Day or Weekend Trip From Tokyo? Escape to Southern Chiba
By
Why Southern Chiba Has Become the Perfect Getaway From Tokyo
Chiba is not exactly a hidden gem. While some travel influencers might be tempted to call it that—it's already a well-loved escape for locals. For centuries, Tokyoites (or Edoites) have flocked there, drawn by its history, nature and seaside charm, all conveniently close to the metropolis.
Today, Chiba is gaining even more attention, particularly Southern Chiba, commonly known as Boso—the name of the peninsula where Chiba is located. This article explores the attractions of the Boso region and offers recommendations on what to do, along with a vision for Southern Chiba's tourism future.
Why People Visit Chiba… But Usually Only the North
Chiba is not short of attractions. Shinshoji Temple, founded in 940 AD in Narita, has reigned as Japan's most-visited temple for decades. Tokyo Disney Resort —despite the name—is also in Chiba, meaning countless visitors have set foot in the prefecture without realizing it. Chiba's culinary scene is equally impressive as Japan's center for both fishing and soy sauce production. It's home to Choshi Fishing Port, where the nation's largest fish hauls arrive, and is also Japan's top soy sauce producer — Kikkoman, founded in 1603, began its legacy here.
However, you'll notice that these attractions are all in Northern Chiba. Despite Southern Chiba having its own long-standing sites, many visitors tend to focus on the northern half of the prefecture. This often comes down to factors like distance and transportation options.
・Undersea Tunnel Connects Southern Chiba and Tokyo
Opened in 1997, the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line has transformed travel to the Boso area of Chiba. This innovative 'half-underwater, half-above-water' highway is so efficient, it made reaching Southern Chiba quicker than traditional land routes to Northern Chiba.
The Aqua-Line itself is an attraction, offering stunning views and a unique driving experience. Although it has been operational for some time, its establishment laid the groundwork for the development of the Boso area by improving connectivity to Tokyo. Initially, only about 120,000 cars passed through daily, but the opening of the large-scale Kisarazu Outlet Mall in 2012 more than tripled that figure. By 2017, over 1.8 million cars were traversing this vital route.
Along the route, visitors can stop at Umihotaru, an observatory deck on the water. This rest area is fully equipped with cafes, restaurants, shops and even a foot bath.
・ Umihotaru
Nakajima, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0008
・BOTANICAL POOL CLUB
BOTANICAL POOL CLUB stands at the forefront of luxury travel in Chiba, offering an exceptional escape for visitors. Its stylish all-season pools are undoubtedly a highlight, but the resort's saunas draw young wellness-seekers as sauna culture experiences a revival in Japan. With tropical fauna and flora carefully curated by a professional plant collector, the resort takes full advantage of Southern Chiba's relatively mild climate. Dining here showcases the best of Chiba's renowned agriculture, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the nation's most self-sustaining prefecture.
Since its opening in 2023, BOTANICAL POOL CLUB has already become a hotspot for locals and travelers alike, attracting attention from creative industries and fashion circles, with rave reviews from Vogue, WWD and Elle.
Now, a growing number of secluded and exclusive retreats are opening in Southern Chiba, offering wellness-centered amenities such as saunas and onsens. BOTANICAL POOL CLUB exemplifies a new chapter for Chiba tourism, leading the region's evolution into a high-end destination.
1510-2 Shimosakuma, Kyonan, Awa District, Chiba
Discover more about BOTANICAL POOL CLUB by reading the full article here.
・MUJI's Regeneration Projects in Chiba
World-renowned lifestyle brand MUJI has contributed to Southern Chiba's appeal through its regeneration projects. In October 2024, MUJI BASE OIKAWA opened, repurposing a former elementary school into a unique accommodation that blends community engagement with minimalist design. Similarly, MUJI BASE KAMOGAWA, launched in 2023, transformed a century-old Japanese house into a modern hotel.
MUJI BASE OIKAWA includes co-working spaces and a library for staycations and work-ations, as well as workshops like soy sauce-making and beekeeping that connect visitors with the local community. Located near traditional terraced rice fields, MUJI BASE KAMOGAWA offers views that have remained unchanged for centuries and visitors can connect with the local agricultural scene by visiting melon fields and dairy farms.
These projects not only tap into Japan's retro trend but also emphasize sustainability by preserving and repurposing existing structures.
・Chiba's Roadside Stations (Michi-No-Eki)
Michi-No-Eki, Japan's government-designated roadside stations, were introduced in the mid-1990s to enrich road travel with regional experiences. These stops offer local food, fresh produce, regional crafts and experiences. With a whopping 30 stations scattered across Chiba, the prefecture provides perfect routes for scenic drives.
A standout among them is Roadside Station Hota Elementary School, a repurposed school building that brings together nostalgia and local pride. This station is especially popular for its community-driven vibe, with locals offering fresh produce, handmade crafts and delicious seasonal fare. The station's open layout allows visitors to explore classrooms filled with local goods, turning the nostalgic setting into an immersive experience. Also notable is Roadside Station Chikura Seabreeze Kingdom, offering fresh seafood and beach views.
・
・
・Viral Ghibli-esque Spots in Southern Chiba
Another surge of tourism was fueled by internet trends, mainly on Instagram and TikTok. The tagline 'Ghibli-esque' has become especially popular, making destinations like Jiufen in Taiwan and Colmar in France go viral. Whimsical townscapes, nature reclaiming human-made structures and an overall sense of nostalgia—what we think of as Ghibli-esque encompass a wide range of aesthetics. Japan, too, has seen this trend and, coincidentally, many of these now-viral destinations are in Southern Chiba.
Kameiwa Cave, dug nearly 400 years ago as a waterway, is a prime example of this. In the early morning, sunlight filters through the cave, creating a scene reminiscent of Princess Mononoke's godly forests
The Kominato Train winds through countryside scenes straight out of My Neighbor Totoro, with one station even featuring a painting of Totoro himself.
Tsukisaki Tunnel, Mukaiyama Tunnel and Kyoei Tunnel 's overgrown greenery and mysterious paths feel like portals to another world, while Kuzuma Beach, with its electricity pole stretching toward the horizon, creates an ethereal yet haunting scene—just like Spirited Away.
Many of these spots aren't new, but the internet has helped rediscover their charm, shining a spotlight on places that might otherwise be overlooked.
・Chiba Leads the Micro-Tourism Trend of Japan
'Micro tourism' is a concept introduced by the CEO of Japan's leading hospitality company, Hoshino Resort, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea is simple: instead of rushing to distant destinations, take the time to explore places just an hour or two from home. It was initially popularized during the pandemic as a way to reduce travel across borders and prevent clusters.
Today this concept has evolved into a sustainability-focused trend, now centered on small-scale, community-based tourism experiences perfect for weekend getaways. Chiba is leading this trend, thanks to its proximity to Tokyo and its multifaceted appeal, making it the perfect destination for a more relaxed travel experience.
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SoraNews24
19-07-2025
- SoraNews24
Discover some of the best snacks in Atami, a wonderland of Japanese street food
There's a lot more to the city than just hot springs and seaside views. While there are beaches in the capital, most Tokyoites travel to one of the nearby seaside resorts in one of the neighboring prefectures to get their dose of sunshine with an ocean view. While Enoshima and Zushi are both excellent options for soaking up the rays nearby, if you're willing to go a little farther, Atami in Shizuoka is also an amazing location to enjoy. Of course, visitors will want to hit up Atami Sun Beach, but the city is also well known for its hot springs and museums. However, the one part that should not be missing from an itinerary involving Atami is the street food. As we discovered on our recent visit there, the shopping streets right next to Atami Station are packed with locations serving mouth-watering treats, and have a wonderful lively atmosphere even on weekdays. To the right of the bus rotary behind Atami Station, you will find the shopping arcade called Nakamise-dori Shotengai, as well as Heiwa-dori Meitengai, which runs parallel to it. First, we'll take a look at Heiwa-dori. Close to the entrance of the street, we spotted a line of people outside a shop named Maruten, which offers freshly fried iso-age (deep-fried fish cakes). With eyes sparkling in anticipation, we joined the line and picked up the Shrimp Mayo Stick for 420 yen (US$2.83). It was surprisingly hefty and piping hot. Biting into it, we were hit with the springy texture of the shrimp and oozing mayonnaise. It was unbelievably good. While there's no seating at this store — customers usually stand and eat outside stores like this — there are plenty of benches throughout the shopping street, so you can easily find somewhere to sit and eat comfortably. Continuing on, we passed by several shops selling Atami's specialties of hot spring steamed buns and dried fish, as well as a place where you can dip your hands into the local hot spring water, if you didn't get a chance to hop into the footbath near the station. We even spied cute square cream puffs at Atami Square Chou a la crème, and beautifully displayed fruit sandwiches at Atami Fruit King. Reaching the end of the street, we looped around to the outside and found ourselves surrounded by even more enticing shops like Atami Milchee's, where you can buy Basque cheesecakes and Bon Bon Berry, which looked to be stuffed full of strawberries. As hard as we tried to resist, we eventually caved and bought a standard pudding from Atami Purin for 400 yen. While there's usually a long line, we happened to pass by during a time when there were no customers at all, so if that's not a divine sign saying that we had to buy one, then what is? 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Biting into it, it was thin and crispy, and the bitterness of the tea really came through. As we worked our way through the impressively sized crepe, a group of older ladies happened to pass by and spot it, prompting exclamations of 'Oh, my! What a large crepe!', 'Huh? There's nothing inside it?' and 'Is it tasty? Is it?' They seemed so adorably excited by the crepe that we offered a little bite to them, creating one of those fond little travel memories. Coming out of the final shopping street, we discovered a restaurant called Himono Dining Kamanari, which specializes in dried fish dishes, as well as offering dried fish chips and burgers for takeout. We've added it to our must-visit list for our next journey to Atami. Our final stop of the day was Atami Seaside Park, where we enjoyed a stroll along the promenade as we gazed out at the ocean. It's also a great location from which to watch Atami's fireworks displays. There were many shops that sold food, miscellaneous goods, and vintage clothing, so our excitement levels stayed high throughout the entire walk as we continued to discover new and interesting places that we absolutely must go to in the future. Atami is a fantastic destination for a holiday with family, friends, or even just by yourself. With so many things to do and delicious things to eat, you're bound to have a great time. Just be sure to arrive with an empty stomach and leave time for a leisurely walk once you're full. Related: Maruten, Atami Square Chou a la crème, Atami Fruit King, Atami Milchee's, Bon Bon Berry, Atami Purin, Atami Gelato King, Atami Yogurt, Mataichian's Atami Butter An, Aoki, Kiito, Chabakka Tea Parks, Atami Satori, Hoshimono Dining Kamanari Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! [ Read in Japanese ]
Tokyo Weekender
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The 5 Best Pools in and Around Tokyo To Keep Cool This Summer
As Tokyo heats up for summer, there's no better way to cool down than with a luxurious dip in a beautifully designed pool. Whether you're seeking a tropical escape without hopping on a plane, a skyline swim in the heart of the city or a stylish night pool experience, Tokyo and its nearby regions offer plenty of options for water-lovers. From exclusive rooftop retreats to resort-style garden pools, here are six of the most refreshing spots to soak up the sun and escape the city grind. List of Contents: Botanical Pool Club (Kyonan, Chiba) Hotel East 21 Tokyo Garden Pool (Koto, Tokyo) Tokyo Prince Hotel Garden Pool (Minato, Tokyo) Hotel New Otani Makuhari Shell Pool (Makuhari, Chiba) Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba Terrace Pool (Odaiba, Tokyo) Related Posts Botanical Pool Club (Kyonan, Chiba) A Bali-inspired tropical oasis Just over an hour outside of Tokyo in the town of Kyonan, Chiba Prefecture, the Botanical Pool Club has quickly gone viral on social media — and for good reason. Set against a backdrop of natural forest and an ocean view, BPC transports guests to a tropical resort. With its signature circular pool surrounded by daybeds and a 40-meter infinity pool overlooking the ocean and flanked by palm trees and torches that light up at night, it feels more like a Balinese resort than a Japanese countryside retreat. The pools are warm in the cooler months, and combined with the saunas that look out onto the greenery just outside, it is a destination that can be enjoyed year-round. Along with early pool access, hotel guests at Botanical Pool Club can also make their own barbecue after a day of swimming and sweating. It's a great getaway for couples, families or friend groups looking to unwind in style — and snap some highly Instagrammable photos in the process. Courtesy of Hotel East 21 Tokyo Hotel East 21 Tokyo Garden Pool (Koto, Tokyo) One of the largest outdoor pools in Tokyo Hotel East 21 Tokyo boasts an elegant, outdoor European-style garden pool that feels worlds away from Tokyo's concrete jungle. Surrounded by manicured hedges and classical sculptures, it's an unexpectedly tranquil retreat in the middle of the city. It's open both day and night, and available to hotel guests and general visitors alike. Depending on the time of year, the operating hours and entrance fees vary, so check the hotel's website for the most up-to-date information. Courtesy of Tokyo Prince Hotel Tokyo Prince Hotel Garden Pool (Minato, Tokyo) Urban luxury with a view of Tokyo Tower Nestled in the heart of Tokyo's Minato ward, the Tokyo Prince Hotel's Garden Pool offers a serene escape with an impressive view of the iconic Tokyo Tower. This 25-meter rectangular pool is complemented by a 6-meter-diameter children's pool, making it an ideal spot for families. The pool area is surrounded by a spacious lawn equipped with deck chairs and parasols. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including rental swimsuits, lockers and the option to reserve private round sofas for an additional fee. The pool operates during the summer months, starting in mid-July, and is available for non-hotel-staying guests who pay the entrance fee. Check the hotel's official website for the most current information on opening hours and admission fees. Courtesy of Hotel New Otani Hotel New Otani Makuhari Shell Pool (Makuhari, Chiba) A vibrant pool with Hawaiian resort flair If you're after a more festive poolside experience, the Shell Pool at Hotel New Otani Makuhari might be your scene. Open from mid-July until mid-September, it offers a tropical vibe with live DJ sets on select evenings; it has day pool and night pool options, with the night pool running from 6:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. Private gazebos, LED lighting and music make it a perfect destination for a stylish pool outing. Courtesy of Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba Terrace Pool (Odaiba, Tokyo) Chic rooftop swims with views of Tokyo Bay Located on the rooftop of the Grand Nikko in Odaiba, this terrace pool delivers sweeping views of Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Bay and the skyline beyond. It's open from mid-July to the end of August, with both daytime and night pool options, and it's equipped with a poolside bar and stylish deck chairs. Note that the pool requires a reservation in advance. Each of these pools brings its own unique charm to Tokyo's summer landscape, whether you're craving a peaceful garden setting, a glamorous rooftop dip or a tropical resort escape. Don't forget to check operating dates and entry requirements before visiting. Related Posts Sun, Sand and Sea: The Best Beaches Near Tokyo Alternative Beach Towns Near Tokyo (That Aren't Kamakura) The Best Theme Parks in Japan
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27-06-2025
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Day or Weekend Trip From Tokyo? Escape to Southern Chiba
"Micro-Tourism" Trend Puts the Spotlight on Chiba By Why Southern Chiba Has Become the Perfect Getaway From Tokyo Chiba is not exactly a hidden gem. While some travel influencers might be tempted to call it that—it's already a well-loved escape for locals. For centuries, Tokyoites (or Edoites) have flocked there, drawn by its history, nature and seaside charm, all conveniently close to the metropolis. Today, Chiba is gaining even more attention, particularly Southern Chiba, commonly known as Boso—the name of the peninsula where Chiba is located. This article explores the attractions of the Boso region and offers recommendations on what to do, along with a vision for Southern Chiba's tourism future. Why People Visit Chiba… But Usually Only the North Chiba is not short of attractions. Shinshoji Temple, founded in 940 AD in Narita, has reigned as Japan's most-visited temple for decades. Tokyo Disney Resort —despite the name—is also in Chiba, meaning countless visitors have set foot in the prefecture without realizing it. Chiba's culinary scene is equally impressive as Japan's center for both fishing and soy sauce production. It's home to Choshi Fishing Port, where the nation's largest fish hauls arrive, and is also Japan's top soy sauce producer — Kikkoman, founded in 1603, began its legacy here. However, you'll notice that these attractions are all in Northern Chiba. Despite Southern Chiba having its own long-standing sites, many visitors tend to focus on the northern half of the prefecture. This often comes down to factors like distance and transportation options. ・Undersea Tunnel Connects Southern Chiba and Tokyo Opened in 1997, the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line has transformed travel to the Boso area of Chiba. This innovative 'half-underwater, half-above-water' highway is so efficient, it made reaching Southern Chiba quicker than traditional land routes to Northern Chiba. The Aqua-Line itself is an attraction, offering stunning views and a unique driving experience. Although it has been operational for some time, its establishment laid the groundwork for the development of the Boso area by improving connectivity to Tokyo. Initially, only about 120,000 cars passed through daily, but the opening of the large-scale Kisarazu Outlet Mall in 2012 more than tripled that figure. By 2017, over 1.8 million cars were traversing this vital route. Along the route, visitors can stop at Umihotaru, an observatory deck on the water. This rest area is fully equipped with cafes, restaurants, shops and even a foot bath. ・ Umihotaru Nakajima, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0008 ・BOTANICAL POOL CLUB BOTANICAL POOL CLUB stands at the forefront of luxury travel in Chiba, offering an exceptional escape for visitors. Its stylish all-season pools are undoubtedly a highlight, but the resort's saunas draw young wellness-seekers as sauna culture experiences a revival in Japan. With tropical fauna and flora carefully curated by a professional plant collector, the resort takes full advantage of Southern Chiba's relatively mild climate. Dining here showcases the best of Chiba's renowned agriculture, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the nation's most self-sustaining prefecture. Since its opening in 2023, BOTANICAL POOL CLUB has already become a hotspot for locals and travelers alike, attracting attention from creative industries and fashion circles, with rave reviews from Vogue, WWD and Elle. Now, a growing number of secluded and exclusive retreats are opening in Southern Chiba, offering wellness-centered amenities such as saunas and onsens. BOTANICAL POOL CLUB exemplifies a new chapter for Chiba tourism, leading the region's evolution into a high-end destination. 1510-2 Shimosakuma, Kyonan, Awa District, Chiba Discover more about BOTANICAL POOL CLUB by reading the full article here. ・MUJI's Regeneration Projects in Chiba World-renowned lifestyle brand MUJI has contributed to Southern Chiba's appeal through its regeneration projects. In October 2024, MUJI BASE OIKAWA opened, repurposing a former elementary school into a unique accommodation that blends community engagement with minimalist design. Similarly, MUJI BASE KAMOGAWA, launched in 2023, transformed a century-old Japanese house into a modern hotel. MUJI BASE OIKAWA includes co-working spaces and a library for staycations and work-ations, as well as workshops like soy sauce-making and beekeeping that connect visitors with the local community. Located near traditional terraced rice fields, MUJI BASE KAMOGAWA offers views that have remained unchanged for centuries and visitors can connect with the local agricultural scene by visiting melon fields and dairy farms. These projects not only tap into Japan's retro trend but also emphasize sustainability by preserving and repurposing existing structures. ・Chiba's Roadside Stations (Michi-No-Eki) Michi-No-Eki, Japan's government-designated roadside stations, were introduced in the mid-1990s to enrich road travel with regional experiences. These stops offer local food, fresh produce, regional crafts and experiences. With a whopping 30 stations scattered across Chiba, the prefecture provides perfect routes for scenic drives. A standout among them is Roadside Station Hota Elementary School, a repurposed school building that brings together nostalgia and local pride. This station is especially popular for its community-driven vibe, with locals offering fresh produce, handmade crafts and delicious seasonal fare. The station's open layout allows visitors to explore classrooms filled with local goods, turning the nostalgic setting into an immersive experience. Also notable is Roadside Station Chikura Seabreeze Kingdom, offering fresh seafood and beach views. ・ ・ ・Viral Ghibli-esque Spots in Southern Chiba Another surge of tourism was fueled by internet trends, mainly on Instagram and TikTok. The tagline 'Ghibli-esque' has become especially popular, making destinations like Jiufen in Taiwan and Colmar in France go viral. Whimsical townscapes, nature reclaiming human-made structures and an overall sense of nostalgia—what we think of as Ghibli-esque encompass a wide range of aesthetics. Japan, too, has seen this trend and, coincidentally, many of these now-viral destinations are in Southern Chiba. Kameiwa Cave, dug nearly 400 years ago as a waterway, is a prime example of this. In the early morning, sunlight filters through the cave, creating a scene reminiscent of Princess Mononoke's godly forests The Kominato Train winds through countryside scenes straight out of My Neighbor Totoro, with one station even featuring a painting of Totoro himself. Tsukisaki Tunnel, Mukaiyama Tunnel and Kyoei Tunnel 's overgrown greenery and mysterious paths feel like portals to another world, while Kuzuma Beach, with its electricity pole stretching toward the horizon, creates an ethereal yet haunting scene—just like Spirited Away. Many of these spots aren't new, but the internet has helped rediscover their charm, shining a spotlight on places that might otherwise be overlooked. ・Chiba Leads the Micro-Tourism Trend of Japan 'Micro tourism' is a concept introduced by the CEO of Japan's leading hospitality company, Hoshino Resort, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea is simple: instead of rushing to distant destinations, take the time to explore places just an hour or two from home. It was initially popularized during the pandemic as a way to reduce travel across borders and prevent clusters. Today this concept has evolved into a sustainability-focused trend, now centered on small-scale, community-based tourism experiences perfect for weekend getaways. Chiba is leading this trend, thanks to its proximity to Tokyo and its multifaceted appeal, making it the perfect destination for a more relaxed travel experience.
