The city of Chiba, not to be confused with wider Chiba Prefecture, is known for being one of the most forward thinking and futuristic of all the cities in Japan. On a trip here you will find new and exciting venues springing up all the time, as well as a mix of historically and culturally significant landmarks spread across the city. As Chiba is located approximately 40 minutes outside of Tokyo, it can be considered something of a suburb of the capital city, rather than a destination in its own right, but if you make the trip here then you won’t be disappointed by the blend of museums, shops, parks, and famous buildings.
Getting to Chiba:
You can get to Chiba by flying into either Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport.
From Narita International Airport you can take a rapid service train on the JR Narita Line directly to Chiba.
You can also take an Airport Limousine Bus from Haneda International Airport into Chiba at a cost of ¥1370 which takes approximately 50 minutes.
If you are travelling by train then you can travel from Tokyo to Chiba on the JR Sobu Rapid Line which takes 40 minutes and costs ¥620. Tip: If you are travelling during peak times then you can reserve a seat on an express train which will cost ¥820 and will get you to Chiba in 25 minutes.
Also from Tokyo you can take the JR Keiyo Line which will take 45 minutes and runs along the cost, taking you past Tokyo Disneyland. The fare is ¥740.
The JR Chuo-Sobu Line runs from Shinjuku and takes 70 minutes to get to Chiba at a cost of ¥780.
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Tourist Attractions:
Chiba Port Tower:
Chiba Port Tower is an icon in the city and if you want a real bird’s eye view then you can visit the observation deck here that stands at 112 meters high. From here you will be able to see all the way to the docks of Chiba, reminding you that this is a port city. The tower was built in 1986 to commemorate the city reaching a population of 5 million inhabitants and entry costs ¥410. Tip: The tower is open until 7 pm or 9 pm in the summertime, so try to go around sunset to get the most spectacular views of the city.
Chiba Castle:
Chiba Castle is actually a reconstruction of the original building, and was only completed in 1967. The original building which fell into disrepair dated from 1126 and was the official resident of the royal family of Chiba, and you can still see part of these ruins on the property. Although the castle is a more recent restoration project, it is still well worth a visit and will give you a great insight into how the royal family would have lived in days gone by. Admission is very reasonable at ¥60.
Blue Leaf Forest Park:
Blue Leaf Forest Park is the most well loved park in the city of Chiba and is dazzling if you happen to be here during the Cherry Blossom season. It can also offer a welcome break from the concrete metropolis of central Chiba and is a great place to come if you are travelling with younger guests.
Chiba Zoological Park:
Chiba Zoological Park is not to be missed if you are in town and is divided into seven different sections which all house different species of animals. These include special enclosures for nocturnal animals, as well as a petting zoo, an aquatic zone, and an aviary. Admission is ¥500 and this makes the ideal stop if you are an animal lover and want to learn more about the flora and fauna of Japan.
Shopping and Duty Free:
LaLaport:
LaLaport has the claim to fame of being one of the largest malls in Asia. To that end, you can expect to find 360 shops here as well as two resident department stores. There are also dining options aplenty including anything from fine dining to local cafes.
Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari:
If you are looking for some bargains then Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari is the place to find them. Here you will find sample products as well as discontinued items that come straight from the manufacturers and therefore sell at much cheaper prices than they would in stores. Items sold here include men and women’s apparel, children’s clothes and toys, and even sporting and lifestyle products.
Aeon Mall:
Aeon Mall is actually made up of four different buildings, which lets you know how large it is and how many shops are housed here. As well as local and international brands, you will also find a wealth of dining options here as well as entertainment in the form of a gaming arcade and a movie theater.
Soga Harbor City:
Soga Harbor City is one of the newest additions to the shopping scene in Chiba, and has everything you could need in one place. There is a large shopping mall as well as a Culture Walk and a home center. As if that wasn’t enough there is also a cinema and even a bathhouse. You can also get a free shuttle bus to Soga Harbor City from Soga Station.
Deals:
To get around Chiba it is recommended that you buy day passes. These are available for the monorail, buses, and subway lines and will work out cheaper than buying single tickets. Prices for a one day pass start at ¥500 for adults.
Recommended times to visit:
Chiba is known for having a subtropical climate which means that you can expect it to be hot and wet during the summer followed by a cool winter period.
Summer:
Summer runs from June to September and is can be anything from 25-30°C. One of the bigger issues at this time is the humidity which can make it feel even hotter, and you can also expect some heavy rainfall in June and July.
Winter:
Winter season lasts from October to May. During this time it is cool and mild but not unbearably cold.
March and April are widely considered the best time to visit Chiba as this is also the famous Sakura or Cherry Blossom season.
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