Chiba Prefecture Sightseeing & Attractions Guide
A comprehensive guide to the main gourmet, sightseeing, and event spots in Chiba Prefecture.
Daihonzan Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
Founded in 940, it is one of Japan’s leading Buddhist temples with a history of over 1,000 years. Although it is located only 10 minutes from Narita Airport, the vast grounds are dotted with gorgeous wooden buildings that retain traces of the Edo period, such as the three-storied pagoda and the Niomon Gate, which have been designated as important cultural properties. In particular, the Gogoma Prayer, which is held multiple times a day in the main hall, is an impressive ritual in which monks chant powerful sutras in front of a blazing fire, and foreign tourists can also experience it up close. Naritasan Park, surrounded by rich nature, is also adjacent, making it the perfect place to experience Japanese culture full of tranquility and beauty.
Highlights & Features
- A group of luxurious buildings from the Edo period with over 1000 years of history and important cultural properties.
- “Goma Prayer” is an impressive fire ritual that anyone can observe up close and free of charge.
- Naritasan Park is a vast park with beautiful nature throughout the four seasons.
Chiba Port Tower
This 125m tall observation tower shines as a symbol of Chiba Port, Japan’s largest trading port. The entire tower is covered in half-mirror glass, featuring a contemporary design that beautifully reflects the surrounding sky and sea views. From the observation deck located 113 meters above ground, you can see a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay, and on clear days you can see Mt. Fuji and the skyscrapers in the city center. In particular, the gradation at dusk and the dramatic night view rimming Tokyo Bay have been certified as “Japan’s Night View Heritage”, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of Japan’s sophisticated coastal city.
Highlights & Features
- Stylish futuristic design covered in half-mirror glass
- A 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo Bay, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Tower, etc. from 113 meters above ground.
- An exquisite night view that has been certified as a Japan night view heritage site and a sacred place for lovers.
Inage Seaside Park
This is a comprehensive seaside park that boasts a vast site facing Tokyo Bay. Home to Japan’s first artificial beach, Inage no Hama, the recently renovated beautiful white sand beach and long wooden deck extending out to the sea are attracting attention both domestically and internationally as a photogenic spot on social media. In addition to the beach area where you can take a stroll while feeling the sea breeze, it is packed with a variety of attractions, including a stylish glamping facility that has opened in recent years, and a flower museum filled with beautiful seasonal flowers. It is a place where you can experience the modern Japanese lifestyle, where you can be healed by the beautiful sea and nature while being in the city.
Highlights & Features
- White sand beach and a beautiful wooden deck that juts out into the sea
- A state-of-the-art glamping facility where you can experience the luxurious outdoors on the beachside.
- Plenty of activities including flower museum and heated pool
Kasori Shell Midden Museum
This is a historical park and museum that has been designated as a national special historic site and preserves one of the world’s largest shell middens. You can learn about how Japanese people lived during the Jomon period, about 5,000 to 3,000 years ago, from excavated pottery, human bones, and remains of dwellings. Inside the museum, you can observe the geological cross-section of a real shell midden up close, walk through the ruins of a vast village with restored pit dwellings, and experience the spirit of ancient people living in harmony with nature. It is an extremely unique archaeological spot in the world where you can experience the romance of Japan’s prehistoric roots.
Highlights & Features
- Jomon shell midden, one of the largest national historic sites in the world
- A unique dome exhibit where you can observe the accumulation of real shellfish layers right in front of your eyes.
- Stroll through restored pit dwellings and the rich nature of the Jomon forest
Hoki Museum
This is a museum specializing in realistic paintings (paintings that are extremely realistic, almost like photographs), which is extremely rare in the world. The innovative building design itself, including the beautiful cantilevered corridor-style architecture that appears to be floating in the forest, is highly regarded as an architectural work of art. Inside the museum, amazing paintings that depict light, shadow, and even the atmosphere are exhibited in a quiet environment, allowing you to immerse yourself in the ultimate beauty that you would never believe was created using paint. The sophisticated techniques of Japan’s leading painters and modern architecture create a sophisticated space that allows you to experience the cutting edge of Japan’s art scene.
Highlights & Features
- A specialized exhibition specializing in modern Japanese realistic paintings, which are rare in the world
- An innovative modern architecture that has won a global architectural award and has a structure that protrudes into the air.
- An exhibition room where you can immerse yourself in paintings in the best lighting environment
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