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As the interests of foreign tourists visiting Japan become increasingly diverse, new attractions in Japan's regional areas are being rediscovered. Chiba Prefecture, in particular, occupies an important position as a tourist gateway, thanks to the presence of Narita International Airport and easy access to Tokyo. However, Chiba Prefecture is more than just a transit point through the airport; it is also attracting attention for its unique scenery, culture, food, and experiences, capturing the hearts of many foreign visitors. In this article, we will clearly introduce the spots and activities that will allow foreign visitors to enjoy Chiba Prefecture to the fullest, by area, and also suggest recommended sightseeing plans. We also aim to create a comprehensive guide that will serve as an opportunity for Japanese visitors to rediscover the prefecture.

Why is Chiba Prefecture so popular with foreign tourists?

Located east of Tokyo, Chiba Prefecture is an important region, home to the international hub airport, Narita International Airport. Chiba is often the first prefecture encountered by tourists arriving in Japan, and many depart from there for other destinations across the country. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend of inbound travelers choosing to stay in Chiba for a few days to enjoy local culture and natural attractions. One of the reasons for this is its diverse tourist resources. For example, Chiba boasts a geographical feature that allows visitors to enjoy both ocean and mountain scenery, a coastline with breathtaking views such as the Boso Peninsula and Kujukuri Beach, world-famous tourist destinations such as Tokyo Disney Resort, and even cultural and artistic experiences such as traditional townscapes, fishing village experiences, hot springs, and Japanese swordsmithing. Furthermore, its location within an hour of Tokyo's center makes it an ideal location for short-term international tourists. Chiba Prefecture perfectly meets these needs: those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience nature without the hassle and expense of travel.

Easy access! Chiba sightseeing start guide from Narita International Airport

It's actually very convenient to depart for sightseeing from Narita Airport

Narita International Airport is a recommended starting point for sightseeing in Chiba Prefecture. Directly connected to the airport are the Keisei Electric Railway Skyliner and the JR Narita Express, providing convenient access to Tokyo. However, what's noteworthy are the fascinating tourist attractions in and around Narita City. A steady stream of international tourists spend a few days in Chiba before heading to Tokyo. For example, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, known as one of Japan's most powerful spots, boasts over 10 million annual visitors. The temple offers particularly beautiful scenery during the New Year's visit and autumn foliage seasons. Kimono rentals are available against the backdrop of historical architecture, making it a popular spot for international tourists seeking Instagrammable photos. The airport is easily accessible from downtown, about 15 minutes by bus. Narita, Chiba's gateway, is the perfect destination for your first trip to Japan.

Must-see tourist spots and food culture in the Narita area

The charm of walking around Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and Omotesando

If you're visiting Narita, you can't miss Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Its majestic atmosphere, often featured on television, contrasts with the townscape beloved by locals, evoking a sense of travel. The long approach to Shinshoji Temple is lined with restaurants serving sushi, eel, Japanese sweets, and more, offering a Japanese food experience popular with foreigners. We especially recommend the eel dishes cooked right before your eyes by a chef. Eel is known as a Narita specialty and is a firm favorite with tourists. English menus and helpful staff are gradually becoming available, so even beginners can enjoy gourmet food with peace of mind.

Enjoy a variety of Japanese cultural experiences: kimono rental and tea ceremony experience

The experience of donning a kimono and strolling along the approach to the shrine and surrounding streets is highly popular on Instagram and other platforms, and is especially popular among young tourists visiting Japan. Many groups rent kimonos on the spot and spend time taking photos. Narita City's cultural centers also offer many programs that allow visitors to experience Japanese culture for the first time, such as tea ceremony and calligraphy experiences and Japanese sword viewing. For Western tourists in particular, hands-on cultural exchange is a factor that increases their travel satisfaction.

How to Spend Time Around Disney Resort: It's a Waste to Just Visit for a Day

Recommended hotels and commercial facilities around Maihama Station

Tokyo Disney Resort, Chiba Prefecture's largest facility, is a well-known mecca for foreign visitors. Recently, in addition to families and couples from Asian countries such as Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, the area has also seen an increase in long-term tourists from Europe and the United States. The Maihama area is lined with official hotels offering convenient access to the theme park, and with English-speaking staff on hand, there's no need to worry about accommodation. In addition, the shopping mall Ikspiari offers a wide selection of Japan-exclusive brands and souvenirs, making it a popular facility for a full day of fun even on days when you don't visit the park. It's also highly rated for its casual experience of Japanese mall culture.

More attractive than Disney! Hidden gems in the area

If you go a little further from Maihama Station, you will find a surprisingly quiet and typically Japanese landscape. For example, in the Urayasu area, traditional canals and townhouses remain, preserving the area, allowing you to experience local life up close. There are also cruises overlooking Tokyo Bay and canoeing experiences on the Edogawa River, making it particularly popular with foreigners looking for an active travel style.

A journey to the hidden places of the southern Boso Peninsula, with spectacular views of Mt. Nokogiri and the sea

Nokogiriyama Hell View and Japan's Largest Buddha

Mount Nokogiri became famous overnight thanks to the "Peek into Hell" that became a hot topic on Instagram. The view from its sheer cliffs is a symbol of the Boso Peninsula, and is immensely popular among foreign visitors of the social media generation. The summit can be accessed by ropeway, hiking trail, or car, offering a variety of options to suit your travel style. Halfway up the mountain is the Nipponji Daibutsu, one of Japan's largest stone Buddha statues, making it a significant spot both historically and as a tourist destination. There are English guides available, allowing you to learn about the cultural background while sightseeing.

Enjoy exquisite seafood at Hamakanaya Port

Kanaya Port, located at the foot of Mt. Nokogiri, retains the atmosphere of an old fishing village. There are many markets and restaurants serving freshly caught seafood, and the area is becoming increasingly popular with Westerners due to its affordable prices and excellent taste. Enjoy dishes like boat-shaped platters and grilled turban shells, a special experience that can only be had here.

A look into Japan's top three ramens! Chiba's local gourmet scene

From Katsuura Tantanmen to Takeoka-style Ramen

Chiba Prefecture is also home to a unique ramen culture, unique to fishing towns such as Kujukuri Beach and the Tateyama area. Katsuura tantanmen is characterized by its extremely spicy soup based on chili peppers and minced meat, which appeals to the adventurous spirit of foreigners. Meanwhile, Takeoka-style ramen is a local dish in which dried noodles are boiled directly in broth from roasted pork. The depth of flavor and unique cooking method make it a very meaningful experience from a food tourism perspective.

Experience surfing and nature in the charming Kujukuri area

Surfing is Chiba's strength and is attracting attention from around the world

Kujukuri Beach is the most accessible surfing spot from the Tokyo metropolitan area, and tourists from Australia and the West Coast of the United States can be seen bringing their own equipment and coming here in search of waves. There are schools and rentals available for beginners to advanced surfers, making it a big attraction for travelers with a spirit of adventure.

Recommended nature experiences and seaside accommodations

There are plenty of nature-based experiences to enjoy, such as fishing, beach barbecues, and watching the sunrise. The number of villa-style beach accommodations and glamping facilities is also on the rise, creating an environment where you can enjoy a good balance of comfort and outdoor experiences. It's perfect for foreign tourists looking for a luxurious stay that is uniquely Japanese.

Walking through Japan's Little Kyoto in the Katori and Sawara areas

The Sawara district of Katori City is also known as the "Little Kyoto of Kanto," and the townscape from the Edo period has been preserved almost exactly as it was. Boats float along the Ono River, and the occasional sight of passersby in kimono creates a picturesque scene. With tourist information centers offering English support, cultural exhibits that are easy for Westerners to understand, and an increasing number of restaurants offering foreign language support, this is an area that combines historical experiences with excellent hospitality.

Choosing accommodation in Chiba Prefecture, where inbound tourism is on the rise

There are plenty of options to suit your budget and accommodation style, from hotels to minshuku (private inns) and guesthouses. Recently, there has been a rapid increase in facilities that emphasize cashless payment and multilingual support, which gives foreign tourists a sense of security, especially those visiting Japan for the second time or more. Farm stays and hot spring inns are very popular among travelers who value a truly Japanese experience.

summary

Chiba Prefecture is more than just a neighboring prefecture of Tokyo or an airport stopover; it is a region brimming with charm, boasting an abundance of international tourism resources, including nature, gourmet food, culture, and theme park experiences. With an increasing number of facilities and experiences catering to the needs of foreign tourists each year, Chiba is sure to become an increasingly popular area for inbound travel. Proposing routes that connect various parts of Chiba Prefecture, rather than just individual stops, will be key going forward. With more attractive tourism marketing that incorporates the traveler's perspective and further progress in discovering and developing local resources, Chiba could become a model region that is looked upon throughout Japan. Now is the time to reassess its true potential as a new base camp for inbound tourism to Japan.

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