Things To Do
in Chiba
Chiba is a prefecture located on the eastern coast of Japan, adjacent to Tokyo. It is known for its beautiful coastline, which includes popular surfing spots like Ichinomiya and Onjuku. Inland, Chiba offers a mix of urban cityscapes and tranquil rural areas filled with rice fields and historic temples.
Visitors can also enjoy attractions such as Tokyo Disneyland Resort, Narita Airport, and Chiba Port Tower.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Kujukuri Beach, where you can enjoy the sunrise. Take a leisurely stroll along the shore to appreciate the serene beauty.
Head to the nearby Onjuku Beach for a delightful lunch at a beachside café. Spend the afternoon swimming or relaxing in the sun.
Wrap up your day with a sunset view from the beach. Have dinner at a local seafood restaurant to taste fresh catches from the ocean.
Visit the Narita-san Shinsho-ji Temple, an iconic temple known for its beautiful architecture. Take time to explore the peaceful grounds and admire the ancient trees.
Enjoy lunch in Narita's quaint town, sampling local delicacies. Afterward, stop by the Narita Omotesando, a charming street lined with shops and snacks.
Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the vicinity. Dine at a local izakaya to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Tokyo, making it convenient for commuting and tourism.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including beaches and parks.
- Rich cultural heritage and historical sites, such as Narita-san Shinsho-ji Temple.
- Diverse culinary scene, famous for sushi and fresh seafood.
- Affordability compared to Tokyo in terms of living costs.
- Public transportation can be less frequent than in central Tokyo.
- Some areas may lack the vibrancy of larger cities.
- Typhoon season can bring severe weather and disruption.
- Limited English signage and services may pose challenges for non-Japanese speakers.
- Summer humidity can be uncomfortable for some residents.
Best Activities in Chiba
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Take a beautiful drive through flower fields and rural landscapes on the Boso Flower Line, especially stunning in spring and early summer.
Relax on the sandy beaches, or try surfing and other water sports at Kamogawa and Onjuku, popular beach destinations in Chiba.
Hike or cycle through the scenic trails of the Boso Peninsula, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and lush greenery.
Experience farm activities, animal encounters, and picturesque views of Mount Fuji at the popular agro-tourism destination, Mother Farm in Chiba.
Tours
Uncover the best of Chiba with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Chiba
Visit one of these nice places.
A museum with beautiful traditional houses and gardens offering great photographic opportunities
A popular theme park with many iconic spots for photography and great views of the surrounding area
Offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline
Food in Chiba
Chiba Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Futomaki Sushi, a type of thick sushi roll, is a popular local specialty in Chiba. It is characterized by its generous fillings of fresh seafood and vegetables, wrapped in a layer of seasoned rice and seaweed. For an authentic experience, visit traditional sushi restaurants or local markets like Choshi Fish Market.
Must-Try!
Kaisendon, or seafood rice bowl, is a must-try dish for seafood enthusiasts. It features an assortment of sashimi-grade seafood such as tuna, salmon, and squid served on a bed of fragrant Japanese rice. Don't miss the chance to savor this dish at Choshi Gyoko-dori Market or local seaside eateries.
Sanma, or Pacific saury, is a seasonal delicacy and a top choice for seafood lovers. This fish is often grilled to perfection and seasoned with salt, providing a flavorful and aromatic experience. Taste the best Sanma dishes at coastal restaurants and local izakayas.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Chiba better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Makuhari Fish Market is a bustling hub where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant seafood culture of Chiba. It offers an array of fresh catches, and visitors can also indulge in street food stalls offering grilled seafood skewers, sashimi bowls, and local snacks.
At Kamogawa Sea World, visitors can explore various street food stalls offering delectable seafood treats such as grilled sea urchin, scallop skewers, and tempura-fried fish. It's an ideal place to savor coastal flavors while enjoying the scenic views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Chiba, it is customary to bow as a sign of respect when greeting someone. The depth of the bow can vary depending on the formality of the situation.
It is important to remove your shoes before entering someone's home or certain traditional establishments in Chiba. This shows respect for the cleanliness of the indoor space.
When eating in Chiba, it's important to follow proper chopstick etiquette, such as not sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, which is associated with funeral rituals and is considered disrespectful.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Chiba with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Chiba
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Chiba. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, taxis, or other service industries.
In Chiba, as in the rest of Japan, cash is still widely used for most transactions. However, credit cards are becoming increasingly accepted in larger establishments and tourist areas. Mobile payment methods such as IC cards and digital wallets are also gaining popularity.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Chiba.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit to see cherry blossoms in full bloom and enjoy pleasant weather.
Expect warm and humid weather, with many outdoor festivals and events.
Perfect time to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves and cooler temperatures.
Expect chilly weather, but a great time to experience winter illuminations and seasonal cuisine.
Chiba at Night
Hiking in Chiba
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking trail leading to the historic Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, surrounded by beautiful nature and seasonal flowers.
A family-friendly hiking area with easy trails, offering beautiful views of cherry blossoms in spring and various recreational activities.
An urban park featuring several walking paths through lush greenery, suitable for leisurely hikes and nature walks.
A moderately difficult hiking trail that offers glimpses of the Tokyo Bay and surrounding natural landscapes.
A stunning coastal hiking path that allows hikers to enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and rugged cliffs along the Tateyama coastline.
A vast nature park with multiple hiking trails that allow visitors to explore diverse ecosystems and wildlife native to the Boso Peninsula.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Chiba through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Chiba by plane.
The primary international airport serving Tokyo, located approximately 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo and not far from Chiba.
One of the two primary airports serving Tokyo, located closer to the city center, approximately 70 kilometers from Chiba.
An international airport located in Shizuoka Prefecture, approximately 150 kilometers west of Chiba.
An international airport located in Osaka Prefecture, approximately 400 kilometers west of Chiba, serving the greater Kansai region.
An airport located near Nagoya, approximately 350 kilometers west of Chiba, serving international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in Chiba, consisting of native Japanese individuals.
Includes a variety of expatriates and long-term residents from different countries, contributing to the multicultural aspect of Chiba.
A significant community of Korean residents, including both permanent residents and recent immigrants.
A growing demographic group represented by Chinese nationals and their families, often involved in business and education.
A notable community of Filipino workers and families, contributing to the labor force in various industries.
Includes descendants of Japanese emigrants to Brazil, as well as recent migrants from Brazil returning to Japan.
An increasing population of Vietnamese workers, students, and families in Chiba.
Smaller communities from various countries, including Nepalese, Indian, and others contributing to the diversity of Chiba.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Chiba, home to the Chiba Lotte Marines, a professional team in Nippon Professional Baseball.
Soccer enjoys significant popularity in Chiba, with teams like JEF United Chiba playing in the J-League.
Basketball is a popular sport in schools and local leagues, with a growing interest in professional leagues.
Rugby is actively played at various levels, with local clubs and schools contributing to its popularity.
Tennis is widely played recreationally, with numerous tennis courts available across Chiba.
Running events and marathons are popular in Chiba, attracting both local participants and visitors.
Various forms of martial arts, including Judo and Karate, are practiced widely in Chiba.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chiba.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Chiba's traditional cuisine heavily features seafood, many restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for dishes like vegetable tempura, tofu-based meals, and fresh salads. Additionally, major cities like Chiba City and Narita have specialized restaurants catering to vegetarian and vegan diets.
Visitors with gluten-free dietary needs can still enjoy Chiba's cuisine by opting for rice-based dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and rice bowls. It's advisable to communicate any dietary restrictions clearly at restaurants, and some establishments are accommodating to customizing dishes to suit gluten-free requirements.