo Disney Sea Station from JR Maihama Station. You can also walk to the park from Maihama Station (about 20 minutes).
8. Akebonoyama Agricultural Park
Located in Kashiwa City, this park, has rows of various seasonal flowers year round. There are cherry blossoms in spring, sunflowers in summer, spider lilies and cosmos in autumn, and violas in winter. In addition, you can enjoy beautiful scenery with flowers with a large windmill and walk around the pond with fish. The park also has a Japanese garden, a barbecue area, rental bikes, and athletic play areas.
9am – 5pm
Free admission
How to get to Akenobonoyama Agricultural Park
Take Bando Bus from JR Abiko Station North Exit bound for Akebonoyama Koen Iriguchi, get off at Akebonoyama Koen Iriguchi (about 7 min).
9. Mother Farm
Located in the center of the Boso Peninsula, Mother Farm or Mother Bokujo is one of the most popular spots in Chiba, especially for children. The park is a huge open area with colourful flower fields, a barnyard of farm animals, and a small amusement park. You can participate in farm activities including fruit-picking, horseback riding, and cheese- and butter-making.
A popular feature of the park are the animal shows such as sheep run, duck parade and pig race. In addition, a sheepherder from New Zealand teaches you about raising sheep. Because the park is very big, 2.5 million square meters, it is recommended to ride the sightseeing buses in the park; the Wanwan Bus (Dog) and Tonton Bus (Pig).
Mother Farm
9.30am – 4.30pm
Admission fee ¥1,500 (adult), ¥800 (children)
There is also a combi-ticket available if you want to visit Mother Farm and Kamogawa Seaworld. This ticket costs ¥ 3,800 and is valid for 1 month.
How to get to Mother Farm
From Sanukimachi Station or Kimitsu Station, there are buses which go to the Mother Farm.
10. Kamogawa Sea World
Kamogawa Sea World is a large aquarium on the Boso Peninsula facing the Pacific Ocean. Opened in 1970, the facility houses about 11,000 sea creatures in several different zones which include the Ocean Stadium, Eco Aquaroam, Marine Theater, Tropical Island, Polar Adventure, and Rocky World. Throughout the day, there are live performances of the different sea animals including the killer whales, dolphins, belugas, and sea lions. During the scheduled animal feeling times, the staff tells more about the animals and you can go up close to the marine animals.
Kamogawa Sea World
9am – 4pm
Admission from ¥3,000
There is also a combi-ticket available if you want to visit Kamogawa Seaworld and Mother Farm. This ticket costs ¥ 3,800 and is valid for 1 month.
Discounted tickets for Kamogawa Sea World
How to get to Kamogawa Sea World
- From Tokyo Station, there is the Aqua Line Express Bus which takes you directly to the Kamogawa Sea World (about 2 hrs).
- From Tokyo Station, take JR Wakashio Limited Express to JR Awa-Kamogawa Station, then the free shuttle bus takes you to the Kamogawa Sea World (about 2 hrs).
11. Narita Airport
As we have mentioned before, Narita Airport is located in Chiba about 1 – 2 hrs. from central Tokyo. If you are looking for the best way to get to and from the airport, please read our blog How to get to and from Narita Airport. The surroundings of the airport are also great for exploring, there are many things to do in the area. Read can read about some things to do in our blog 7 things to do near Narita Airport. We also offer private tours in the area, perfect for when you have a layover of a few hours. Please contact us for more information!
12. Outlet shopping in Chiba
Shopping is part of the fun when travelling and in Chiba Prefecture you can visit 3 different outlet malls with easy acces from Tokyo, where you can shop heavily discounted clothes and items of both Japanese and famous international brands. Mitsui Outlet Park is one of the most popular and largest shopping malls in Japan of which two are located in Chiba. Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari is a 30 – 40 min train ride from Tokyo, or a 40 – 50 min bus ride from Narita International Airport. Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu in south western Chiba is with 308 shops the largest outlet shopping mall in Japan. The mall in Kisarazu is also easily accessible from Tokyo with direct busses departing regularly from several stations. The third outlet mall in Chiba is Shisui Premium Outlets, located a 10-minute car ride from Narita International Airport, making it a popular stopover trip for visitors to Japan.
Chiba is a great destination to visit if you like nature and hiking. Ideally you’d spend the night somewhere in Chiba, but it can also be easily visited as a day trip from Tokyo. The prefecture is well connected to Tokyo, so take a nice break from the city and discover beautiful Chiba!
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