Chiba Prefecture is the first region that many foreign travelers encounter when they arrive in Japan via Narita International Airport. In recent years, the trend of "spending a few days in Chiba before going to Tokyo" has increased, and Chiba is gaining attention as a tourist destination where you can stay overnight, rather than just passing through the airport.

This article introduces Chiba Prefecture's natural scenery, cultural experiences, gourmet food, and theme parks, organized by area, to help foreign visitors to Japan get a better idea of what their stay will be like. It's also a great way for Japanese visitors to rediscover a new side of Chiba.

What you'll learn in this article

• Why Chiba Prefecture is popular with foreign tourists
• Sightseeing and cultural experiences in the Narita area that you can enjoy immediately after arriving at Narita Airport
• How to extend your stay around Tokyo Disney Resort
• Enjoy the spectacular views and seafood of Mt. Nokogiri and the southern part of the Boso Peninsula
• Surfing and nature experiences at Kujukuri Beach
• Experience the "Little Kyoto of Kanto" in the Katori and Sawara areas
• Accommodation in Chiba Prefecture is becoming more accommodating to inbound tourists

Why is Chiba Prefecture so popular with foreign tourists?

Chiba Prefecture is located to the east of Tokyo and is home to the international hub airport of Narita International Airport, making it an important gateway for tourism in Japan. Chiba Prefecture is often the first prefecture that tourists encounter when they arrive in Japan, and it is not uncommon for them to depart from there to travel to other parts of the country.

On the other hand, in recent years, there has been an increase in inbound tourists who choose to stay in Chiba for a few days to enjoy the local culture and natural scenery. Behind this is the diverse tourist resources that are unique to Chiba Prefecture.

• A geographical feature that allows you to enjoy both sea and mountain scenery
• A coastline with spectacular views, represented by the Boso Peninsula and Kujukuri Beach
• Tokyo Disney Resort, a world-famous theme park
• Experience traditional townscapes and fishing villages, hot springs, and cultural and artistic experiences such as Japanese swordsmithing

The fact that such a wide range of genres are concentrated in one prefecture is a major attraction for foreign tourists.

Furthermore, its location within one hour of central Tokyo makes it an ideal place for travelers on short stays. Chiba Prefecture perfectly meets the needs of those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature, but want to keep the effort and cost of travel to a minimum.

Chiba sightseeing start guide from Narita International Airport

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

Narita International Airport is the best place to start your Chiba sightseeing. The airport is directly connected to the airport by train, the Keisei Skyliner and the JR Narita Express, providing comfortable and smooth access to Tokyo.

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However, what's worth noting is the existence of Narita City and the surrounding area, which you can enjoy before heading to Tokyo. The city center is easily accessible, about a 15-minute bus ride from the airport, so you can enjoy sightseeing without any stress from the first day of your arrival. For this reason, an increasing number of foreign tourists are making the effort to spend a few days in Chiba before heading to Tokyo.

Particularly popular is Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, known as one of Japan's most famous power spots. Over 10 million people visit the temple annually, and beautiful scenery unfolds during the New Year's visit and autumn foliage season. The experience of renting a kimono and taking photos with the historical architecture as a backdrop is also popular with foreign tourists looking to take Instagrammable photos.

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Narita, with its easy access and quintessentially Japanese atmosphere, is the perfect place to visit for your first visit to Japan.

Enjoy a stroll around the Narita area and experience Japanese culture

The charm of walking around Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and Omotesando

If you come to Narita, you can't miss Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and its temple town. The contrast between the majestic temple, which is often featured on television, and the townscape beloved by locals will stir your travel emotions.

The long approach to Shinshoji Temple is lined with restaurants serving sushi, eel, Japanese sweets, and more, making it a popular Japanese food experience for foreigners. The eel dishes, which are grilled right in front of you by a chef, are especially recommended.

• Eel is widely known as a specialty of Narita.
• It is extremely popular with tourists and provides a special dining experience.
• English menus and staff service are gradually improving.

Another strength of the Narita area is that it is creating an environment where even travelers trying Japanese food for the first time can enjoy it with peace of mind.

There are also plenty of Japanese cultural experiences available, such as kimono rentals and tea ceremony experiences.

In the Narita area, not only food but also "Japanese cultural experience" programs are popular. The experience of wearing a kimono and strolling along the approach to the shrine and the surrounding streets has a great impact on social media such as Instagram, and is especially popular among young tourists visiting Japan. Many groups can be seen renting kimonos on the spot and spending time taking photos.

Additionally, cultural centers in Narita City offer the following experience programs:

• Tea ceremony experience
• Calligraphy experience
• Japanese sword viewing, etc.

For Western tourists in particular, experiencing Japanese culture through physical contact is a factor that greatly increases their satisfaction with their trip.

Stay-based tourism expanding around Tokyo Disney Resort

Recommended hotels and commercial facilities around Maihama Station

Tokyo Disney Resort, Chiba Prefecture's largest facility, is naturally a mecca for foreign visitors, attracting many families and couples from Asian countries such as Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, as well as long-term tourists from Europe and the United States.

The Maihama area is lined with official hotels that offer convenient access to the theme parks, and many English-speaking hotels are available, so even first-time visitors to Japan will have little to no worries about accommodation.

Additionally, the shopping mall "Ikspiari," directly connected to Maihama Station, has a wide selection of Japan-exclusive brands and souvenirs. It's popular as a facility you can enjoy all day even if you don't visit the park, and is also highly rated for being a casual experience of Japanese mall culture.

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A short walk from Maihama Station will take you to a quiet, traditionally Japanese landscape, a stark contrast to the bustle of the theme park. In the Urayasu area, traditional moats and townhouses remain, allowing you to experience local life from a closer perspective.

There are also activities available for foreign tourists who prefer an active travel style, such as cruises overlooking Tokyo Bay and canoeing on the Edogawa River. It's worth combining these activities to enjoy the Maihama and Urayasu areas without limiting your visit to Disney.

Enjoy the spectacular views and seafood of Mt. Nokogiri and the southern part of the Boso Peninsula

Nokogiriyama's "Peek into Hell" and Japan's largest Buddha statue

Mount Nokogiri, which became famous overnight thanks to the "Peek into Hell" video that became a hot topic on Instagram and other social media, is a scenic spot that represents the southern part of the Boso Peninsula. The view from the sheer cliffs is spectacular, and it has gained immense popularity among foreign tourists of the social media generation.

There are several ways to reach the summit, including by ropeway, hiking trail, or car, so you can choose the route that best suits your travel style and physical strength.

Halfway up the mountain, you'll find the Nippon-ji Daibutsu, known as one of Japan's largest stone Buddha statues. There are English guidebooks available, so foreign tourists can enjoy sightseeing while learning about the historical background and religious significance.

Experience the atmosphere of a fishing village and the bounty of the sea at Hamakanaya Port

Kanaya Port, located at the foot of Mt. Nokogiri, is an area that retains the atmosphere of an old fishing village. Around the port, there are many markets and restaurants where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood on the spot at reasonable prices.

In particular, boat-style platters and grilled turban shells are becoming increasingly popular with Western tourists as a special experience that can only be enjoyed here. The great appeal of the area from Nokogiri to Hamakanaya is that you can enjoy a combination of "mountain views" and "fishing village cuisine."

Enjoy local gourmet food with Chiba's local ramen

From Katsuura Tantanmen to Takeoka-style Ramen, there are plenty of unique dishes

Chiba Prefecture is also home to a unique ramen culture rooted in fishing towns such as Kujukuri Beach and the Tateyama area. This is a must-see for travelers who want to enjoy "food tourism" exploring local ramen.

• Katsuura Tantanmen : Characterized by an extremely spicy soup based on chili peppers and minced meat, this ramen will tickle the adventurous spirit of foreigners who love spicy food.
• Takeoka-style ramen : It is characterized by a unique cooking method in which dried noodles are boiled directly in the broth from the roasted pork. It is simple yet has a deep flavor, and its local character and unique cooking method make it an interesting food culture.

This unique local ramen, said to be one of Japan's top three ramen, is a dining experience unique to Chiba that you'll want to include in your itinerary.

Enjoy surfing and nature experiences in the Kujukuri area

Kujukurihama, a surf spot that has attracted attention from around the world

Kujukuri Beach is one of the most accessible surfing spots from the Tokyo metropolitan area, and tourists from the home of surf culture, such as Australia and the West Coast of the United States, can be seen bringing their boards and equipment with them in search of waves.

There are also surfing schools and rental shops catering to beginners to advanced surfers, making it a big attraction for adventurous travelers who want to try surfing in Japan.

Relax at a seaside inn and experience nature

In addition to surfing, the Kujukuri area offers a wide variety of nature-based activities.

• Fishing experience
• Barbecue on the beach
• Watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean

Furthermore, the number of villa-style beachfront accommodations and glamping facilities is on the rise, creating an environment where you can enjoy a good balance of comfort and outdoor experiences. This area is also suitable for foreign tourists who want a slightly luxurious stay in a traditional Japanese setting.

Walking around the Katori and Sawara area, "Kanto's Little Kyoto"

The Sawara district of Katori City is an attractive area with a historic townscape that has earned it the nickname "Little Kyoto of Kanto." The townscape from the Edo period has been preserved almost exactly as it was, and you can see boats floating along the Ono River and the occasional scene of people in kimonos passing by.

Foreign tourists have praised this area for the following reasons:

• The existence of tourist information centers offering English support
• Cultural exhibits that are easy for Westerners to understand
• Increasing number of restaurants offering foreign language support

This area combines a historical stroll with hospitality that caters to inbound tourists, and is recommended for travelers who want to fully experience traditional Japanese townscapes.

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

Chiba Prefecture has a wide variety of accommodation options to suit any budget and style, from hotels to guesthouses. In recent years, the following measures have been implemented to accommodate the increasing number of foreign tourists visiting Japan.

• Support for cashless payments
• Guidance and services in multiple languages, including English
• Providing information for inbound tourists

These provide a sense of security, especially for repeat visitors who have visited Japan twice or more. Farm stays and hot spring inns are also very popular among travelers who value a "quintessentially Japanese experience," and offer a different value to stays than in urban areas.

Summary: Chiba Prefecture: From a "transit point" to a "base for stays"

Chiba Prefecture is not just a neighboring prefecture of Tokyo or a transit point for the airport, but is an area extremely rich in international tourism resources such as nature, gourmet food, culture, and theme park experiences. Each area, such as Narita, Maihama/Urayasu, the southern part of the Boso Peninsula, Kujukuri, Katori/Sawara, is packed with different charms.

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Furthermore, the number of facilities and experience programs that meet the needs of foreign tourists is increasing year by year, and Chiba Prefecture's popularity among inbound tourists is expected to grow even more in the future. Proposing routes that travel around Chiba Prefecture in a "line" rather than a "point" and creating a tour model starting from Narita Airport will likely be an important theme going forward.

If tourism marketing incorporating the perspective of travelers and the unearthing and development of local resources progress, Chiba Prefecture could become a model region that is looked up to throughout Japan. Chiba Prefecture has the potential to become a new base camp for tourists visiting Japan. Now is the time to reassess its true potential.

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