3 recommended spots where you can find Chiba’s hidden jems

Chiba prefecture is surrounded by a rich natural environment including sea and mountains although it’s located near the central Tokyo. Most of people may associate Chiba with theme parks such as Tokyo Disney Resort and Mother Farm, but Chiba also has lots of other hidden gems like instagrammable spots and exquisite dishes. Especially, it’s one of experiences unique to Chiba to eat fresh fish from the the Boso Peninsula. In addition, cherry blossoms will bloom here and there from late March, so various events where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing with eating local foods will be held. Why not head to Chiba to satisfy your stomach and heart?

This time, we’re going to introduce our recommended spots around Kisarazu Washington Hotel.

“18th Chiba Castle Sakura Festival” for scenery and foods unique to Chiba

Inohana park having Chiba Castle, which was built by Tsuneshige Chiba at the end of the Heian era. In late March, about 90 Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom, so you can take a photo of the castle colored by cherry blossoms. In addition, “18th Chiba Castle Cherry Blossom Festival” are held from 26th March to 5th April. How about enjoying traditional performances, local sake and local foods such as Chiba Nori Roll Yakisoba (fried noodles wrapped in dried seaweed) and dishes using ingredients from Chiba and local sake? When it’s turned at 6:00PM, Chiba Castle will be illuminated and attract visitors with a romantic atmosphere.

Period	26th March, 2019 – 5th April, 2019　12:00PM – 9:00PM
Venue	Inohana Park (1-6-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture)
Access	A 10-min walk from Honchiba station where it takes 36 mins by the Uchibo line from Kisarazu station
URL	https://www.chibacity-ta.or.jp/chibajou-sakuramatsuri

Savory plenty of fresh fish and local sake at “Uohana”

If you visit Chiba surrounded by sea, you can’t help but enjoy fresh seafood. Uohana, a Japanese tavern in front of Chiba station, offers tasty fresh fish sent directly from the Boso Peninsula every day. Which cook method of fish do you like, sashimi, fried, boiled or grilled? Of course, you can eat them all here. Also, Uohana is particular about local sake, and there are always about 20 kinds of sake purchased from Chiba breweries. We recommend that you order Atsukan (warmed sake) which is perfect for this season when it’s still a little chilly.

Opening Hours	Monday – Saturday: 11:30AM – 2:30PM／4:00PM – 11:00PM 　Public Holiday: 4:00PM – 10:00 PM Closed on Sunday
Address	1-10-4 Fujimi, Chuo-ku, Ciba City, Chiba Prefecture
Access	A 3-min walk from Chiba station where it takes 41 mins by the Uchibo line from Kisarazu station
URL	https://tabelog.com/en/chiba/A1201/A120101/12036555/

“Chiba Port Tower” overlooking a panoramic factory night-view

Did you know that Chiba’s factory night-view is gathering popularity recently? There are factories and food complexes along Chiba Port, and at night, they take on orange or brownish-yellow. Visiting the observation deck of Chiba’s landmark ‘Chiba Port Tower’, you can see a breathtaking view from 113 meters above the ground. A night view seen from each window is different, so let’s look all round! By the way, it’s also attractive to admire a stunning night view on a cruise because cruises for factory night-view leave from the port near here.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 6:00PM ※Please check what time ships leave and opening hours of each shop on the official website.
Address	1 Chome, Chuo Minato, Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Access	Take the Uchibo line at Kisarazu station, transfer to the Keiyo line at Soga station, and get off it at Chibaminato station. It’s a 7-min walk to the Japanese tavern.
URL	http://www.chiba-porttower.com/