Chiba Prefecture Tourism Guide | Recommended Spots to Enjoy History, Culture, and Cuisine, and How to Get There

2026-10-14
This guide provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the charms of Chiba Prefecture. It covers everything from popular tourist spots—such as Tokyo Disney Resort, Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, Umihotaru, and Kamogawa Sea World—to transportation from Tokyo and Narita Airport, local cuisine, and suggested itineraries. It’s a practical guide perfect for first-time visitors to Chiba.
2026-10-14

What Is Chiba Prefecture Like?

Chiba Prefecture is located east of Tokyo. Major areas in the prefecture are accessible from Tokyo in about 30 minutes by train. One of its most famous tourist attractions is Tokyo Disney Resort. It is also home to Narita International Airport, making it easy to incorporate into your travel plans as either your first or last stop in Japan. This article provides a detailed overview of Chiba Prefecture.

Chiba Prefecture has a peninsula-like geography facing Tokyo Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and its prefectural capital is Chiba City.

Chiba Prefecture is home to world-renowned theme parks such as Tokyo Disney Resort. Visitors can also enjoy historic temples like Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, marine leisure facilities such as Kamogawa Sea World, and the coastline and natural scenery of the Boso Peninsula.

Furthermore, because it is home to Narita International Airport, Chiba Prefecture serves as the starting point or final destination for many international travelers visiting Japan. Another attraction is the ability to sightsee in Narita after arriving at the airport or enjoy shopping before returning home.

Since it is accessible by train from Tokyo in a short amount of time, it is also recommended as a day-trip destination for those staying in Tokyo.

Historical Background

Chiba Prefecture is home to temples and shrines that have long been centers of worship, as well as townscapes that date back to the Edo period.

Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, located in Narita City, is a Shingon Buddhist temple said to have been founded in 940. During the Edo period, a pilgrimage culture known as “Narita-mairi” spread, drawing large numbers of people to Naritasan.

Surrounding Naritasan Shinsho-ji is a “monzen-machi”—a town that developed to welcome temple visitors. A monzen-machi is a town formed near the entrance of a temple or shrine. Even today, the approach to the temple is lined with eel restaurants, Japanese confectionery shops, souvenir stores, and traditional eateries.

Culture and Traditions

In Chiba Prefecture, you can experience a diverse range of regional cultures, including temple and shrine traditions, festivals, fishing culture, and agricultural traditions.

At Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, you can witness a Goma prayer ceremony. A Goma prayer is a Buddhist ritual in which wishes are offered using fire. Performed to the accompaniment of chanting and the sound of taiko drums, this ceremony offers a unique opportunity to experience Japanese temple culture.

The Boso Peninsula is home to many fishing ports and coastal towns, where a culinary culture that makes the most of the sea’s bounty has flourished.

Local Specialties and Culinary Culture

Chiba Prefecture is known as a major producer of peanuts. Within the prefecture, you can enjoy a variety of peanut-based products, such as roasted peanuts, peanut butter, peanut monaka, and peanut soft-serve ice cream.

The region also boasts an abundance of seafood caught in Tokyo Bay and the Pacific Ocean. On the Boso Peninsula, dishes made with these fresh catches—such as seafood rice bowls, sushi, namero (minced fish paste), red-eyed snapper dishes, and horse mackerel dishes—are particularly popular.

In the town surrounding Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, eel dishes are particularly famous. Along the approach to the temple, you’ll find long-established restaurants where the aroma of charcoal-grilled eel wafts through the air.

Why It’s Recommended for First-Time Visitors

Chiba Prefecture is home to many tourist destinations that can be reached from Tokyo by train in about 30 minutes to an hour. Tokyo Disney Resort, Makuhari, and Narita are all areas that are easy to visit even during a short stay.

Additionally, since it’s easy to travel from Narita International Airport to Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple and the Shisui Premium Outlets, you can make the most of your time on the day you arrive in Japan or before your departure.

Another appeal of Chiba Prefecture is that it’s easy to choose a destination based on your travel goals—whether it’s theme parks, temples, shopping, gourmet dining, or coastal nature.

Chiba Prefecture as a Place to Stay

Chiba Prefecture is not only a great tourist destination but also a convenient place to stay. Hotels near Narita International Airport, Chiba Station, and Nishi-Funabashi Station tend to offer lower rates than those around Tokyo Station. It’s an area that’s easy to incorporate into your travel plans, whether as a base for sightseeing in Tokyo or as a place to stay before or after your flight.

Comparison of Hotel Rates with the Tokyo Station Area

Below is a comparison of average nightly rates for 3-star hotels.

LocationAverage Room Rate at 3-Star HotelsTravel from Tokyo Station
Around Tokyo Station21,384 yen―
Around Nishi-Funabashi Station11,130 yenApprox. 30 minutes by train (341 yen one way)
Around Chiba Station11,232 yenApprox. 40 minutes by train (715 yen one way)
Around Narita International Airport10,304 yen―
*As of October 2026. Source: Survey by Agoda (https://www.agoda.com/)

Compared to the area around Tokyo Station, rates at Nishi-Funabashi Station and Chiba Station are about 10,000 yen cheaper. Rates in the area around Narita International Airport are about half those around Tokyo Station.

Even when you add the round-trip train fare, it’s still easy to keep costs down. For example, if you stay at Nishi-Funabashi Station, the round-trip train fare is 682 yen. Since the difference in hotel rates is about 10,254 yen, you can use that savings for meals or shopping.

Lower Accommodation Rates Than Tokyo Across the Entire Prefecture

Even when viewed on a prefectural basis, accommodation rates in Chiba Prefecture are lower than those in Tokyo.

PrefectureEstimated Average Room RateRoom Occupancy Rate
Tokyo14,370 yen76.3%
Chiba9,936 yen64.0%
*Data for 2025. Source: HotelBank, “Length of Stay by Foreign Guests by Prefecture” related data (https://hotelbank.jp/inbound/inbound-length-of-stay-by-prefecture-2026/)

Chiba Prefecture’s hotel occupancy rate is 64.0%, which is lower than Tokyo’s rate of 76.3%. As a result, it may be easier to secure a reservation here than in Tokyo. However, since hotels tend to get crowded during peak seasons, on weekends, and when major events are held, we recommend booking well in advance.

Features by Area

Around Narita International Airport

This area is convenient for staying the night before or after a flight. Whether you have an early morning flight or a late-night arrival, staying near the airport can reduce the hassle of travel. Some hotels near the airport operate shuttle buses to and from the airport. Please check the official websites of each hotel for operating hours. You can also combine your stay with a visit to Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple.

Around Chiba Station

As the capital of Chiba Prefecture, this area is home to many restaurants and shopping facilities. It is about a 40-minute train ride from Tokyo Station. It is also close to the Kaihin-Makuhari area, offering convenient access to Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari.

Around Nishi-Funabashi Station

This is a transfer station serving multiple lines, including the JR Line, Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, and Toyo Rapid Line. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Tokyo Station and about 20 minutes to reach Maihama Station (Tokyo Disney Resort). Its location makes it easy to reach both central Tokyo and tourist spots within Chiba Prefecture.

Benefits of Staying in Chiba Prefecture

  • It’s easier to keep accommodation costs down compared to the area around Tokyo Station
  • You can reach central Tokyo by train in about 30 to 40 minutes
  • Convenient access to Narita International Airport makes it ideal for staying before or after your trip
  • It’s easy to visit tourist attractions within Chiba Prefecture, such as Tokyo Disney Resort and Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple
  • Room occupancy rates are lower than in Tokyo, so it may be easier to secure a reservation

Must-See Tourist Spots in Chiba Prefecture

Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort is a large-scale theme resort located in Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture. Centered around the two theme parks—Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea—the resort features a collection of hotels, retail facilities, and restaurants.

Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983. Tokyo DisneySea, a marine-themed park, opened in 2001. It is one of Japan’s premier tourist destinations, attracting many visitors from both Japan and abroad.

Highlights

  • Tokyo Disneyland
  • Tokyo DisneySea
  • Attractions
  • Parades and Shows
  • Seasonal Events
  • Themed Restaurants
  • Disney Hotels
  • Shopping and Dining at Ikspiari

Why It’s Recommended for International Travelers

While it is a world-renowned theme park, visitors can also enjoy services unique to Japan, a clean environment, seasonal decorations, and limited-edition food items.

Tokyo DisneySea is known as a distinctive theme park among Disney parks worldwide. It is recommended for travelers who want to experience a Disney world unique to Japan.

Access

Get off at “Maihama Station” on the JR Keiyo Line or Musashino Line. Tokyo Disneyland is within walking distance from Maihama Station.

To get to Tokyo DisneySea, take the Disney Resort Line.

The journey from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station takes approximately 15 minutes on the JR Keiyo Line. Since the Keiyo Line platform at Tokyo Station is located some distance from the platforms for other lines, be sure to allow plenty of time for transfers.

Travel Tips

  • It is common to purchase park tickets online in advance.
  • Park admission procedures, ticketing policies, and attraction operating procedures are subject to change.
  • The parks tend to be crowded on weekends, holidays, during school breaks, and during seasonal events.
  • Using the official app makes it easier to check wait times, show schedules, restaurant information, and facility details.
  • Park hours and show schedules vary by day. Please check the official website.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Naritasan Shinsho-ji is a temple of the Shingon-shu Chizan sect located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. It is said to have been founded in 940 and is one of the most historic temples in the Kanto region.

During the Edo period, the tradition of “visiting Narita” became widespread, attracting many pilgrims. Even today, the temple bustles with visitors during the New Year’s pilgrimage season.

Highlights

  • Main Hall
  • Three-Story Pagoda
  • Niō Gate
  • Shaka Hall
  • Naritasan Park
  • Goma Fire Ritual
  • The Temple Town Along Naritasan’s Main Approach

Naritasan Park is a garden and nature-rich area that stretches behind the temple. With its ponds, waterfalls, and trees, it offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the approach.

Why It’s Recommended for International Travelers

Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple is easily accessible from Narita International Airport and offers a chance to experience traditional Japanese temple culture in a short amount of time.

One of its main attractions is its convenience—it’s easy to visit on the day of arrival before heading to Tokyo, or if you have some free time before returning home. You can combine a temple tour with dining and shopping in the temple town.

Access

It is about a 10- to 15-minute walk from JR Narita Station or Keisei Narita Station to Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple.

Take the JR or Keisei Line from Narita Airport Station or Airport Terminal 2 Station to JR Narita Station or Keisei Narita Station. Travel time varies depending on the train you take, but it generally takes around 10 minutes.

Travel Tips

  • Please observe silence while visiting the temple.
  • You may be required to remove your shoes in the main hall and other temple buildings.
  • The schedule for Goma prayer ceremonies may vary by day. Please check in advance.
  • The approach to the temple includes slopes and stone steps in some areas. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
  • The area gets very crowded during the year-end and New Year’s holidays and long holiday weekends.

Umihotaru Parking Area

The Umihotaru Rest Area is a rest stop located at the midpoint of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line. The Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line is a highway connecting Kisarazu City in Chiba Prefecture and Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Umihotaru is a unique facility that appears to be built out over the water, featuring restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and an observation deck.

Highlights

  • Observation deck overlooking Tokyo Bay
  • Mount Fuji visible on clear days
  • A unique parking area located over the water
  • Exhibits introducing the structure of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line
  • Restaurants, cafes, and shopping areas
  • Views of Tokyo Bay from evening through night

Why It’s Recommended for International Travelers

Rest areas that feel as though they’re floating on the water are a rare sight even in Japan. Here, you can enjoy the scenery of Tokyo Bay, learn about highway engineering, and enjoy shopping and dining all at once.

We recommend stopping here on your way to the Boso Peninsula by rental car, or during a road trip connecting Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Chiba.

Access

Umihotaru is generally accessed by car or express bus.

If you’re visiting using only public transportation, consider taking an express bus from stations such as Kawasaki Station or Kisarazu Station. However, the number of departures and whether the bus stops at Umihotaru vary depending on the route and time of day.

Travel Tips

  • If you’re traveling by express bus, be sure to check whether your bus stops at Umihotaru.
  • Parking lots and the facility itself may be crowded on weekends, holidays, long weekends, and during peak tourist seasons.
  • Strong winds or inclement weather may affect traffic on the Aqua Line.
  • If you’re visiting by rental car, please check toll fees and traffic conditions.

Shisui Premium Outlets

Shisui Premium Outlets is a large outlet mall located in Shisui Town, Chiba Prefecture. It features a wide variety of domestic and international fashion, sports, home goods, accessories, and dining options.

Located relatively close to Narita International Airport, it is a convenient destination for travelers looking to shop upon arrival in Japan or before returning home.

Highlights

  • Domestic and international brand stores
  • Fashion, sporting goods, and home goods
  • Restaurants and cafes
  • Stores offering duty-free shopping
  • Convenient Access from Narita Airport

Why It’s Recommended for International Travelers

Located relatively close to the airport, you can enjoy a quick shopping trip. It’s convenient for travelers looking for products from both Japanese and international brands.

Access

From Narita Airport, you may be able to take a bus bound for the outlet. Travel time varies depending on traffic conditions, but it typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

You can also reach the outlet via local buses from JR Shisui Station and Keisei Shisui Station.

Travel Tips

  • Please check bus schedules, boarding locations, fares, and whether reservations are required in advance.
  • Tax-free purchase conditions and eligible stores vary. Be sure to bring your passport.
  • The outlet tends to get crowded during sales, on weekends, and on holidays.
  • Business hours may vary by store.

Kamogawa Sea World

Kamogawa Sea World is an aquarium located in Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture. It opened in 1970 and is known for its exhibits where visitors can observe marine life, as well as its animal shows.

Since it faces the Pacific Ocean, visitors can also enjoy ocean views in the area surrounding the aquarium.

Highlights

  • Orca Show
  • Dolphin Show
  • Beluga Exhibit
  • Sea Lion Show
  • Exhibits Where You Can Observe Marine Life Up Close
  • Oceanfront Scenery

Why It’s Recommended for International Travelers

Kamogawa Sea World is a facility where visitors can enjoy a combination of marine life exhibits and the natural scenery of the Pacific coast. It is recommended for families, couples, and travelers looking to enjoy seaside sightseeing.

Access

From Tokyo Station, you can take an express bus or a JR limited-express train to Awa-Kamogawa Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.

From Awa-Kamogawa Station to Kamogawa Sea World, you can use the free shuttle bus, local buses, or taxis. The trip takes about 10 minutes.

Travel Tips

  • Performance times vary by day. Please check the official website.
  • The park may be crowded on weekends, holidays, during summer vacation, and on long weekends.
  • In the outdoor areas, be sure to take precautions against the heat in summer and the cold in winter.
  • During the orca show, some seats may get splashed with water. If you’d prefer to stay dry, please choose your seats carefully.

AEON MALL Narita

Aeon Mall Narita is a large shopping complex located in Narita City. It features a wide variety of stores, including clothing boutiques, general merchandise shops, electronics stores, drugstores, supermarkets, restaurants, and a food court.

For travelers passing through Narita Airport, it’s a place where they can experience everyday Japanese shopping and dining.

Highlights

  • Numerous specialty stores
  • Japanese supermarkets
  • Food court
  • Restaurants
  • Movie Theater
  • Shopping for Japanese Daily Necessities and Souvenirs

Why It’s Recommended for International Travelers

In addition to souvenirs for tourists, you can purchase everyday household items, sweets, cosmetics, clothing, and food. At the food court, you can easily enjoy sushi, ramen, rice bowls, curry, and more.

Access

You can reach the mall by local bus or shuttle bus from Narita Airport, JR Narita Station, Keisei Narita Station, and other locations. Travel time varies depending on the bus you take and traffic conditions.

Travel Tips

  • The availability, schedule, and boarding locations of the free shuttle bus from Narita Airport are subject to change.
  • The area can get crowded on weekends and during sales periods.
  • Duty-free policies vary by store.
  • If you plan to visit on the day of your departure, be sure to allow plenty of time for your trip to the airport.

MITSUI OUTLET PARK Makuhari

Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari is an outlet mall located in the Makuhari New City area of Mihama Ward, Chiba City. It features stores offering fashion, sports gear, general merchandise, and dining options.

Located in Makuhari New City—home to Makuhari Messe, ZOZO Marine Stadium, hotels, and office buildings—it’s a great destination to combine with events or a baseball game.

Highlights

  • Domestic and international brand stores
  • Sports and outdoor gear
  • Cafes, restaurants, and food courts
  • Events Around Makuhari Messe
  • Sightseeing Around ZOZO Marine Stadium

Why It’s Recommended for International Travelers

It’s easily accessible from Tokyo Station via the JR Keiyo Line, making it a convenient shopping destination while staying in Tokyo. You can also combine your visit with events or exhibitions held at Makuhari Messe.

Access

It’s about a 5-minute walk from “Kaihama-Makuhari Station” on the JR Keiyo Line.

The journey from Tokyo Station to Kaihama-Makuhari Station takes approximately 30 minutes on the JR Keiyo Line. From Nishi-Funabashi Station, you can reach the area via the JR Musashino Line, Keiyo Line, and other lines.

Travel Tips

  • Tax-free shopping eligibility and participating stores vary by location.
  • The area tends to get crowded on weekends, holidays, during sales periods, and on days when large-scale events are held at Makuhari Messe.
  • Business hours may vary depending on the season and the specific store.

Access from Tokyo to Chiba Prefecture

Access to the Maihama and Makuhari Areas

The JR Keiyo Line is the most convenient way to travel from Tokyo Station to major tourist destinations in western Chiba Prefecture.

Tokyo Disney Resort

  • Departure Station: Tokyo Station
  • Arrival Station: Maihama Station
  • Line: JR Keiyo Line
  • Estimated Travel Time: About 15 minutes
  • Transfers: None

Tokyo Disneyland is within walking distance of Maihama Station. To reach Tokyo DisneySea, take the Disney Resort Line.

Makuhari Area

  • Departure Station: Tokyo Station
  • Arrival Station: Kaihin-Makuhari Station
  • Line: JR Keiyo Line
  • Estimated Travel Time: About 30 minutes
  • Transfers: None

It is about a 5-minute walk from Kaihin-Makuhari Station to Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari.

The Keiyo Line platforms at Tokyo Station are located away from the Marunouchi side and the platforms for other JR lines. If you’re transferring from the Shinkansen, Chuo Line, Yamanote Line, or other lines, we recommend allowing about 10 to 20 minutes extra.

Access to the Narita Area

The JR limited express “Narita Express” connects Narita Airport and Tokyo Station. If you’re heading to Narita Station, please check the train’s stop schedule.

The travel time from Tokyo Station to Narita Station varies depending on the train you take and any transfers. It’s best to plan on about 1 to 1.5 hours.

To get to Narita Airport, you can take the Narita Express or the Keisei Skyliner.

Access to Chiba Prefecture from Major Cities such as Osaka and Kyoto

From Osaka and Kyoto

When traveling from Osaka or Kyoto to Chiba Prefecture, the most common route is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo Station and then transfer to a JR line or a private railway.

From Osaka

  • From Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes via the Tokaido Shinkansen
  • From Tokyo Station to Maihama Station: Approximately 15 minutes via the JR Keiyo Line
  • From Tokyo Station to Kaihin-Makuhari Station: Approximately 30 minutes via the JR Keiyo Line

From Kyoto

  • From Kyoto Station to Tokyo Station: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes via the Tokaido Shinkansen
  • From Tokyo Station to Maihama Station: Approximately 15 minutes via the JR Keiyo Line
  • From Tokyo Station to Kaihin-Makuhari Station: Approximately 30 minutes via the JR Keiyo Line

From Nagoya

  • From Nagoya Station to Tokyo Station: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes via the Tokaido Shinkansen
  • From Tokyo Station to major areas within Chiba Prefecture: Approximately 15 minutes to 1 hour via JR lines

During peak seasons, the Shinkansen, theme parks, and airport access trains tend to be crowded. We recommend reserving reserved seats and purchasing theme park tickets well in advance.

Traveling by Air

If you’re traveling to Chiba Prefecture from the Osaka or Kyoto areas, you can also take a domestic flight to Haneda or Narita Airport.

If you use Narita Airport, it’s easy to combine your trip with visits to Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, Shisui Premium Outlets, and hotels in Narita City.

Access to Chiba Prefecture from Narita International Airport

Chiba Prefecture is home to Narita International Airport. Narita International Airport is one of Japan’s major international airports.

To reach tourist destinations within Chiba Prefecture from the airport, you can use trains, airport buses, taxis, or rental cars.

Access to Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple

From Narita Airport Station or Airport Terminal 2 Station, take the JR or Keisei Line to Narita Station or Keisei Narita Station.

  • Estimated travel time: About 10 minutes
  • From Narita Station or Keisei Narita Station to Shinsho-ji Temple: About a 10–15-minute walk

Access to Shisui Premium Outlets

Buses heading toward the outlet may be available from Narita Airport.

  • Estimated travel time: About 15–20 minutes
  • Transportation options: Airport buses, shuttle buses, etc.

Schedules, fares, reservation policies, and boarding locations are subject to change. Please check the official website.

Access to Aeon Mall Narita

You can reach Aeon Mall Narita from Narita Airport via local buses, shuttle buses, and other options.

  • Estimated travel time: About 20–30 minutes
  • Transportation options: Local buses, shuttle buses, etc.

The availability and schedule of free shuttle buses are subject to change. Please check before using the service.

Access to Tokyo Disney Resort

You can travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo Disney Resort via the airport limousine bus or by train.

  • Estimated travel time: About 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Main methods: Airport limousine bus; a combination of the JR and Keisei Lines and the JR Keiyo Line

If you have large luggage, the airport limousine bus—which requires fewer transfers—may be more convenient. However, please check the frequency of service and reservation requirements in advance.

Getting Around Chiba Prefecture

Areas Easy to Explore on Foot

The following areas are easy to explore on foot.

  • Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple and Naritasan Omotesando
  • Inside Tokyo Disney Resort
  • Inside Shisui Premium Outlets
  • Around Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari
  • From Kaihin-Makuhari Station to the Makuhari Messe area

Train

Within Chiba Prefecture, you can use the JR Keiyo Line, JR Narita Line, JR Sotobo Line, JR Uchibo Line, Keisei Electric Railway, Tobu Railway, and the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, among others.

  • Tokyo Disney Resort: JR Keiyo Line “Maihama Station”
  • Makuhari Area: JR Keiyo Line “Kaihaminakatsugawa Station”
  • Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple: JR Narita Station, Keisei Narita Station
  • Narita Airport: JR and Keisei Lines “Narita Airport Station” and “Airport Terminal 2 Station”
  • Kamogawa Area: JR Sotobo Line “Awa-Kamogawa Station”

Bus

Bus services operate between the airport and tourist attractions, stations and theme parks, stations and aquariums, and other destinations.

Buses can be a convenient option for traveling from Narita Airport to Shisui Premium Outlets, Tokyo Disney Resort, or Narita City.

Taxis and Rental Cars

If you want to freely explore sightseeing spots such as Umihotaru, the Boso Peninsula coastline, Kamogawa, and Minami-Boso, a rental car is convenient.

However, in areas where public transportation is readily available—such as Tokyo Disney Resort, Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, and Makuhari—it may be easier to get around by train or bus.

Gourmet and Cultural Experiences to Enjoy in Chiba Prefecture

Peanut Delicacies

Chiba Prefecture is known as a major producer of peanuts. Sweets made with peanuts, peanut butter, soft-serve ice cream, monaka, and seasonings are all typical souvenirs from Chiba.

You can purchase these at Narita Airport, the temple town of Narita, roadside stations, and tourist facilities.

Narita Temple Town Cuisine

Eel dishes are a specialty along the main approach to Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple. The approach is lined with many long-established restaurants that grill eel.

Since lines can form during lunchtime, be sure to arrive early or plan your visit with plenty of time to spare.

Seafood Delicacies

Along the coast of the Boso Peninsula, you can enjoy dishes made with fresh seafood.

  • Seafood Rice Bowl
  • Sushi
  • Namero
  • Horse Mackerel Dishes
  • Red Seabream Dishes
  • Shellfish Dishes

The availability and selection of seafood vary by season.

Observing the Goma Prayer Ceremony

Goma prayer ceremonies are held at Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple. Travelers interested in temple rituals should check the viewing hours in advance.

Please remain quiet during the ceremony and follow the photography rules.

Shopping Experience

You can enjoy shopping at Shisui Premium Outlets, Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari, and Aeon Mall Narita.

Some stores offer duty-free shopping, but conditions—such as purchase amount, eligible items, passport presentation, and procedures—vary by store.

Recommended Itineraries for First-Time Visitors to Chiba Prefecture

1-Day Itinerary: Sightseeing in Narita After Arriving at Narita Airport

Morning: Visit Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple

After arriving at Narita Airport, take the JR or Keisei Line to Narita Station. Visit Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple and explore the Main Hall, the Three-Story Pagoda, and Naritasan Park.

Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for this visit.

Lunch: Lunch on Naritasan Omotesando

Return to Naritasan Omotesando and enjoy eel dishes, soba, or other Japanese cuisine. Popular restaurants can get crowded, so be sure to allow plenty of time.

Afternoon: Shopping at Shisui Premium Outlets

Take a bus or other transportation from Narita Station or Narita Airport to Shisui Premium Outlets.

Allow about 2 to 3 hours for shopping, coffee breaks, and rest.

Evening: Overnight Stay in Tokyo or Narita

In the evening, you can head to Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo Station, or downtown Tokyo, or stay at a hotel near Narita Airport or in Narita City.

Sample 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary: Enjoying Narita and Tokyo Disney Resort

Day 1: Enjoying Narita’s Temple Culture and Shopping

Morning

After arriving at Narita Airport, head to Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple. Visit the Main Hall, the Three-Story Pagoda, and Naritasan Park.

Lunch

Enjoy eel dishes or Japanese cuisine along Naritasan Omotesando.

Afternoon

Enjoy shopping at Shisui Premium Outlets or Aeon Mall Narita.

Shisui Premium Outlets is recommended for those looking for brand-name items and fashion. Aeon Mall Narita is ideal for those who want to experience everyday Japanese shopping, including groceries, drugstores, and food courts.

Evening

Stay at a hotel in Narita City, near Narita Airport, or in the Maihama area.

If you plan to visit Tokyo Disney Resort the next day, staying in the Maihama area or near Tokyo Station will make transportation easier.

Day 2: Enjoying Tokyo Disney Resort

Morning

Head to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea. Check the park opening times and admission procedures in advance, and aim to arrive as early as possible.

All Day

Enjoy the attractions, shows, parades, restaurants, and shopping.

If this is your first visit, we recommend choosing just one park per day. You’ll likely be more satisfied enjoying one park at a leisurely pace than rushing through both parks in a short time.

Evening

Stay at a hotel in the Maihama area, or head toward Tokyo Station or downtown Tokyo.

Information regarding Tokyo Disney Resort tickets, shows, restaurants, and attractions is subject to change. Be sure to check the official app and website for the latest information.

Recommended Additional Plans for Summer

If you’re visiting Chiba Prefecture in the summer, we recommend combining a trip to Kamogawa Sea World with a visit to the coast of the Boso Peninsula.

However, since Narita, Maihama, and Kamogawa are quite far apart, if you plan to visit Kamogawa, you should either schedule it for a separate day or consider staying overnight in the Kamogawa or Minami-Boso area.

Summary

Chiba Prefecture is a travel destination with a wide variety of attractions, including large theme parks like Tokyo Disney Resort, historic temples such as Naritasan Shinsho-ji, the unique scenery of Umihotaru, and the natural beauty and seafood cuisine of the Boso Peninsula.

Another major advantage is that, thanks to Narita International Airport, it’s easy to fit in sightseeing on the day you arrive in Japan or before your flight home. While it’s possible to visit as a day trip from Tokyo, staying overnight allows you to enjoy Tokyo Disney Resort, Narita, Kamogawa, the Boso Peninsula, and other attractions at a more leisurely pace.

Be sure to add Chiba Prefecture to your itinerary on your next trip to Japan.