Things to Do in Chiba

About Chiba

Where Tokyo's urban pulse meets the gentle embrace of Pacific shores, Chiba unfolds as Japan's best-kept secret—a prefecture that whispers rather than shouts its wonders. Here, the morning mist rises from ancient temples located between bamboo groves, while the scent of ocean brine mingles with cherry blossoms in spring air. Chiba's soul lives in its contrasts: the magical kingdom of dreams at Disneyland, the timeless pilgrimage paths of Narita-san Temple, and fishing villages where weathered boats bob in harbors unchanged by centuries. The prefecture breathes with the rhythm of seasons—strawberry fields painting the landscape crimson in winter, surfable waves drawing adventurers to Shonan beaches in summer, and golden rice paddies stretching toward distant mountains in autumn. This is a land where bullet trains streak past traditional farmhouses, where you can taste the ocean in morning-caught seafood and feel history in every temple bell that echoes across valleys. Chiba invites you to discover Japan's quieter magic, where every moment feels both authentically Japanese and refreshingly unhurried.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase a JR East Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains within Chiba and Tokyo. The Keisei Skyliner connects Narita Airport to central locations efficiently. Local buses accept IC cards like Suica—buy one immediately upon arrival for easy travel.

Money: Carry cash as many local restaurants and shops don't accept cards. Withdraw yen from 7-Eleven ATMs (available 24/7) or Japan Post Bank ATMs. Budget ¥8,000-12,000 daily for meals, attractions, and local transport outside Tokyo Disney Resort area.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering temples, traditional restaurants, and ryokans. Bow slightly when greeting locals. Keep voices low on trains and avoid phone calls. At Narita-san Temple, purify hands and mouth at the water basin before approaching the main hall.

Food Safety: Try Chiba's famous peanuts, sweet potatoes, and fresh seafood—all exceptionally safe. Drink tap water confidently. Look for restaurants with plastic food displays if you can't read Japanese menus. Convenience store food is high-quality and perfect for quick, safe meals.

When to Visit

Spring (March-May) offers Chiba's most enchanting experience with cherry blossoms peaking in early April, temperatures ranging 10-22°C, and minimal rainfall (100-140mm monthly). Expect 20-30% higher accommodation prices during Golden Week (late April-early May). Summer (June-August) brings festival season and beach weather, with temperatures of 20-30°C but heavy rainfall in June-July (150-200mm). The Narita Gion Festival (July) and Tateyama Bay Fireworks (August 8th) are spectacular, though humidity can be intense. Autumn (September-November) delivers comfortable temperatures (15-25°C), impressive fall foliage, and harvest season for Chiba's famous fruits. Typhoon season (September-October) requires weather monitoring. Winter (December-February) offers the most budget-friendly travel with 20-40% lower prices, mild temperatures (5-15°C), and strawberry picking season. The region sees minimal snow, making it perfect for temple visits and Disney parks with shorter queues. Business travelers prefer spring and autumn for conferences, while families favor summer despite crowds. Budget travelers should target January-February, avoiding only New Year week when attractions close.