Chiba Prefecture Explained | 47 Prefectures of Japan Series #4
Welcome back to Mahiro’s Japanese School. This is episode 4 of our Japan Prefecture series. And today we’re exploring Chiba, a place many of you have technically visited, but almost no one explores. Why? Because if you’ve ever flown into Japan, chances are you arrived at Narita Airport right here in Chiba Prefecture. But Chiba is much more than just an airport. It has beaches, historic towns, amazing food, traditional culture, big city attractions, and even Tokyo Disney Resort. Let’s discover why Chiba might just become your new favorite destination in Japan. Where is Chiba? What makes it unique? Chiba is located east of Tokyo, forming a large peninsula that stretches into the Pacific Ocean. Its shape is famous in Japan. People say it looks like a dog’s head when viewed on a map. What makes Chiba special? Huge coastline surfing, beaches, seafood. Narita International Airport gateway to Japan. Tokyo Disney Resort. Yep, it’s in Chiba, not Tokyo. Historic towns like Narita and Sara. Natural parks like Nokiryama, agriculture and local foods, and very friendly people. Today, we’ll explore all of these one by one. Narita Temple Town in Japan’s Gateway. Our first stop is Narita, the city many travelers pass through but rarely visit. But trust me, Narita is one of the best places to experience classic Japan. Naritasan Shinoji Temples, over 1,000 years old. Huge temple grounds, beautiful pagotas, gardens, and walking paths. Hundreds of monks live and train here. Walking through the grounds feels like stepping back in time. Omoando Street. Before reaching the temple, you walk down a lively street. Traditional shops, oldstyle buildings, steamed buns, rice crackers, and even eel restaurants. In Japanese, eel is called unagi. Narita is famous for it. Why foreigners love Narita? Close to the airport, authentic traditional town, perfect for a short stopover, great for firsttime visitors to Japan. Narita is the gateway to Japan, but it’s also a destination in itself. Chiba’s coastline and beaches. Next, let’s head east to Chiba’s beautiful coastline. Chiba has the longest coastline in the KTO region, making it one of the best places for surfing, swimming, beach cafes, ocean drives, Kujukuri beach. This is a 60 km long beach, one of Japan’s longest. It’s famous for big waves and a relaxed surf culture. If you’re into surfing, this is paradise. Onjuku beach, crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, a tropical vibe. It honestly feels like a Japanese version of Hawaii. Tatyama and the southern peninsula. Family-friendly beaches, warm climate, sunset views over me. Fuji. Yes, you can see Fuji from Chiba. Chiba is one of Japan’s top summer destinations, though many foreigners don’t know it yet. No Garyama, jaw-dropping nature and the big Buddha. Now, let’s explore one of Chiba’s greatest hidden gems. Noiryama, also known as Sawtooth Mountain. What makes it special? The Giant Buddha. One of Japan’s biggest stone carved Buddhas over 31 m tall. Carved directly into the mountain. Chigoko Noki Hell’s Lookout. A cliff that juts out from the mountain. Yes, it looks scary, but the view is breathtaking. Quarry ruins. No Garyama used to be a massive stone quarry. So, the mountain has unique dramatic shapes. It’s one of the most Instagrammable places in the region. If you love hiking, nature, and amazing photos, this is the place for you. Sawara, Little Edeto of Chiba. Next stop, Sawara. A beautifully preserved Edeto period town. People call it Little Edo of the waterways. It’s like Kawago in Saitama, but quieter and more traditional. Ado style canals, wooden bridges, historic merchant houses, boats floating through narrow rivers. Sawara Grand Festival, one of Japan’s most impressive float festivals, massive wooden floats, traditional music, UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Sara is perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. Tokyo Disney Resort. Yes, it’s in Chiba. A quick fun fact, two of Japan’s most famous theme parks are actually in Chiba, not Tokyo. Tokyo Disneyland. Tokyo Disney Sea. Disney Sea is especially popular with international fans because it’s unique to Japan. There’s no Disney Sea anywhere else in the world. Even if you’re not a Disney fan, the parks are beautifully designed and worth a visit. Chiba’s food. What you need to try. Let’s talk food. Chiba has a surprising amount of delicious local specialties. Peanuts. Chiba’s signature crop. Chiba is Japan’s peanut capital. You’ll see peanut snacks everywhere. Seafood, especially sardines, clams, sashimi from Choshi Port, miso peanuts, sweet salty, addictive, numero, minced fish mixed with miso, local fisherman’s dish, goes perfectly with rice, strawberry picking. Chiba is also known for highquality strawberries. Great family activity. Why people love living in Chiba? Chiba is considered one of the most comfortable places to live near Tokyo. Why? Fast access to Tokyo, affordable housing, ample nature, beaches and parks, safe, calm neighborhoods. Many people who work in Tokyo choose to live in Chiba for a balanced lifestyle. Useful Japanese phrases. Chiba edition. Here are some Japanese phrases you can use in Chiba. [Music] Where is the beach? [Music] I want to go to Narasan temple. Do you have any seafood recommendations? Can I take a photo? That wraps up our journey through Chiba Prefecture, a place full of history, beaches, nature, delicious food, and world famous attractions. If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment which prefecture you want to see next. And stay tuned. Our prefecture series continues across all 47 prefectures of Japan.
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Discover CHIBA Prefecture — the underrated neighbor of Tokyo filled with beautiful coastlines, historic temples, delicious local food, and unique cultural spots!
This is Episode #4 of the 47 Prefectures of Japan Series, where we explore every corner of Japan one prefecture at a time.
In this video, we’ll take you through:
🌊 Chiba’s stunning beaches (including famous surf spots)
🛕 Naritasan Shinshoji Temple — one of Japan’s most important historic temples
🌄 Nature escapes like Nokogiri Mountain & breathtaking coastlines
🍜 Local Chiba food you must try
🎡 Fun attractions including theme parks, festivals, and hidden gems only locals know
If you enjoyed Saitama, Tokyo, or other prefecture episodes, you’ll love discovering what makes Chiba so special.
📍 About the Series
The 47 Prefectures of Japan Series introduces each prefecture’s culture, food, nature, and local life — perfect for travelers planning a trip to Japan or anyone who wants to learn more about the country beyond Tokyo and Kyoto.
👍 Like the video
✍️ Comment your favorite prefecture
🔔 Subscribe for Episode #5!
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