2026 Chiba Prefecture Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

🏞 Name: Chiba Port Park 📍 Location: Chuo-ku, Chuo Minato 1, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture 🚗 Access: Approximately 15–20 minutes from the nearest IC of each toll road. Parking at Chiba Port Park is free. Summer (June–September): 9:00 AM–9:00 PM Winter (October–May): 9:00 AM–7:00 PM 🚃🚶♂️ Access: About a 1-minute walk from JR Keiyo Line and Chiba Monorail's "Chiba Minato Station." 🕰 Operating Hours: Summer (June–September): 9:00 AM–9:00 PM Winter (October–May): Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM ❣ Recommended Highlights: ☆ Circular Lawn Plaza, Play Plaza, Water Plaza, Beach Plaza (Swimming prohibited) ☆ Outdoor Plaza & BBQ Area Operating hours: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM Enjoy BBQ without bringing your own equipment, with drink options available. Check the official website for more details. ☆ Tennis Courts Court usage: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM ☆ Experience Programs Check the official website for more details. ☆ Chiba Port Tower The observation floor at 113 meters above ground offers breathtaking views. ☆ Chiba Prefectural Museum of Art Enjoy art exhibitions and hands-on art experiences in an artistic space.

💧A trip to cleanse your soul at Nomizo Falls, a miracle of fantastic light and nature Nomizo Falls in Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture, is a fantastic spot where the morning sun shining into the cave reflects on the water surface, creating a heart-shaped light. The author visited during the September equinox and found tears flowing from his eyes as he encountered the mysterious sight in the silence of the early morning. The space is like being lost in the world of Ghibli, and is also perfect for taking photos. It is a treasure trove of nature that shows different expressions with each season, such as early summer when fireflies dance and autumn when the leaves are beautiful. It is recommended for those who want to be quietly healed alone, and those who want to spend a romantic time with their partner. 🚃Access: About 15 minutes by taxi from "Kazusa Kameyama Station" on the JR Kururi Line. 🚗By car: About 38 minutes from "Kimitsu IC" on the Tateyama Expressway, about 33 minutes from "Kisarazu Higashi IC" on the Ken-O Expressway. Free parking (parking lots 1-3 available) #domestic travel #couples trip #solo trip #absolutely free trip #Nomizo Falls #Chiba sightseeing #fantastic spot #nature and healing

Looking for a cost-effective beachside vacation spot? The Tateyama Resort Hotel in Chiba Tateyama is definitely worth considering! This hotel features charming white European-style houses that are perfect for photos on sunny days 📸. Built during the economic bubble era, the facilities may show some age but are impeccably clean. A two-night stay for two people, including two buffet breakfasts, costs around 30,000 yen during the Golden Week (approximately 600 yen per person), and prices are even lower on regular days, making it a great value 💰. The location is unbeatable—just a 2-minute walk to the beach. In summer, the pool is open, and the hotel is beautifully lit at night. The surrounding area is well-equipped, with a golf course and the Aloha Botanical and Animal Park nearby. You can also drive to the lighthouse in just over 10 minutes. The only downside is the soundproofing, which isn't great. However, guests are generally quiet after 10 PM, and most are out during the day, so it doesn't significantly affect the experience. Overall, if you want to enjoy the comfort of a beachside villa without spending a fortune, this place is worth a try! 📍 Address: 352 Konuma, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture, Postal Code 294-0312

I would like to introduce the airport lounge "I.A.S.S SUPERIOR LOUNGE Kiwa -NOA-" that I often use when departing from Narita International Airport Terminal 1. I like the Japanese style, and the interior is designed to allow you to enjoy Japan until the very end! This lounge also serves food and alcohol. You can order food at the counter and take snacks freely in buffet style! When traveling short distances or using LCC, there is no in-flight meal, so I always eat at this lounge before going. 🛫Spot name: I.A.S.S SUPERIOR LOUNGE Kiwa -NOA- 📍Location: Narita International Airport Terminal 1, Central Building 3F ※After security check (international flights) 🕰️Business hours: 7:30-21:00 (last reception time 20:40) 💳Affiliated cards: ※Please check the official website. #Airport #Airport lounge #Spring 0 yen trip

#Seasonal places in Japan #Amazing views Is this really Chiba?! A mystical view that will make you doubt your eyes. Introducing the Torozaka Daishi cut-through tunnel in Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture✨ When I was hooked on driving, I happened to stop by this spot in Chiba☀️There are many people touring there, and it seems to be a famous spot that only those in the know know about! On a clear day, if you go when the sun is rising (1pm-3pm), you can see a mystical view! I went there without any particular idea, so I was lucky to see it by chance♪ 🏔️Spot name: Torozaka Daishi Kiritoshi Tunnel 🕰️Business hours: Open all year round 📍Location: Hagiyu 8-2, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture 🚘Access: 《Car》From Futtsu Takeoka IC, take National Route 127 towards Tateyama There is a red gate (entrance) on National Route 127 ※There is a parking lot on the right side of the red gate (for 5-6 regular cars) 《Train》About a 20-minute walk from JR Uchibo Line Takeoka Station 《Bus》Get off at "Daishiguchi" 🌟Recommended spots nearby: ・Tozenji Torozaka Daishi Hall It is located after passing through the Kiritoshi Tunnel. It is difficult to climb the stairs, but the view is very nice. The approach to the shrine has both a male and female slope, which are worth seeing◎ ・Inari Shrine A small shrine located further back than Tozenji Temple. It is a quieter and more auspicious space. If you have time, please visit here as well◎ #Domestic travel #Chiba sightseeing #Driving #Scenic spots

#MusicFestival #Tokyo #Chiba #summertravel #100 ways to travel Summer Sonic One of the largest music festivals in Japan Strong program lineup and convenient transportation Known as the most suitable music festival for novices to pursue overseas stars The performance lineup is mainly composed of well-known European and American artists, interspersed with big-name Japanese or Korean artists. Only here can you see the spectacle of the Mr.Children Gang’s grand finale to warm up the show. The headliners for 2023 are blur, Kendrick Lama & Liam (brother of Oasis), and the first show on the main stage is NewJeans!! (Oh my God, it smells so good) The Tokyo venue is at Seaside Makuhari Station (the same station as the Mitsui outlet, so supply is convenient). It can be reached on foot in ten minutes after exiting the station. The transportation is much more convenient than Fuji Rock. In terms of accommodation, you can stay at the Keiyo Line Extension Station, or you can stay in the center of Tokyo or just come to the venue for about an hour. When the venue is over, there are so many people heading towards Tokyo that it is often difficult to get on the train, so it is easier to go towards Soga. If you have enough budget and plan ahead, just stay nearby!! Seaside Makuhari Station is usually the venue for various large-scale exhibitions. There are many businesses and star-rated hotels in the surrounding area, but it is usually almost fully booked half a year before Summer Sonic. The venue is very large. The main stage is at the Marine Stage in Chiba Lode Marine. There will also be 3 stages in the indoor venue and 1 beach stage. All types of listeners can find the most suitable way to participate. You can lie down and stay on your favorite stage all day, or you can be a time management master and travel between stages. There is a shuttle bus between the main stage and the indoor area, but when there are many people, it may take more than half an hour to move between stages. Don't make the queue too full and the performances on both stages will be in vain~~ A little tip for laymen: If you want to get a good seat in the grandstand area of ​​the main stage to watch the Headliner, you can go and book a seat in the afternoon. Remember to sit on the right-hand side facing the stage. The stage is generally facing south and north. The right-hand side of the stage is on the west side so that you will not be directly hit by the setting sun. You will be exposed to the sun before you can wait till night~~ That’s about it, let’s experience the rest for ourselves

* The closest station to Marine Stadium, home of the Chiba Lotte Marines, is the South and North Exit Plazas of JR Kaihin Makuhari Station. From Friday, November 11, 2022 to Tuesday, January 31, 2023, the illuminations will be lit up as "Makuhari Illumination" and it's very sparkly😊 #KaihinMakuhari #Illumination #MakuhariIllumination #ChibaTrip #ChibaTourism

Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, has a retro streetscape along the river! There are various restaurants along the river, this time I went to "Wordsworth"! There are many kinds of pasta, pizza, salads, soups, a lot of delicious dishes!! I had "Spaghetti Gratin Tyrolean Style". There was a soft-boiled egg hidden under the cheese! It was very delicious◎ #ChibaGourmet #ChibaPrefecture #Sawara #RetroStreetStreet #Gourmet #GourmetTrip #Lunch

Introducing Sawara, a small Edo water town in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture! Sawara flourished as a transit point on the Tone River, and even today, the old streets along the river are filled with Edo atmosphere. It's about an hour and a half by car from the city center! It's the perfect place for a day trip or a weekend getaway! There are restaurants and shops along the river, and you can take a boat ride along the river. Katori Shrine is also nearby, so you can visit both! #retrotownscape #chiba #chibaprefecture #chibatrip #tourism #touristspots #greatviews

Located on the Boso Peninsula and selected as one of Japan's 100 Low Mountains, Mt. Nokogiri has been actively quarried since the Edo period as a source of high-quality stone. As a result, the exposed rock surface looks like a saw, which is why it is called that. In addition to the many hiking trails, the mountain also has a ropeway, making it a major tourist destination on the Boso Peninsula. 😋 The best part of this mountain is being able to witness the skills of the stonecutters of the time, and you'll be overwhelmed by the traces of the cut rocks that are up to 80 meters high. The view from the summit is amazing, and if you're lucky, you can even see Mt. Fuji! The most famous of these is the "Peek into Hell," and it's no exaggeration to say that I went there just to see this lol There are many other tourist spots, and it was a mountain full of charm. ⛰ Of all the mountains I've been to, this is by far the place I would recommend. #JapanGenkiProject2021 #SummerShortTrip #SecretSummerResort #BreathtakingView

Sunchild Chiba, located in Onjuku, Chiba Prefecture Onjuku is famous as a surfing mecca, with great waves. 🌊 This shop offers surfing lessons for just 6,600 yen, including everything from rentals to showers. ^_^ Even beginners can feel at ease, as they'll provide thorough instruction. ✨ The shop has lots of cute items, from boards to marine gear, so be sure to stop by. 😊 #SummerTrip #JapanGenkiProject2021 #Chiba #Surfing #SeasideView #SummerTrip

We're at Costco! Costco has become a popular family travel spot. Costco is said to be the origin of the phrase "This is so hot!" However, it would be difficult to fully explain Costco in this few words, so let's talk about tiramisu. There are many tiramisu experts on trip memory, and since we're all tired of hearing the usual stories, let's consider how human desires change from the perspective of tiramisu. Humans have three basic needs: hunger, sex, and sleep. Why these three? I won't go into detail here, but these three desires are actually related, and from that perspective, you'll notice that the elements people seek in sweets and the elements they seek in a lover are very similar. There are similarities, like the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of tiramisu and the heart-melting sweetness of romance, but we'll leave the romance-brain out for now. In a word, it's "value for money." Among these, this time I'll focus on "performance." The elements people seek in a partner in romance. First, in the "wild" era, when the world was not yet at peace. The element people sought in men was "strength." Pure strength to protect themselves from external enemies and survive. This tendency remains in the wild, but humans were similar until a generation ago. In the Middle Ages, giants were a threat if people left their cages, so muscular, strong warriors were preferred over handsome men. Times moved on. The existence of nations on Earth became known to the world, marking the most peaceful period in history. Perhaps around the Meiji period, the age of the sword came to an end, and a new era, where everyone could live in peace after the sacrifices of the bloody sword, began. Muscles had become a form of entertainment. At the same time, capital gained more power than violence. The quality of men's desires shifted from "muscle" to "wealth." Few people of this generation are familiar with the popular phrase "Marrying into a wealthy oil or real estate tycoon is wonderful!" Around this time, the bubble era began, ushering in a chaotic era in which money and greed intermingled to the extreme. But then the bubble burst. The lost 30 years, the "Heisei Recession," marked a period of stagnation. Young people lacked money, dreams, and passion, but during the bubble, the country accumulated wealth, and each prefecture developed world-class infrastructure and systems. In short, it was an era when life was easy. In Tokyo, part-time workers earned ¥1,000 per hour. Working 10 hours a day earned ¥300,000 a month. A monthly income of ¥20,000. Easy. This was Japan's temporary easy mode. We live in an age where we no longer need muscles or large amounts of money to survive. The only thing we want from a man is "entertainment." Finally, we've entered an era where we no longer need a man, and instead seek out a man as a luxury item. He needs to look good, have no flaws, and, ideally, be entertaining. And, if possible, low "cost." Now, all you tiramisu masters have probably noticed by now. Tiramisu throughout history has undergone a similar transformation. In times of poverty and sugar scarcity, tiramisu was sought after as a lump of sweetness. It was like a Chinese mooncake. It lasted a long time and was a sweet bomb! As time passed, As people gained money, they preferred expensive, high-quality products, like those from famous pastry chefs or famous brands. At the same time, tiramisu believers began to emerge. Some enthusiasts traveled to Italy every year to the Tiramisu World Cup to study the craft. Their blood, tears, and mascarpone cheese set the standard for tiramisu. This led to the creation of the tiramisu line. Then, with the advent of deflation, the question became how to fill our stomachs with large quantities of tiramisu at the lowest possible cost while maintaining the tiramisu line. That's it. Costco's tiramisu. It's reasonably tasty. It's impactful and satisfying. It can be frozen and enjoyed in a variety of ways, but there's just too much. This is the king of cost-effective tiramisu, symbolizing the Heisei era. In the Reiwa era, cost-effective tiramisu has evolved into "photogenic" tiramisu. This tiramisu is more photogenic and impactful than flavorful. The original Beckerie is the most famous, but the Pinatubo tiramisu, famous for the line, "Oh no, the cocoa powder's going to erupt!", is also hard to beat. That's all. I used tiramisu as an example this time to concretely demonstrate the correlation between sweetness and love. If you have a favorite dessert, please share it. I want you to compare the history of sweets with the original. And above all, what I wanted to convey is that This story has a future. Eye-catching tiramisu is not the end point. In the future, the tiramisu that people desire will likely change again to keep up with the changing times. At that time, don't miss your chance to catch your sweetheart. Observe. Tiramisu. And taste. Tiramisu. ... Glory to tiramisu. #Chiba #Costco #Tiramisu #WinningTipsForLove #SupportTourism #ConsideringTravelWithChangingTimes #PeopleAreThinkingFeet #DateSweets #SupportTourism #GourmetTrip #TravelWithKids

Ban-ya is a place often featured on TV where you can casually enjoy fresh seafood. Long lines form at this restaurant at lunchtime. They offer seafood set meals at a reasonable price. The ocean is right in front of the restaurant, which adds to the excitement. They also sell dried fish and other souvenirs. #SeasideView #SupportTourism

A school where you can stay with your friends, Chonan Nishi Elementary School, is an abandoned school in Chonan Town, Chiba Prefecture 🏫 A large field where sports days can be held, and accommodation rooms that were renovated from former classrooms! There is also a nostalgic library, music room, kitchen, and gymnasium! You're sure to have a good time reminiscing about those old days!! It is only available to one group per day, so you can enjoy the large school building all to yourself! Up to 84 people can use it! There is also a stylish cafe attached ☕️ #Chiba #AbandonedSchool #SpringEnjoyingTrip #TrainingCamp #ChonanTown

The streets of Sawara in Chiba Prefecture Full of historical atmosphere. Take a boat ride, learn about the history of Sawara from a guide, and eat sweet red bean soup at a long-established restaurant. Perfect for sightseeing!! As expected, Sawara is amazing. #Historic sites that make you feel the history

[Tokyo] It is a great pleasure to have friends coming from afar I love the streets of Japan 🇯🇵🛣 The wide streets 🛤 have another flavor #bucketlist#tbt

Yokohama Ramen Masudaya is a recommended spot for those looking to casually enjoy authentic Japanese ramen in the central Chiba area. This family-style ramen restaurant has long been a favorite among locals, conveniently located for dinner or a final drink after sightseeing or shopping. This classic ramen, with its rich pork bone and soy sauce broth and medium-thick noodles, is the perfect memento of your trip to Japan. Popular Menu Items 🍜 • Ramen ¥850 • Negi Ramen ¥1000 • Char Siu Ramen ¥1100 Side Menu • Gyoza ¥350 • Fried Rice ¥700 With mostly counter seating, it's easy for solo travelers to drop in, and the restaurant's charm lies in the authentic Japanese ramen shop atmosphere. Please note that payment is cash only. Recommended for those looking for a truly Japanese bowl of ramen in between sightseeing in Chiba. 🍜 📍 Store Information • Address: 2-22-5 Fujimi, Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture • Payment Method: Cash only #ramen #domestictravel #japanesefood #chiba #chiba #chibafood

The best part about renting the entire house is that you can spend time with family and friends at your own pace without worrying about others. Three families stay here every year. The rooms are very clean, and from the moment we arrived, we knew we loved the place. There are three bedrooms, so each family stays separately. The main room even has a bathroom! Unlike a hotel, it feels like we're visiting someone's lovely vacation home. We chatted together in the living room, enjoyed a BBQ outside, and even without a full schedule, we enjoyed just spending time together. I think this is an inn where you can experience the luxury of doing nothing. Being able to do your laundry is also a big plus, and was really helpful when traveling with children or for multiple nights. Simply reducing the amount of luggage you bring really reduces the stress of traveling. Located in a quiet area surrounded by Tateyama's nature, it's easily accessible and perfect as a base for sightseeing or a relaxing stay. I recommend this inn for family trips, as well as for friends and large groups. If I come back to Tateyama, I'd definitely like to stay here again. #DomesticTravel #Tateyama #ChibaTrip #LargeGroupTrip #VisitJapan

Showa Retro Kuroneko-do 185-8 Higashifukai, Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture 270-0101 This antique and vintage shop is rare in this area. It's also only open for a limited time each year, making it a rare find. I finally had the chance to visit the other day. It was unfortunate that the husband, a Yazawa fan, was absent and couldn't meet me, but the lovely wife was there to serve me. Elementary school students must be accompanied by a parent. It's understandable, considering the many valuable items. This shop is also listed on Mercari, but the physical store is also small, but packed with beautiful items in a clean, well-maintained condition, likely thanks to the wife's tasteful interior layout and cute signage. I was able to shop for a few items for the first time in a while, and had a very enjoyable time. There's ample parking, though limited. The husband is a highly skilled craftsman, and I was impressed to hear that he maintains clocks and audio equipment to keep them in working order. This is purely my personal opinion, but I think the prices at the physical store are more reasonable than those on Mercari. The opening date is regularly announced on Twitter and Instagram, so just keep an eye out. I highly recommend this shop to anyone in the area who loves retro items. I came from afar to visit, but the wide range of items makes it well worth a visit. Wonderful antique shops like this are becoming rarer, so I hope this shop will remain open for a long time. Thank you. #domestictravel #retro #antiques

The Sawara Matsuri, held in Chiba’s historic canal town of Sawara, is a spectacular Edo-era festival known for its towering, elaborately carved floats. During spring and autumn, massive dashi topped with dramatic figures are pulled through narrow streets, accompanied by music and chants. The festival reflects Sawara’s past wealth as a river port and remains a powerful expression of local pride, craftsmanship, and community spirit. #日本 #千葉県 #佐原 #japan #sawara #chiba #matsuri

I came to Kamagaya Stadium, the home of the Nippon-Ham Fighters' second team, located in Kamagaya City, Chiba Prefecture. Nippon-Ham has decided to relocate its second team to Hokkaido in the future, so Kamagaya Stadium's future is uncertain. Here you can meet the second team's mascot, Cubby, who is very cute, and have your photo taken with him. There are several buses departing from nearby train stations, so you can arrive in time for the start of a game. It's very convenient. It's also relatively easy to get autographs from players. #KamagayaStadium

Ready to swap the city grind for freedom and salty air? 🌊☀️ Chiba gets a well know attention — this legendary Japanese surf place actually hosted Olympic surfing event! If you’re chasing perfect waves, local food, and epic natural scenery, here’s the scoop. #WaveChaser #CoffeeViews #TravelFreedom #NatureVision #Chibasurfing #Japansurf

This is a campsite I visited 2-3 years ago that's absolutely perfect for winter, and I really want to rave about it! For those who want to camp but don't want to bring gear or freeze, this is a must-visit! ❤️‍🔥 📍 Takatakiko Grand Ping Risotto (Chiba, Ichihara) Address: 1012-1 Yoro, Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture ⸻ 🏠Highlight 1: Stay in a yurt – the winter atmosphere is off the charts! This isn't just an ordinary tent; it's— ✨ Yurt + fireplace + BBQ ✨ Light the fire at night, and the romance of winter is instantly achieved. Why is it perfect for winter? • The yurt is super warm! • There's a fireplace at night, creating a great atmosphere! • All the food is BBQ, the most comfortable camping experience in winter! • You can check in empty-handed! ⸻ 🍳 Highlight 2: A private "kitchen kitchen" for a relaxed camping experience You can order meals in advance upon check-in; I chose a set meal that included food. At mealtimes, you retrieve your food from the locker (they'll give you a key), and then— 👉 take it to your private kitchen to grill! The kitchen has a handwashing area; it's small but very practical, giving you the feeling of "staying overnight" outdoors! The yurt is fully equipped: ✔ Refrigerator ✔ Air conditioning ✔ Comfortable beds The only things not indoors are: 🚻 Toilet & 🚿 Shower → You need to go to the shared area But overall, it's very convenient! ⸻ 👶🐶 Highlight 3: Perfect for families with children and dogs! This campsite was originally a converted primary school, making it especially suitable for families with children and pets. There are plenty of indoor activities: 🏀 Basketball 🏓 Table tennis 🧸 Indoor play area for kids The outdoor space is also huge, perfect for kids and dogs to run around in! ⸻ 🎡 The surrounding area is also great! Staying here makes for a perfect day trip + camping combination👇 ✨ Tokyo Doitsu Village (Highly Recommended!) It's currently the illumination season, and the night view is absolutely stunning! During the day, there are slides, a play area, and small animals, enough to keep the kids entertained all day. ✨ Ichihara Zōnokun You can see elephants up close and interact with other animals; kids will be thrilled! ⸻ 🧭 In summary: For a relaxing winter camping trip, I highly recommend this place! ✔ No need to bring equipment ✔ Warm and atmospheric yurts ✔ Family-friendly & pet-friendly ✔ Nearby attractions can keep you entertained for a whole day ✔ Perfect for weekend getaways/family trips/luxury camping for couples Don't know where to go in winter? This campsite will truly make you feel like you've come to the right place!

Before boarding my international flight, I went sightseeing in Narita! Of course, I visited Naritasan Omotesando. Don't worry if you don't have much time! Naritasan is a compact temple with plenty to see, making it a wonderful final memory of your time in Japan. I drew a bad fortune when I drew my fortune...a first for me. Afterwards, I ate eel for good luck! Just like the rows of eel restaurants along Naritasan's approach, there's also a delicious one inside Narita Airport! It goes without saying that it's a famous restaurant. Don't forget that there's in-flight meals, so don't overeat! 😂😂 #Narita #NaritaAirport #DomesticTravel #JapanTrip #Naritasan

Enjoy empty-handed glamping in Chiba Prefecture! ⛺️ The tents are heated, so you won't feel cold, and there's even a hot spring. Enjoy delicious meat and seafood—it's the best! 🙌🏻 Recommended even for those who aren't big fans of camping! Enjoy a night BBQ and breakfast. You can also enjoy the bar at night. 🥂 📍 Sport & Do Resort Resol no Mori 🏠 @resolnomori 〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰 ♡ Save this for future reference ✍🏻 〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰 #ResolNoMori #Glamping #DomesticTravel #Travel #Camping #HotSpringGlamping #GlampingChiba #GlampingResort #ChibaTrip #ChibaTourism #Camping #Camp

#falladventures Escape Tokyo’s fast pace and unwind in the soft colors of autumn in Chiba City 🍁✨ Only 40 minutes from central Tokyo on the Sobu Line (Rapid), Chiba offers the perfect blend of city comfort and peaceful nature. With big event venues like Makuhari Messe sitting alongside quiet parks, ponds, and traditional gardens, it’s an ideal destination for a relaxed fall day trip or weekend escape. Peak foliage usually appears from late November to early December. 🍁 Mihama-en Japanese Garden A serene Japanese garden tucked among the modern towers of Kaihin-Makuhari. Autumn brings warm shades of red and gold reflected beautifully across the pond. After wandering the garden paths, you can join a traditional tea ceremony with matcha and wagashi. A perfect stop if you’re staying nearby or attending an event at Makuhari Messe. 🍁 Chiba Park Just a short walk from Chiba Station, this spacious park wraps around a large pond ringed with vibrant maple trees. In late autumn, the reflections on the water are stunning. The newly opened Shibaniwa area adds cozy cafés where you can relax with a warm drink between your strolls. 🍁 Izumi Nature Park Ideal for travelers with rental cars, this park is farther from the city center but rewards visitors with sweeping, dramatic autumn landscapes. The view from the red bridge is especially magical—the deep crimson leaves mirrored perfectly on the still water below. It feels like stepping into a classic Japan autumn painting. Whether you're seeking calm moments in a Japanese garden, leisurely lakeside walks, or photogenic forests glowing with color, Chiba City delivers a refreshing break from Tokyo without the need for long travel. A gentle, beautiful way to savor the final weeks of autumn. 🍂🍁🌤️

If you have a long stay in Tokyo coming up or you’re returning and need some new ideas try checking out Chiba, a cute city just under an hour from downtown Tokyo. It has so much character and some very unique experiences, I spent a morning there and loved it! The city is famous for it’s port tower, suspended train and it’s chilled waterside vibes - it still feels like a big Japanese city but it is a lot calmer than it’s big sister Tokyo. You can take the metro directly to Chiba station then jump on the monorail to see the city in all it’s glory . You can take the JO (Blue line starting at Tokyo station) or the JB Line (yellow line, slower but still doable) with numerous connections in the north of Tokyo city. The Chiba port tower is an amazing little piece of history built to celebrate the town growing to a city status, it is a little dated inside but it is cheap entry and offers amazing views of the city - on a clear day you can see Tokyo in the distance! For me the highlight was the Chiba monorail, the world’s longest suspended monorail - it feels like an amusement park ride as you dangle high above the roads and curve in between big buildings. There are loads of amazing spots around Chiba station to see the monorail snake between the buildings, it is such a cool sight! Just before the port tower there is also a cute modern art gallery that is free entry and has some interesting local art with a nice little gift shop. The Chiba station has a huge mall at it’s base with a wide range of food options, gift shops and information areas. A very nice little city to have a break from Tokyo. #tokyospots #travel #japan #chiba #monorail #transport #thingstodo #citydaytours #myitinerary