Things To Do
in Urayasu
Urayasu is a coastal city in Chiba Prefecture immediately east of Tokyo, best known as the home of Tokyo Disney Resort in the Maihama area. Built largely on reclaimed land, it offers waterfront promenades, canals, marinas and a mix of modern residential neighborhoods and parks. Long a fishing village, Urayasu still highlights fresh seafood and maritime culture alongside family-oriented attractions.
It is a convenient base for exploring Tokyo, the Boso Peninsula and Tokyo Bay's coastal scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Urayasu City Museum, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the area. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the nearby parks, taking in the serene landscapes and cherry blossoms if in season. Stop by a local café to savor a traditional Japanese breakfast, featuring grilled fish and miso soup.
After lunch, head to the Urayasu Folk Museum to delve deeper into the local heritage, with interactive exhibits showcasing traditional crafts and life in the Edo period. Take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade, enjoying the scenic views of the Tokyo Bay. Don’t forget to visit the local shops for unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.
As the sun sets, indulge in a delightful dinner at a nearby izakaya, trying out various small plates of Japanese cuisine. After your meal, take a peaceful evening walk along the waterfront, where you can enjoy the shimmering lights reflecting on the water. Conclude your day with a visit to a local onsen for a relaxing soak under the stars.
Start your magical day early by heading to Tokyo Disneyland, just a short distance from Urayasu. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere, taking photos in front of Cinderella's Castle. Grab a quick breakfast at one of the park's bakeries, featuring delightful pastries and fresh coffee.
Spend the afternoon enjoying thrilling rides and attractions, from the whimsical It's a Small World to the adventurous Splash Mountain. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters and take part in interactive shows throughout the park. For lunch, choose from a variety of themed restaurants offering delicious Japanese and international cuisine.
As the evening approaches, grab a spot for the spectacular parade, where vibrant floats and characters come to life. After the parade, enjoy a magical dinner within the park, experiencing the themed dining options. End your day by watching the breathtaking fireworks display light up the night sky over the castle.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-6 |
| 🚆Local train fare (short trip) | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-180 |
| 🛒Weekly groceries (for one person) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Very convenient location near Tokyo with easy access to Tokyo Disney Resort
- Pleasant waterfront promenades, canals and fresh seafood
- Family-friendly amenities and good public transport connections
- Quieter, more residential alternative to central Tokyo with coastal scenery
- Less nightlife and cultural attractions within the city compared with central Tokyo
- Hot, humid summers and occasional typhoon-related disruptions
- Some neighborhoods are spread out and require bikes, trains or taxis to navigate
- "こんにちは" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "お願いします" - Please (when requesting)
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Urayasu
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic theme-park landscapes, castle and themed areas provide striking daytime and night photography; early mornings and fireworks evenings are especially photogenic.
Reclaimed-island promenades, marinas and canal-side houses offer modern urban coastal scenes, reflections at golden hour and serene morning light.
Riverside parks have long vistas, bridges and boats that work well for landscape and urban-nature combo shots — good for sunset photography.
Capture lively market activity, seafood displays, and working harbor scenes — best early in the morning when activity is highest.
Food in Urayasu
Urayasu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Local restaurants and small seafood stalls serve very fresh catches from Tokyo Bay — try sashimi, grilled fish sets and donburi at market-side eateries or port-area restaurants.
Must-Try!
A Chiba specialty of finely minced fish (usually horse mackerel) mixed with miso and herbs; try it at local seafood restaurants or izakayas.
Traditional tempura and soba combinations are common and satisfying — many local soba shops do quality sets at reasonable prices.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small morning fish markets and wholesalers near the port area offer fresh seafood and occasional market stalls; arrive early for the best selection and a lively local scene.
The shopping/entertainment complex near Tokyo Disney has a variety of street-food style outlets, snacks, and international options for visitors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Keep phones on silent and speak quietly on trains; prioritize seating for elderly, pregnant and disabled passengers.
Remove shoes when entering private homes, certain ryokan, temples, and sometimes traditional restaurants; look for shoe racks or slippers.
Politeness, queuing and following local rules are expected — bowing, using basic Japanese greetings, and saying thank you leave a good impression.
Public trash bins are limited; carry your trash with you and separate recyclables where signage indicates.
Safety
Tipping in Urayasu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; polite service charges may be included in restaurants. Express appreciation with a thank-you rather than cash tips.
Cash (Japanese yen) is still widely used; IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo) are convenient for trains, buses and many shops. Credit/debit cards are commonly accepted in Maihama, large stores and hotels but smaller shops and some local eateries may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossom season (late March–early April) brings park blossoms along rivers and in local parks; mild temperatures and comfortable walking weather make exploration pleasant.
Hot, humid and busy — June brings the rainy season (tsuyu), July–August are hot with humidity and occasional typhoons; seaside activities and festivals are common but plan for heat and sudden storms.
September–November offers cooler, drier weather, good visibility, and autumn foliage later in the season; ideal for outdoor walks and nearby coastal hikes.
Winters are cool and relatively dry with mild daytime temperatures; occasional cold snaps but snow is rare — clear days give crisp views across Tokyo Bay.
Urayasu at Night
Hiking in Urayasu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular, accessible hiking destination west of central Tokyo offering forested trails, viewpoints and shrine visits; accessible by train (about 60–90 minutes depending on connections).
Coastal walks and cliff trails on the Boso Peninsula (Chiba) offer seaside scenery, small fishing towns and diverse coastal landscapes — best accessed by car or regional trains.
Notable for dramatic quarry cliffs and panoramic views over Tokyo Bay and the Boso coast; a longer day trip but rewarding for hikers and photographers.
Airports
How to reach Urayasu by plane.
Closest major airport to Urayasu by travel time (around 20–50 minutes depending on transport). Accessible via car, taxi or public transport connections; convenient for domestic and international arrivals.
Major international gateway located northeast of Urayasu (roughly 50–80 minutes by express train or airport bus depending on route). Many limousine buses and rail connections link Narita to Urayasu and Maihama.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Urayasu hosts many families who commute into Tokyo for work — neighborhoods often have family-oriented services, parks and schools.
The proximity to Tokyo Disney Resort means a significant population of hospitality and service workers, including younger employees and international staff.
Like much of Japan, there is an aging segment of long-term residents; municipal services reflect mixed-age demographics.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is hugely popular across the region; nearby Chiba hosts professional teams and many locals play or follow the sport.
Soccer has a strong following with local youth clubs and opportunities to watch J-League matches in the prefecture.
Given Urayasu’s coastal location, recreational boating, sailing and fishing are popular among residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Urayasu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in major Tokyo neighborhoods; family restaurants, udon/soba shops (ask for dashi without fish), and some cafes can accommodate — carry a card explaining dietary restrictions in Japanese to help.
Vegan and strict gluten-free choices are limited; larger shopping centers and hotels near Maihama may offer some options. Plan ahead, use apps to find suitable restaurants, and communicate restrictions clearly in Japanese.
Shellfish and soy are common in local cuisine; bring translated allergy cards and inform staff before ordering. Many places will try to help, but options vary.