Chiba is one of the most blessed prefectures in Japan, sharing a massive coastline with the Pacific Ocean that stretches up to more than 10,000 km in length. It is the home of some of the best seaside experiences and marine things to do in Chiba and Japan at large. Windsurfing, paragliding, surfing adventures, diving tours, and training schools are in plenty along the coastline across seaside cities such as Sawara, Katsuura, and Futtsu. These towns are also famous for fishing tuna, carps, and massive amberjacks with Tateyama city further adding to that marine reputation with gorgeous diving!
For a prefecture with 5,158 square kilometers of land, you can bet there are more things to do in Chiba beyond the water! Explore it on a buggy ride off-roading or rent an RV camping car across Chiba city, Narita, and Funabashi, among many other scenic locations. Dream treehouses in Choshi ensure just as much relaxation, entailing sleeping on hammocks and making pressed flowers, while traditional experiences come in the way of glass making, sandblasting, and ceramic pottery.
Discover more about the region with a comprehensive compilation of the many best things to do in Chiba!
1. Diving with goldfish in Tateyama
Life on the corals under the portion of the sea in Tateyama is colorful and diverse. Experience diving tours entailing adorable goldfish and the zebra-patterned damselfish, among other curious varieties!
2. Watch the starts twinkle in Chiba, and make a wish
Watch the sky light up with thousands of dazzling stars in Chiba. Make a wish upon a star, and share your starry wishes to friends and family. Strike a pose and take wonderful photos under the stars.
3. Explore the riches of Boso on a kayak
Take your sea kayaking dreams to the water off the lovely coastal city of Katsuura. The Boso peninsula is also home to just as enjoyable canoeing experiences!
4. Became a fisher for the day in Katsuura
Wrestle with the famous amberjacks and huge carp fish of Katsuura port on an authentic fishing cruise on the Pacific Ocean. Classes are available for beginners who’d like to try out a new experience!
5. Chiba Airsoft games: Shoot your way to victory
It’s never too late to follow your military dreams, and survival games in Futtsu and Ichihara will make good on your fantasies of automatic guns, military fatigue, and rifle warfare!
6. Snorkeling Katsuura: Get to know the fish better
For some one-on-one attention with the creatures of the Pacific, Katsuura snorkeling tours are the way to go. Swim with nervous schools of tuna, and spend time with crustaceans hiding in sea fans!
7. Meditate with SUP yoga in Chiba
Nothing quite beats the views of highrises from across the water as you do yoga stretches on a paddleboard out on the sea. Make the most of oceanside scenery with Chiba SUP and SUP yoga tours!
8. Explore the forests of Chiba in an off-road buggy!
If you love the great outdoors, these forest buggy adventures are for you! Off road through the terrain at your own pace and experience the fresh air and scenic views on a guided tour.
9. Blessings from the pacific: Surfing in Chiba
Running across the Pacific Ocean with jugged precision, the Kujukuri coastline is blessed with great waves no matter when you visit. Beyond Kujukuri, there are also amazing surfing experiences in Onjuku and Katsuura.
10. Windsurfing: Go wherever the wind blows
With less than 6 and 4 rainy days in November and December, respectively, Chiba city has perfect conditions for windsurfing, fuelled by reliable sea breezes! Explore the elements in Chiba!
11. Narita Go-karting: Blitz across an old town’s charm
The old Japanese town of Narita avails some of the most refreshing public street go-karting in the country. Appreciate the views of nature across gorgeous circuits as you try to outpace your friends!
12. Warm the soul with tasty Chiba barbecues
Have fun with barbecue plans across Makuhari, Sawara, and Kisarazu. From pickled vegetables with rare freshness, to exquisite shrimp, squid, and beef; the Chiba menu offers diversity for meat-lovers and vegetarians!
13. Camp by a beautiful sunset in Funabashi
Rent an RV in Chiba and enjoy fabulous outdoor views. Set out on your journey, enjoy beautiful sunsets and ocean views with friends or family, and make your next adventure one to remember.
14. Become a monkey for the day in Nagara town
Monkeys have all the fun in the world, hopping from one treetop to another and swinging on vines. Now you too can experience the same pleasures with a family-friendly forest adventure in Chiba city and Nagara town!
15. With love from the sky: Stunning pacific scenery from above
Do you know what’s more beautiful than the sights of the Pacific from the shore? Views of the ocean from the sky! Enjoy how the land, seascape, and cities collide in harmony from a motorized paraglider!
16. Scenic cycling along magical coastlines
It’s not the bike that ensures good cycling; it is the beauty of the trails that matters most. And they don’t get more picture-perfect than the mountain trails overlooking the ocean in Katsuura, Onjuku, and Sawara!
17. Spend the perfect day in a treehouse
Relax the days away on a hammock under a dream treehouse in Choshi, while also learning the secrets to making the best, pressed flowers. This tour promises fun for all ages!
18. Unlock porcelain pottery secrets in Sodegaura
Master the spins of the pottery wheel and unique hand kneading tactics to create beautiful glossy cups, dishes, and more! Additionally, have fun painting tableware to your preference!
19. Magic with glass: Shape the ordinary into magnificence
Wakaba-Ku ward is famous for its sandblasting experiences, while Kamogawa is renowned for its glass smithing workshops. Mix both skills to create beautiful beer mugs, wine bottles, and other beautiful souvenirs!
20. Guided tours of the best that Chiba has to offer
Explore the inner workings and layout of Narita Airport on tour, with other guided visits, including private calligraphy classes, mountain walks in Katsuura, and samurai tours in Sakura city!
Frequently asked questions
QWhat good kid-friendly activities can you do in Chiba?
AChiba takes care of all groups with its far-reaching diversity of experiences. Here are the best things to do in Chiba with children:
• Nagara forest adventures and ziplining tours
• Narita RV camping rentals
• Kamogawa Pottery lessons
• Glass-making & Sandblasting tours
• BBQ adventures
QIn terms of outdoor activities, what can I do in Chiba?
AChiba has beautiful open roads, clear rivers, and outdoor activities for you to explore. Here’s what you can try out in the outdoors of Chiba:
• Futtsu Airsoft game
• Fishing in Katsuura
• Diving in Tateyama
• Oceanside Cycling in Onjuku and Sawara
QDoes Chiba have any good and fun activities?
ALauded for its incredible nature and star-studded landscapes, the prefecture presents many excellent things to do in Chiba. Consider:
• Katsuura Sup in the Pacific Ocean
• Canoeing in Boso
• Car rentals involving “El Monte” RVs
• Surfing Kujukuri coast
• Sightseeing Narita airport and more
QWhat can people see when they come to Chiba?
AThe hidden temples of Funabashi and Funabashi Andersen park are popular with sightseeing tours in Japan. If you appreciate history, nature, and art, you can also visit Sakura castle park, Magata shrine, and Tsukamoto Art Museum!
QHow can I travel from Tokyo to Chiba?
AChiba is only a stone’s throw distance from Tokyo, with the route between them totaling to 40 kilometers. It takes approximately half an hour to travel to Chiba by car, about an hour if you opt for the bus, and 40 minutes by train.