Set in the east of Tokyo, many tourists decide to make a stop in Chiba because the busiest airport in Japan Narita Airport is located there. But, it should not be the reason you come to Chiba. The city that is known for its famous soy sauce Kikkoman (thus the nickname Soy Sauce City) offers a myriad of attractions that guarantee an elevated travel experience that you cannot find elsewhere. From parks and waterfalls to temples and zoos, you would not want to miss Chiba. Apart from cheap hotels, there are also plenty of Airbnb vacation rentals that provide homey stays. Planning a visit soon? Keep reading to learn about the top things to do in Chiba, Japan.
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1. Visit Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan, especially those who love amusement parks and Disney-themed attractions. The park features a range of thrilling rides and exciting shows, including the iconic Space Mountain and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.
Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Disney with character meet and greets, parades, and themed restaurants. Don’t miss the electrical parade, where floats decorated with hundreds of lights and accompanied by catchy tunes make their way through the park, delighting visitors of all ages. The park is also known for its seasonal events, such as the Halloween and Christmas celebrations, which add an extra layer of magic to an enchanting experience.
2. Get close to the creatures of the sea at Kamogawa Sea World
Kamogawa Sea World is a popular marine park in Japan known for its impressive dolphin and killer whale shows. Visitors can watch the majestic creatures perform acrobatic tricks and flip in the air, accompanied by music and special effects.
The park also features a range of other marine animals, including penguins, sea lions, and sharks. Visitors can get up close and personal at the touch pool with friendly rays and starfish. Additionally, there are opportunities to see feeding sessions and participate in animal encounters, such as meeting a sea lion or feeding a penguin. Overall, Kamogawa Sea World is an exciting and educational experience for children and adults, providing a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the incredible creatures inhabiting our oceans.
Book Tours : Kamogawa Sea World Ticket Philippines
3. Browse the shops on Naritasan Omotesando Street
The first activity to do in Chiba is going to elevate your mood because it is all about strolling and shopping. Providing a vibrant atmosphere, Naritasan Omotesando Street is a charm on its own because it is fully packed with shops. It is also home to some of the famous food in Chiba. Whether you want to taste an authentic Japanese dish or buy a unique Japanese souvenir, you will have plenty of choices of food vendors and souvenir shops.
Naritasan Omotesando Street
Address: 378 Nakamachi, Narita, Chiba 286-0027, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
4. Indulge your love of airplanes at the Museum of Aeronautical Science
Are you fond of airplanes? Indulge your love of airplanes by making a visit to the Museum of Aeronautical Science, which is located adjacent to Narita International Airport. The aviation museum is known for its extensive collection of a real aircraft that is on full display. Other features include the replica cockpits of a Mitsubishi Zero fighter, simulators and hands-on activities. What if you are not a plane enthusiast? You are welcome to enjoy the exhibits. Maybe after visiting this museum, you will change your mind and start falling in love with airplanes.
Museum of Aeronautical Science
Address: 111-3 Iwayama, Shibayama, Sanbu District, Chiba 289-1608, Japan
Website: Museum of Aeronautical Science
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 500 JPY (5 USD)
5. Walk beneath the ancient cedars of Makata Shrine
Makata Shrine is beautiful and as soon as you step into the shrine, you will feel peace and tranquility right away. But, that is not what is so interesting about this shrine. Unlike any other shrines, Makata Shrine boasts its ancient cedar trees. One of them is more than 1,300 years old and is claimed to be the biggest cedar tree in eastern Japan. It would be nice to walk beneath the ancient cedars.
Makata Shrine
Address: 1 Daikata, Narita, Chiba 286-0003, Japan
Website: Makata Shrine
Opening hours: 8am - 2pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Stroll through stunning bamboos at Hiyodorizaka Slope
Bamboos are so majestic yet so intriguing. Chiba offers a unique attraction for you to enjoy strolling through stunning bamboos. Find your way to Sakura City and you will find a bamboo forest called Hiyodorizaka Slope. In addition to the bamboo forest, you can also admire several samurai houses that are located close by.
Hiyodorizaka Slope
Address: Hiyodori Slope, Chiba, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Worship at the sacred Shimosa Ichinomiya Katori Shrine
Situated in the northeastern part of Narita, Shimosa Ichinomiya Katori Shrine is one of the most popular Shinto shrines in Japan. The sacred shrine was built as a dedication to the protector of military men Futsunushi no Mikoto. Other than worshiping, you can also admire the vermilion gate and the stone lantern of the shrine.
Shimosa Ichinomiya Katori Shrine
Address: 1697-1 Katori, Chiba 287-0017, Japan
Website: Shimosa Ichinomiya Katori Shrine
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Admire the flowers at Suigo Sawara Ayame Park
It is time to enjoy some flowery time, especially if you cannot resist the beauty of irises and water lilies. Visit Suigo Sawara Ayame Park, one of the biggest iris and lily gardens in Japan. The best time to enjoy more than 400 varieties of iris and lilies is, of course, during summer when all the flowers are in full bloom. Enjoy the colorful flowers and breathe in the tranquil atmosphere.
Suigo Sawara Ayame Park
Address: 1837-2 Ogishima, Katori, Chiba 287-0801, Japan
Opening hours: 7am - 3pm (daily)
Price: 800 JPY (7 USD)
9. Visit the scenic Cape Inubosaki
Blue seas and blue skies are some of the things that make our Earth beautiful. Chiba also has a place where you can marvel at the blue seas and clear skies. This place is called Cape Inubosaki. Situated in Choshi City, Cape Inubosaki is known as a leading fishing harbor in the country. Do not forget to climb Inubosaki Lighthouse, an old lighthouse that was established in 1874. From the top of the lighthouse, the views of the ocean and the skies are even more incredible. Be mindful of the weather because it can be very windy.
Cape Inubosaki
Address: 9576 Inubosaki, Choshi, Chiba 288-0012, Japan
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Go on a horseback ride with Sunshine Stables
Okay, who is ready to enjoy a horseback ride along the stunning Kujukuri Beach? It is going to be a memorable experience. You get to ride a horse and feel the immensity of the beach at the same time. To enjoy this relaxed ride, you need to book with Sunshine Stables. After the ride, you may feel hungry. Indulge in the barbecue served by the club.
Sunshine Stables
Address: 5610 Sakuda, Kujukuri, Sanbu District, Chiba 283-0101, Japan
Website: Sunshine Stables
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 7000 JPY (65 USD)
11. Enjoy a countryside train ride on Isumi Railway
If you want to indulge in a unique countryside experience, there is no better place than Isumi Railway. The railway is highly popular among the locals and nature lovers because it allows you to admire scenic views along the way. Board a single-car train that is uniquely decorated with Moomin characters and prepare to be left speechless as the train starts its engine. The entire trip along Isumi Railway takes approximately two hours.
Isumi Railway
Address: 537-2 Kariya, Isumi, Chiba, Japan
Opening hours: Depends on day
Price: 1800 JPY (17 USD)
12. Experience samurai history at Otaki Castle Museum
Japan is famous for a lot of things. One that we, and many people, find particularly interesting is the samurai. Good news is, you can experience a piece of samurai history in Chiba by making a stop at Otaki Castle Museum, an attractive white museum that was built in the 16th century. For samurai fans, you need to head directly to the second floor of the castle to find the cool gears and helmets of the legendary warrior. You can also view a collection of samurai rifles. Other collections in the castle include armory and artifacts from the Edo period.
Otaki Castle Museum
Address: 481 Otaki, Isumi District, Chiba 298-0216, Japan
Website: Otaki Castle Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 200 JPY (2 USD)
13. Shop for fresh groceries at Katsuura Morning Market
When you are traveling to certain parts of Asia, you usually avoid the traditional markets because they are dirty. But, it is a completely different story in Japan. The markets are clean and you will love strolling through the streets to explore the market, like Katsuura Morning Market, for example. Having served the locals for more than 400 years, the morning market features approximately 80 vendors who sell a wide range of products, including farm-to-table foods, seasonal vegetables, Japanese sweets as well as handmade goods.
Katsuura Morning Market
Address: 319 Hamakatsuura, Katsuura, Chiba 299-5233, Japan
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 6am - 11am (closed on Wed)
Price: Free
14. Visit the centuries-old Tanjoji Temple
Tanjoji Temple is certainly older than all of us as it was built centuries ago. Opened to the public for the first time in 1276, Tanjoji Temple was built as a commemoration of the birth of the Holy Priest Nichiren Shonin. Over centuries, the temple has survived a lot of unpleasant things, including tidal waves, earthquakes and fire. You are welcome to meditate in Tanjoji Temple, but do not forget to enjoy the wooden statue of Nichiren and witness the largest onigawara roof end tiles.
Tanjoji Temple
Address: 183 Kominato, Kamogawa, Chiba 299-5501, Japan
Website: Tanjoji Temple
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Free
15. Check out the colorful blooms in Flower Fields of Chikura-cho
Set in Minamiboso, Flower Fields of Chikura-cho can feed your soul and please your eyes. Enjoy the colorful blooms, even from far away in a car. But for the best experience, you should, of course, make a stop and feast your eye. Feel like heaven as you walk from one flower field to another.
Flower Fields of Chikura-cho
Address: Chikuracho Nanaura, Minamiboso 299-2400, Chiba, Japan
Opening hours: 8:30am - sundown (daily)
Price: Free
16. Pamper yourself at Ryugu Castle Spa Hotel Mikazuki
Maybe you feel a little bit tired after exploring so many points of interest in Chiba. If you feel the need to relax your muscles, it means that your body needs some pampering. One way to pamper yourself is in the onsen baths at Ryugu Castle Spa Hotel Mikazuki. While indulging in different types of hot springs available, you can breathe in the panoramic views of Tokyo Bay with Tanzawa Mountains and the majestic Mount Fuji as the backdrop.
Ryugu Castle Spa Hotel Mikazuki
Address: 1 Kitahama, Kisarazu City, Chiba, Japan
Website: Ryugu Castle Spa Hotel Mikazuki
17. Hike up the slopes of Mount Nokogiri
To get to the top of the beautiful Mount Nokogiri, you can take a ropeway. But, we do not recommend you to go the easy way. Instead, you need to hike up the scenic slopes of the mountain. The slopes are not just the usual slopes, they are saw-toothed slopes. Along the way to the mountaintop, you will also get to see stone Buddhist statues that decorate all the slopes. When you reach the peak, you can take advantage of the observation deck to enjoy the stunning views of Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji. Just pray that the weather is good because if it is not, you will not be able to see Mount Fuji.
Mount Nokogiri
Address: Chiba, Japan
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 600 JPY (6 USD)
18. Visit Hota Shogakko Rest Area
See how creative Japanese people are. A rest area can even become an attraction for both local people and international tourists. Unlike many other rest areas that feature spaces where you can relax before you continue driving and restaurants to fill up your empty stomach, Hota Shogakko Rest Area used to be an elementary school back in the 1970s. The school was closed a long time ago. But, instead of demolishing it, the school was restored to become a rest area that features a large market, a playroom for children and restaurants, among others. The design remains the same: an elementary school. As soon as you step foot into the rest area, you will relive your school days and remember all the good memories from where you were a student.
Hota Shogakko Rest Area
Address: 724 Hota, Kyonan, Awa District, Chiba 299-1902, Japan
Website: Hota Shogakko Rest Area
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
19. Feed friendly farm animals at Mother Farm
Another opportunity for you to connect with friendly animals is by visiting Mother Farm. Tucked away on the Boso Peninsula of Chiba, Mother Farm should be visited for at least half a day because there are just so many things to do. First of all, of course, you have to pet and feed those lovely animals that include a herd of sheep and ducks. But, the best and cutest animal of them all is the alpaca. If you visit outside the months of July and August, you can enjoy a spectacular performance called the sheep parade. Up to 150 sheep walk happily in the Sheep Meadow. You do not want to miss out this performance that takes place once a day. Then, you can also pick fresh fruits afterward. Finally, you should also marvel at the gorgeous views of Mount Fuji, Tokyo Bay and Boso Peninsula.
Mother Farm
Address: 940-3 Tagura, Futtsu, Chiba 299-1601, Japan
Website: Mother Farm
Opening hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 1500 JPY (14 USD)
20. Photograph the breathtaking Nomizo Falls
Sometimes to enjoy a memorable experience you need to put in the effort, like waking up early in the morning to snap the sunrise photos of the breathtaking Nomizo Falls. Why during sunrise? Because when the sun hits the Earth, you get to see the rare and amazing views of a streak of light that emerges slowly but surely. Soak up the early sunlight from Nomizo Falls and you will feel the joy throughout the day.
Nomizo Falls
Address: Sasa, Kimitsu, Chiba 292-0526, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
21. Stop for spectacular sunset views at Umihotaru PA
If before you were impressed by a rest area that resembled an elementary school, you will also be impressed by this attraction, another rest stop called Umihatoru PA. Just like the other rest area, Umihatoru PA boasts a unique shape that looks like a big ship. You may want to consider stopping here for a few hours because there is so much to explore in just one place. Dining options and restaurants can be found along with a big game center, gift shops and the best feature that is an upper deck. From the upper deck, you can wonder at the sweeping views of Tokyo Bay. If you decided to stop to get the rest you need, you will feel fresh right away after getting to the upper deck. Our recommendation; take your time before you continue with your trip.
Umihotaru PA
Address: Nakajimachisakiumihotaru, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0071, Japan
Website: Umihotaru PA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
22. Experience an elephant ride at Ichihara Elephant Kingdom
We love elephants because this animal somehow looks so ancient and wise. If you want to meet and play with elephants, you need to visit the Ichihara Elephant Kingdom, the only zoo in Chiba in which you can enjoy an exciting elephant ride. In addition to the elephant ride, Ichihara Elephant Kingdom also features an elephant show where you get to see the elephants dancing or playing soccer. It is so fun to see them dancing or playing soccer, their skills may be better than some of us. One more thing; the zoo also offers other rides, such as camel and pony rides.
Ichihara Elephant Kingdom
Address: 290-0521 Chiba, Ichihara, Yamakogawa, Japan
Website: Ichihara Elephant Kingdom
Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 9am - 5pm (closed on Thu)
Price: 1800 JPY (17 USD)
23. Get a taste of German life at the Tokyo German Village
Even though you are in Japan, you can get a taste of German life at Tokyo German Village. Enjoy a pleasant German rural rife as you are strolling through the theme park. The main features offered include a Ferris wheel, a beer garden, a petting zoo and a selection of games and shops. All these are located in a rural German landscape.
Tokyo German Village
Address: 419 Nagayoshi, Sodegaura, Chiba 299-0204, Japan
Website: Tokyo German Village
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 1200 JPY (11 USD)
24. Hang out with woodland animals at Chiba Zoological Park
Chiba Zoological Park is one of the things Chiba is famous for. It is also where you can hang out with woodland animals. Take a peek at our friends’ habitats, observe their behavior and see how sweet their reaction is when they see us. The zoo is so huge that it comprises seven different zones. One whole day may not be enough if you want to explore all the zones and watch every single animal that lives in the zoo. The must-visit zone is the Small Animals Zone. In this dark-orange section, you can enjoy seeing the cute red pandas. If you are fond of herbivores, you may want to step into the Steppe Zone. Here live elephants, zebras and giraffes, among other herbivores.
Chiba Zoological Park
Address: 280 Minamotocho, Wakaba Ward, Chiba, 264-0037, Japan
Website: Chiba Zoological Park
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 9:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Wed)
Price: 500 JPY (5 USD)
25. Have fun at Kandu Theme Park
It is time to go back to being a kid. Just admit it, you miss the fun of being a kid, don’t you? You do not have to worry about a single thing in this life. Kandu Theme Park is an indoor theme park that provides attractions for younger children. If you know Kidzania, the concept of this theme park is more or less the same. The best way to enjoy this attraction in Chiba is definitely with kids. They are going to have fun with the other kids.
Kandu Theme Park
Address: 261-0024 Chiba, Mihama Ward, Toyosuna, Japan
Website: Kandu Theme Park
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 3300 JPY (31 USD)
26. Spend a day in Funabashi Andersen Park
Another must-visit place in Chiba that offers an opportunity for you to go back to being a kid one more time, and for your kids to keep being kids, is Funabashi Andersen Park. This children’s kingdom recreates the scenery of Denmark, not modern Denmark but rather, an ancient Denmark in the 1800s. The family theme park was built as a dedication to a world-renowned Danish writer, Hans Christian Anderson, who wrote children’s stories.
Funabashi Andersen Park
Address: 525 Kanehoricho, Funabashi, Chiba 274-0054, Japan
Website: Funabashi Andersen Park
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 200 JPY (2 USD)
27. Challenge yourself on the obstacle courses of Shimizu Park
Shimizu Park is more than just a park that boasts a collection of flowers and foliage, it is an adventure park which promises a fun experience for people of all ages. Find your way to the main feature of the park called the field athletics course. Here, you can find a complex of obstacle courses of three different levels. You can enjoy rope bridges, wobbly gangways and a zip line over a pond. Since the obstacle courses are on the water, you need to wear appropriate footwear and do not forget to bring a change of clothes in case your clothes get wet from falling in the water.
Shimizu Park
Address: 906 Shimizu, Noda, Chiba 278-0043, Japan
Website: Shimizu Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 380 JPY (4 USD)
28. Get up close with marine life at Kamogawa Seaworld
By now you may be wondering if Chiba has a place where you can enjoy not only natural beauties and temples but something that is just as alive as us humans. The answer is yes. Chiba also offers an attraction where you can get up close with marine life. Kamogawa Seaworld allows you to discover the underwater world by admiring sea animals and interacting with them. Be amused by the top performances by dolphins, sea lions, killer whales and Belugas.
Book Tours : Kamogawa Seaworld Entrance Ticket
Make Chiba your vacation destination
Now that you have come to the last part of this article, you have read through all the top things to do in Chiba elaborated above. What do you think of Chiba? Can the city tempt you with all of its amazing attractions? Travel to Chiba and you will have a new favorite vacation destination in Asia.
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