Chiba Hotels

The not so hidden secret, of course, is that Greater Tokyo is not one uniform urban unit but a hodgepodge of many distinct, if not slightly interdependent, city parts. Though the compositions and countenances of those parts vary, from Yokohama to Saitama, they most definitely circle the same orbit. Chiba Prefecture is a dynamic cog in this universe. Home to some 6 million people, the prefecture borders the Pacific Ocean, Tokyo Bay, Saitama Prefecture and Tokyo Prefecture and has a busy, feverish capital in Chiba City.

Close to 1 million people live in Chiba and with half the population density of Tokyo proper (a major contrast to Shibuya or Chuo), offers a little more wriggle room. As a vital national seaport, Chiba is a strategic gateway with conspicuous wealth. With Tokyo proper 40 km away - a small distance to cover for a proficient public transport network - Chiba lures innumerable international travellers. Many points of interest in the city deserve a look, from Chiba Zoo to the Experimental Station for Landscape Plants.

Chiba’s Top 10

Chiba History

• Rokutsu Temple – This Chiba temple was built in 1677 and is a cherished icon in the area.
• Chiba Castle – A recent recreation and great place to visit.
• Chiba Port Tower – Features a simulated sea environment below and an observation deck above at 112 meters with a view of the surrounding area.
• Kasori Shellmounds Site – Located just a short way from the centre of the city and home to ancient local ruins.
• Inage History of Chiba – A historical site and landmark that recounts part of Chiba’s history.

Chiba Art & Culture

• Chiba City Museum of Art – Home to a collection of art from the Boso area, the Edo period (which formed the core Japanese culture) and contemporary and modern works.
• Oyumino Fireworks Festival – This large festival is held each year in August, when 3,500 fireworks are launched, and also offers traditional dancing and local food.
• Makuhari Messe – The largest conventions centre in the Tokyo area hosts regular concerts, conventions and exhibits.
• Hoki Museum – Originally the personal collection of Japanese tycoon Masao Hoki, who opened his collection to the public twice a year. As more people came to visit, he built a special space to house it all.
• Chiba Prefectural Museum of Art – Home to a collection of works from local and international artists focusing on contemporary and modern art.

Chiba Shopping

• LaLaport – Said to be Asia’s largest mall with more than 360 stores and an equal number of eateries.
• Mitsui Outlet Mall – This large shopping area features many internationally known shops and stores.
• Flying Sumo Surf Co. – This surf shop offers surfboard rentals and sales.
• Aeon Oyumino Shopping Centre – Home to countless stores, eateries and entertainment, with something for everyone.
• Soga Harbor City – A new retail development in Chiba that includes shops, entertainment, bathhouses and more among its many attractions.

Gay & Lesbian Chiba

• Shinjuku Ni-chome – A three-square-block area in nearby Tokyo with small gay bars among the restaurants, cafes, saunas and hotels.
• Kabuki-za - A Tokyo theatre that features an attractive all-male team who re-enact Japan’s history of different eras.
• Tha Chang – A Thai-resort-style eatery and a popular place.
• Advocates – A great little place in Tokyo with a friendly crowd.
• Narita Tokyu Excel Hotel – With a cruising sauna, lounge and Japanese bath.

Chiba Outdoor

• Makahari Techno Garden – An impressive area of restaurants, malls and office towers with glass, white tile and polished steel, as well as aerial bridges.
• Aoba no Mori Koen – Wonderful getaway during the cherry blossom time in spring.
• Bay Town – Lovely area with modern constructions and a colourful environment.
• Four Seasons Roads – Each of the four nature trails are named after one of the seasons of the year and are a wonderful place to enjoy a walk or jog.
• Izumiya Park – A beautiful park in Chiba with fireflies.

Chiba Sport

• Go to the Chiba Marine Stadium to see the Chiba Lotte Marines baseball team.
• Watch runners compete in the International Chibe Ekiden marathon relay race each year.
• See a football game at the JEF United Stadium.
• Enjoy track cycling races at the Chiba Velodrome.
• Surf the waves off the Chiba shore.

Chiba, Japan

Chiba, the capital city of Chiba Prefecture, is a Japanese holiday jewel; with its close proximity to Tokyo, this city is a great place to rest and enjoy the sites without the hustle and bustle of the big city. The city is famous for its Chiba Urban Monorail, the longest suspended monorail in the world. From quick transportation to major attractions to friendly people, this city has the perfect ingredients for making it the best holiday ever.

Chiba Attractions

• Tokyo Disneyland Resort
• Kasori Shellmound
• Chiba City Zoological Park

Chiba Activities

• Enjoy Inage Beach, the first artificial beach in the nation
• See a baseball game at Chiba Marine Stadium
• Shop the Makuhari Techno Garden

Chiba Climate

Hot, humid summers and generally mild winters make up the weather of Chiba. Like much of Japan, this area experiences average summer temperatures of 82°F (28°C) during June through August; the temperatures can drop as low as 43°F (6°C) during the winter months of December through February. The average annual rainfall totals for the area are around 60 inches (1,524 mm).

Getting There & Around

To reach Chiba, Japan, travellers fly to either Narita or Tokyo International airports. Upon landing, visitors can reach the city by rapid rail, buses or expressways.

Getting around the city is fast and easy with the monorail. Many find walking, bikes or motorcycles a great way to get about in the city.

Chiba Events

Chiba Oyako Sandai Summer Festival is one of the most popular summertime events in Greater Tokyo.

Chiba University Festival welcomes students of Chiba University back to class in the fall but is open to all.

Chiba Lotte Marines baseball at Marine Stadium is a hot ticket.

When To Go

Chiba has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Like the rest of Greater Tokyo, summer swelters and is far from the most comfortable time to visit. With temperatures between 63°F (17°C) and 88°F (33°C), June to September is therefore a good time to give Chiba a wide berth.

Winters, on the other hand, offer temperatures in the 36°F (2°C) to 54°F (12°C) range, with noticeable differences between Tokyo Bay and parts inland.

The usual tale of the tape for Greater Tokyo then: spring and fall is the best time to explore Chiba and the rest of the metropolis.

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