Things to Do in Chiba

A historic Shinto shrine set in a small wooded compound near the city centre. Quiet, clean and good for a quick dose of calm.

🕐 Grounds always open; office hours 09:00–17:00

💡 Come during the autumn festival (mid-October) to see mikoshi processions and street stalls. Otherwise it's very peaceful on weekday afternoons.

Modern art museum focusing on local artists and Japanese printmakers. The permanent collection is free; special exhibitions cost around 500 yen.

🕐 10:00–18:00, closed Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)

💡 Check the schedule for free guided tours in English on weekends. The attached café does a decent matcha latte.

Waterfront park with walking paths, a small beach, and views of Tokyo Bay. Has a children's playground and a viewing platform for the bay bridge.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Pack a picnic—there are plenty of benches and grassy spots. The best sunset view is from the walkway near the ferry terminal.

A hillside park planted with hundreds of cherry trees. Also has a small zoo (free) and a traditional Japanese garden with a tea house.

🕐 Park: 24 hours. Zoo: 09:00–16:30 (closed Mondays)

💡 Go in late March to early April for the cherry blossoms—arrive by 08:00 to avoid crowds. The zoo is tiny but perfect for toddlers.

A long, straight sandy beach stretching over 60 km along the Pacific coast. Great for walking, birdwatching or just sitting with a view of the ocean.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Visit early morning to see local fishermen haul in their catch. No lifeguards off-season, so swim only in summer when the flag system is active.