旅Around Tokyo

Historic Towns

Chiba 千葉

A bayside city and the gateway to the Boso Peninsula

Prefecture
Chiba
From Tokyo
About 40 minutes
Best time
Spring and autumn

Chiba City is the capital of Chiba Prefecture on Tokyo Bay. It's home to the world's longest suspended monorail, waterfront parks and a reconstructed castle, and is a starting point for the Boso Peninsula.

Highlights

Chiba Urban Monorail

Ride beneath the track on the world's longest suspended monorail.

Chiba Port Tower

A mirrored tower with panoramic views of Tokyo Bay.

Inohana Castle (Chiba City Folk Museum)

A reconstructed castle keep on a hill.

Kasori Shell Mound

One of Japan's largest Jomon-period shell mounds, with a museum.

Inage Seaside Park

Japan's first artificial beach with a long promenade.

Nokogiriyama (day trip)

A cliff-carved Buddha and 'View of Hell' lookout on the Boso Peninsula.

Getting there

  • JR Sobu Rapid Line from Tokyo to Chiba (about 40 minutes).
  • Keisei Line from Ueno to Keisei-Chiba.

Tips

  • Combine with Sakura or Sawara for a fuller day in Chiba Prefecture.
  • The Uchibo Line runs south along the Boso coast toward Nokogiriyama.

What to eat