Where to Go in Chiba

Takataki Lake

A man-made dam constructed in 1990, Takataki Lake is one of the best kept secrets in terms of sightseeing locations in Chiba and one of the prefectures largest lakes. With its bright pink bridge, the lake is not only scenic but also offers a handful of both indoor and outdoor activities. The lake is surrounded by a park and a cycling path that make exploring the area a pleasing activity. On the lakes eastern shore, those keen on getting their culture fix can visit the unique Ichihara Lakeside Museum, followed by a post-museum pizza at Bosso. For fishing enthusiasts, rental boats are available on the pier next to the museum and available pretty much all-year-round.

Kanaya Town and the Ferry Pier

Over on the Tokyo Bay coast, travelers making the trip to Nokogiriyama should make a stop at Kanaya and the Kanaya Ferry Pier, the gateway to the prefecture for those taking the ferry from Kanagawa, and a recommended side trip for those traveling by train to the spiritual mountain. Next to the ferry pier, there are several food options at the seafood restaurants The Fish and Maruhama, where the local specialties are available on demand. A couple of blocks from the pier, the Kanaya Museum, although small, is a cultural hub for those interested in unique art exhibitions, and next door to the museum, Kinsen Kan Onsen is the most recent addition to the town offering a hot spring, tatami room accommodation, and a stylish cafe. Do not leave without checking out the views of Mount Fuji across the bay from the “Lover’s Sanctuary”.

Katsuura and its Undersea Observatory

The city of Katsuura ranks second in Chiba regarding the number of fish caught by the local fishermen and shipped into Tokyo and beyond. Rest assured that if you want to try some of the freshest fish in Japan, this port city will not disappoint. But if you prefer to look at the sea life in their natural environment, then skip the port area and head across to the Undersea Observatory, down the 8-meter deep tower, and let the sea creatures dazzle you as they swim and feed around the tower. If you are patient enough you might even catch a glimpse of the school of local nurse sharks.

Sawara City

For a dose of Edo-era atmosphere while visiting Chiba, then travel north from Narita and up to Sawara City. Sawara is famous around the country for having preserved its streets just as they were when Samurai and merchants traversed them centuries ago. Such is Sawara’s appeal, that the town is used frequently in Edo Period dramas and movies. As a visitor to this quaint town, you’ll be able to enjoy walks and delicious meals along the Onogawa River, sake tours through historic breweries, and self-guided tours into the world of Ino Tadataka, the man credited with making the first map of Japan. If you’re into watching large floats being paraded around town, October is the month to visit, as this charming, quiet town is transformed during the Sawara-no-Taisai Festival.

Chosei Village

Chosei Village is not the most obvious choice as a tourist destination in Chiba, but if you are on the hunt for the picture-perfect landscapes of Japan, this town must be added to your travel itinerary. Chosei Village is located next to the beaches of Ichinomiya and Kujukuri so it is easy to get to on a trip to the sea. This patch of farmland is covered with rice paddies and in the summer when these are filled with water, the sunset views are incredible and well worth the drive.

Lake Takataki

Chiba Ichihara-shi Hara Taka Taki 188

0436221111

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Ichihara Lakeside Museum

3.5

29 Reviews

Chiba Pref. Ichiharashi Funyu 75-1

0436981525

[Weekday] 10:00-17:00 [Satu…

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PIZZERIA BOSSO(ピッツェリア ボッソ)市原店

千葉県市原市不入75-1 市原湖畔美術館内

0436-67-0967

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Nokogiriyama Museum of Art

3.5

8 Reviews

Chiba Futtsu-shi Kanaya 2146-1

0439698111

10:00-17:00 (Last entry unti…

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