10 Best Things to Do in Chiba

Tokyo Disneyland is one of Asia’s most iconic theme parks, making it a must-visit attraction for the young and young at heart. Contrary to its name, the enormous 115-acre park resides in Chiba’s Urayasu district, about 25 minutes drive (or 1 hour by train) from central Tokyo. As the first Disneyland to open outside the USA (back in 1983), the longstanding park has become one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions.

Highlights include Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom, the spinning track honeypots at Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, and the 16-metre freefall at Splash Mountain. Fuel your fun park escapades with the resort’s legendary flavoured popcorn or some Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes at the Great American Waffle Co.

Tokyo DisneySea is a fantasy amusement park adjacent to the world-famous Tokyo Disneyland. The site attracts almost 15 million annual visitors, making it one of the most popular theme parks on earth.

Spanning 176-acres, the park splits into 7 fun-filled worlds, or “ports-of-call”, each with thematic rides and shows. Visitors enter via the Italian-inspired Mediterranean Harbor – cruise its Venetian canals on a gondola ride. The park then branches out into the remaining 6 ports-of-call. Some of the most sought-after rides include the Journey to the Center of the Earth, Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

Kamogawa Sea World is a landmark 50-year-old aquarium and marine conservation centre on the east coast of the Bōsō Peninsula. The sprawling complex hosts 11,000 marine animals from 800 species. Visitors can swim with various fish species and watch entertaining dolphin or sea lion shows.

The highlight is the orca enclosure, one of only 2 places you can view these majestic animals in Japan. Contrary to the name, the resort has no affiliation with the SeaWorld Group. In fact, Kamogawa boasts Japan Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA) accreditation for its cruelty-free standards and ongoing conservation initiatives.

Chiba Zoological Park is a lively inner-city zoo that’s been enthralling residents and visitors since 1985. The expansive complex boasts an abundance of wide-open green spaces, housing exotic species like pandas, elephants, and giraffes.

Seven separate sections comprise the zoo, each adhering to a distinct theme. The Zoological Hall lies next to the entrance gate, where you’ll see a selection of birds, marmosets, and the much-loved 2-toed sloth. While you’re there, pick up some maps and feeding schedules to plan your animal-watching escapades. Chiba Zoological Park is an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

Chiba Shrine (Myōken Hongū) is the most celebrated shrine in Chiba and a popular spot for local worshippers and solitude-seekers. The stunning Shinto site is famous for its vivid orange hues and intricate gold carvings. Take a stroll through the tranquil Japanese gardens to admire koi ponds, stone statues, and immaculately manicured bonsai.

The former Buddhist temple was built to pay homage to Myōken, a deity of the Chiba Clan. Later, during the Meiji period, followers converted the site into a Shinto shrine to honour the deity Ame-no-Minakanushi. Keep an eye out for the 12 animal carvings on the main gate, which feature on the traditional Shinto calendar.

Chiba Park is a peaceful green oasis in a frantic, densely populated city. Located in central Chiba, the park is a popular spot for locals to escape the stress of modern living. Gentle walking trails meander past tranquil ponds, while its verdant botanical garden houses a plethora of intriguing plant life.

While Chiba Park looks superb throughout the year, it comes alive in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. Autumn is equally spectacular when the foliage transforms into vibrant red and ochre hues. Looking to extend your stay? Rent a paddleboat to circumnavigate the lily-studded pond.

Chiba Port Tower is a legendary local landmark soaring 125 metres into the sky. The iconic waterfront spire is particularly popular with local lovebirds who come to gaze at the twinkling cityscape on a romantic date. The 2nd-floor Promenade of Love features an Instagram-friendly backdrop where couples can pose with speech bubbles and angel wings.

But you don’t have to be courting to enjoy a visit. Strangely, despite its immense height, the tower only has 4 floors – most of the building is hollow. On the top floor, an observation deck lures a steady stream of tourists for its sweeping city views. Below that, on the 3rd floor, Café La Plage serves top-quality nosh with the same epic vista.

Inage Seaside Park is a vast waterfront recreation space straddling the shores of Tokyo Bay. Its highlight is a 3-km stretch of powder-white sand, the first artificial beach in all of Japan. Locals flock here in the warmer months to swim, relax, barbeque, and play beach games.

The 83-hectare expanse also has several sports facilities, including a pool, tennis courts, a baseball field, a gym, and numerous cycle paths. The kids will love careening down its twisty waterslides or scrambling up the webbed playground. Come nighttime, catch a show at the outdoor amphitheatre or stay overnight at the onsite glamping grounds.

Chibashi Inohana Park is a small but popular park in the heart of downtown Chiba. The big-ticket attraction is the City Folk Museum, a towering castle-like construction housing an impressive collection of cultural artefacts. The attached restaurant does authentic Japanese cuisine.

Come during the sakura season to see a sea of bright pink cherry blossom trees. For the best vantage point, climb to the top-floor observatory of the City Folk Museum. The park is a popular hangout spot during spring when locals come to eat, drink and socialise in Chiba.

Mount Nokogiri is a scenic 329-metre peak on the southwest coast of the Bōsō Peninsula. The bare granite escarpment is known for its jagged, saw-like silhouette – Nokogiri means “Saw-Toothed Mountain” in Japanese. The site has served as a quarry since the Edo era (about 1,300 years), providing stones for iconic places like Waseda University and the Yasukuni Shrine.

Active types can hike to the summit (Hell Peek Point) via a relatively easy uphill trail. Keep an eye out for giant Buddha statues, colourful Arhat, and the Nihonji Temple en route. If you’d rather not work up a sweat, a scenic cable car will whisk you to the top in minutes. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Tokyo Bay. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Fuji on the horizon.