3-Day Chiba Itinerary: Diving Into History in Nokogiriyama, Narita, and Sawara

What Sort of Place Is Chiba Prefecture?

Chiba Prefecture, located in the Kanto region of Japan, lies just east of Tokyo and forms part of the Greater Tokyo Area. It is best known for being the home of Narita International Airport, Japan's main international gateway, as well as the beloved Tokyo Disney Resort, which includes Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. However, there is much more to Chiba than theme parks and transport hubs.

Chiba offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern attractions. Along the coast, places like Kujukuri Beach (Japan’s longest sandy shoreline at 66 kilometers) and the warm, relaxing hot spring area of Minamiboso are perfect for nature lovers and marine activities year-round. Inland, Nokogiriyama or Mt. Nokogiri impresses with dramatic cliffs, forested hiking trails, and one of Japan’s largest stone-carved Buddha statues. Meanwhile, the Bay Area combines convenience and entertainment, featuring Makuhari Messe, a major convention center, and top-tier shopping at LaLaport TOKYO-BAY.

Moreover, thanks to its mild climate and unique geography, Chiba is a fruit paradise and fishing hub, offering some of the freshest seafood in Japan!

How to Get to Chiba Prefecture From Tokyo

Chiba is easily accessible thanks to its well-connected rail and bus systems. For travelers with a Japan Rail Pass for Whole Japan or JR Tokyo Wide Pass, the JR East lines offer convenient access to the region. Major lines such as the JR Sobu and Keiyo Lines and the Keisei Line connect Tokyo to Chiba.

A fast and scenic way to reach Chiba from Tokyo is by the Wakashio Limited Express, which runs from Tokyo Station to Awa-Kamogawa along the eastern coast of the Boso Peninsula, offering views of the Pacific shoreline. On the western side, the Sazanami Limited Express reaches Kimitsu, and on select days extends to Tateyama. Both trains require seat reservations and are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR Tokyo Wide Pass.

Additionally, buses from Tokyo Station’s Expressway Bus Terminal connect to places like Makuhari, Kimitsu, Narita, Choshi, Mobara, Naruto, and Kamogawa.

Day 1: Mt. Nokogiriyama Area - Buddhist Marvels and Seaside Relaxation

AM - Kou’s Coffee - Get Your Coffee Fix in a Beautifully Renovated 130-Year-Old House

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Sobu Line Rapid to Kimitsu, then transfer to a local train to Hama-Kanaya Station. The total journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. From Hama-Kanaya Station, it’s just a 6-minute walk to Kozu Coffee.

Tucked away in the peaceful, charming port district of Kanaya at the foot of Nokogiriyama or Mt. Nokogiri, Kou's Coffee welcomes visitors into a lovingly restored 130-year-old traditional Japanese house. Here, guests can relax in the warmth of natural wood and enjoy the calm atmosphere of old Japan, perfect for a pre- or post-hike break after exploring the mountain.

Kou's Coffee serves carefully roasted, hand-drip coffee alongside a small but thoughtful selection of baked goods, including seasonal favorites like scones, pudding, and their melt-in-your-mouth tarte tatin. Not a coffee drinker? Try their black tea, ginger tea, or refreshing enzyme plum soda.

AM - Nihonji Temple - Buddhist Tranquility and Dramatic Views on Mt. Nokogiri

Access: The ropeway to the top of Nokogiriyama is just an 8-minute walk from Kou’s Coffee. Visitors can choose to take the ropeway, which runs approximately every 15 minutes and reaches the summit in about 4 minutes, or hike up the mountain. The beginner-friendly hiking trail takes about 1 to 1.5 hours one way. Most people spend around 2 hours exploring the temple grounds and scenic viewpoints.

Perched on the southern slopes of Nokogiriyama, Nihonji Temple was founded over 1,300 years ago, making it one of the oldest sites of worship in the Kanto region. Spread across forested paths and mountain trails, the temple grounds are home to some of Japan’s most impressive Buddhist monuments.

Nokogiriyama itself has a unique history, once serving as a major quarry that supplied Boshu stone, a durable, high-quality rock used in the construction of old Tokyo, helping to shape the mountain’s distinctive, saw-like profile seen today.

The highlight is the 31-meter-tall Daibutsu, one of Japan’s largest stone-carved seated Buddhas, depicting Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing, and completed in 1783. Higher up the mountain, visitors can discover 1,500 stone “rakan,” statues of Buddhist disciples, each with a distinct expression, quietly scattered among mossy rocks.

Another standout is the Hyakushaku Kannon, a 30-meter-tall image of the Goddess of Mercy, carved directly into the mountainside in 1966 as a prayer for world peace. 

Above it lies the Jigoku Nozoki or “Peek into Hell,” a dramatic lookout point perched above a sheer cliff. Despite its ominous name, the view is nothing short of heavenly, offering sweeping vistas of Tokyo Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and Mt. Fuji on clear days.

LUNCH - The Fish - A Seafood Lover’s Paradise by the Sea

Access: A 13-minute walk from the Mt Nokogiri Ropeway Base Station.

Located just steps from Kanaya Port, The Fish serves fresh local seafood with breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay. Spread across two floors with indoor and terrace seating, this bright, spacious oceanfront restaurant is best known for its signature dish and Kanaya’s specialty, “ajifurai” (fried horse mackerel). The menu also includes sashimi or a donburi featuring the local catch, offering diners a delicious introduction to the region’s coastal flavors. On clear days, the terrace seats are especially popular, offering panoramic views of the sea and even Mt. Fuji in the distance.

PM - Daifukuji Temple Gake Kannon - Chiba’s Vermilion Temple Floating On a Cliff

Access: Walk 9 minutes from The Fish to Hama-Kanaya Station. From there, take the JR Uchibo Line for about 20 minutes to Nakofunakata Station. The temple is a 17-minute walk from the station.

Perched dramatically along a cliff face on Mt. Funagata, Daifukuji Temple, more famously known as Gake Kannon or “Cliff Kannon,” is one of Chiba’s most visually striking spiritual sites. After climbing 150 stone steps, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the temple’s vivid vermilion hall nestled into the rock. The temple traces its origins to the year 717, when the Buddhist monk Gyoki is said to have carved the Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva (now the temple’s principal image) directly into the mountain’s stone, praying for the safety and prosperity of local fishermen. Inside, visitors can admire delicate ceiling paintings and feel the powerful presence of the natural rock wall behind the altar.

PM - Haraoka Pier - Explore One Of Japan’s Most Beautiful Sunset Spots

Access: A 30-minute walk from Daifukuji Temple. Alternatively, you can return to Nakofunakata Station, take the JR Uchibo Line, and get off at Tomiura Station - the pier is a 10-minute walk from there.

Stretching into the calm waters of Tokyo Bay, Haraoka Pier at Haraoka Beach is one of Japan’s picturesque seaside gems. This simple wooden jetty, lit by a single row of lights, has become a favorite spot for both locals and travelers seeking tranquility. The pier is especially captivating at sunset, when the sky glows gold and Mt. Fuji can be seen faintly in the distance, forming a perfect silhouette behind the horizon. Time seems to slow on the boardwalk, offering a quiet, romantic escape and the perfect way to end a day of exploring Chiba’s coastal charm.

STAY & DINNER - Grand Mercure Minamiboso Resort & Spa - Soak in the Boso Peninsula’s Natural Splendor

Access: A 38-minute walk from Haraoka Pier. Alternatively, a free shuttle bus service operates from and to Tomiura Station (advance reservation required).

Surrounded by the lush coastal landscapes of Minamiboso, this resort offers spacious rooms with views of the sea, modern amenities, and soothing onsen, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration. Guests can enjoy refined cuisine made with freshly caught seafood and locally sourced produce at the on-site restaurant.

In addition to outdoor activities like sea kayaking, cycling, and hiking, visitors can enjoy cultural experiences unique to Chiba such as making “Boshu uchiwa” - one of Japan’s most renowned traditional fans - or trying “maiwai” dyeing at a fourth-generation workshop. The Minamiboso area and its surroundings are perfect for these experiences, offering great options to extend your stay or add variety to your trip.

Day 2: Narita - The Sacred Heart of Chiba Prefecture

AM - Naritasan Omotesando - Walk Back in Time Along This Historic Street

Access: Take the local Uchibo Line from Tomiura Station to Kimitsu Station. From there, transfer to the Uchibo Line Rapid service and continue to Chiba Station. At Chiba, switch to the JR Narita Line and ride to Narita Station. Naritasan Omotesando is just a 10-minute walk from the station. The entire journey takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Just minutes from Narita Station, Naritasan Omotesando stretches for 800 meters as the main approach to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. This bustling street flourished as a temple town during the Edo period (1603 - 1868), thanks to the temple’s spiritual significance and its convenient access to Edo. Today, it retains its lively, historical charm, with over 150 shops, restaurants, and traditional inns lining the route.

Long-established eel restaurants serve Narita’s signature “unagi” dishes, while sweets shops, souvenir stalls, and herbal medicine stores offer a nostalgic taste of old Japan. Visitors can admire the traditional architecture and soak in the atmosphere of this centuries-old pilgrimage path while enjoying local snacks along the way.

Popular treats include peanut “monaka,” peanut-shaped wafer-like cookies filled with peanut cream, a product for which Chiba Prefecture is renowned, available at the NAGOMI-YONEYA Flagship Shop; “imagawayaki” Japanese pancakes filled with sweet bean paste at Kintoki Amataroyaki; “senbei” rice crackers from Hayashida’s Senbei Shop; and “sake manju” steamed buns filled with bean paste and sake lees, best enjoyed with a warm cup of “amazake” from Nabeya Gengoemon.

AM - Naritasan Shinshoji Temple - A Thousand Years of Faith and Fire

Access: Walk to the end of Naritasan Omotesando.

With a history spanning over 1,000 years, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple traces its origins to a time of turmoil in the Kanto region. During a samurai rebellion, Emperor Suzaku commissioned a high priest to journey east from Kyoto, carrying a sacred statue of Fudo Myo-o. After landing on the shores of present-day Chiba, the high priest performed a 21-day Goma fire ritual in Narita, praying for peace. On the final day, news came that the rebellion had ended. Planning to return to the capital, the high priest found the statue immovable, a divine sign that Fudo Myo-o wished to stay. Thus, Naritasan Shinshoji, meaning “New Victory Temple,” was founded.

The temple’s most captivating experience is the daily Goma Fire Ritual (check times *Japanese only), a thousand-year-old ceremony in which priests chant and pray before a blazing fire to help purify and protect visitors.

The temple grounds boasts five buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties, including Komyodo Hall, built in 1701, which still retains the ambiance of the Edo period. Just beyond the temple lies Naritasan Park, a tranquil 165,000-square-meter garden with paved walking paths, ponds, and seasonal blooms.

Visitors can also engage in spiritual experiences by reservation, such as zazen meditation or sutra copying - peaceful ways to calm the mind and reconnect with oneself.

LUNCH - Kawatoyo Narita - Savor Unaju at Narita’s Oldest Eel Restaurant

Access: A 7-minute walk from Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

Housed in a traditional wooden building with classic Japanese interiors on Narita’s historic Omotesando, Kawatoyo Narita has been serving exquisite freshwater eel since 1910. As Narita’s oldest unagi specialty restaurant, its chefs are true masters of their craft, selecting premium-quality eel, then filleting and grilling each one fresh before your eyes. Their signature dish is the “unaju.” This fluffy rice topped with perfectly grilled eel basted in a secret sauce is tender, smoky, and flavorful, with the gently sweet soy sauce glaze enhancing the eel’s natural richness.

PM - Shusse Inari Daimyojin - Discover a Mystical Inari Shrine Few Know

Access:  A 7-minute walk from Kawatoyo Narita.

Perched on a small hill, the path to this unique Inari shrine is marked by a torii gate, with a quaint shop nearby where local ladies sell fried tofu, candles, and hand-painted fox dolls. Foxes are Inari's messengers, and it is believed that offering fried tofu, the fox's favorite treat, and lighting a candle will bring good fortune.

Praying at this shrine is said to bring prosperity in business. For this reason, worshippers often attach their business cards to the shrine's fox-themed “ema” (votive plaques), rather than just writing their wishes or prayers, in hopes of receiving good fortune in their ventures.

As you pass through the torii gate, you'll encounter vibrant purple banners, red-and-white flags, and large lanterns, creating a mystical atmosphere. These colorful flags are offered by business owners seeking success in their pursuits. The current hall, rebuilt in 1888, is a stunning structure made entirely of zelkova wood, adorned with vivid colors and intricate carvings. From here, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and the surrounding area.

PM - Miyoshiya - A Hidden Tea Retreat

Access: A 7-minute walk from Shusse Inari Daimyojin.

Miyoshiya, located halfway up the approach to Naritasan, offers a peaceful retreat with a serene atmosphere. Established in the early Showa period (1926 - 1989), the shop has been providing Narita souvenirs to visitors for generations. In 1998, they expanded with a charming tea shop nestled in a traditional garden, creating a perfect Zen escape.

On the menu are a variety of delicious treats and teas, including their popular matcha. Favorites include Abekawa “mochi” rice cakes topped with “kinako” (sweet roasted soybean flour) and optional peanut paste, and the indulgent “cream anmitsu,” a dessert with agar, vanilla ice cream, fruit, smooth red bean paste, and “shiratama” rice dumplings.

STAY & DINNER - WAQOO Naritasan Monzen - A Luxurious Stay Right Next to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

WAQOO Naritasan Monzen features elegant and spacious rooms that perfectly capture the traditional atmosphere of Narita. Some rooms overlook the approach to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, providing guests with serene views of the temple grounds and Naritasan Omotesando. The hotel’s cuisine combines the finest local ingredients with the artistry of Japanese cuisine, offering refined “kaiseki” multi-course meals.

The hotel also boasts a large public bath, with a bathtub crafted from black graphite silica, a stone believed to be sacred and connected to the gods. This rare material, found only in certain parts of Hokkaido, adds a spiritual element to the experience.

Day 3: Sawara - Chiba’s Edo-Era Time Capsule

AM - Casual Rental Kimono TAWARAYA - Immerse Yourself in Sawara’s Traditional Atmosphere

Access: Take the Narita Line from Narita Station to Sawara Station. Casual Rental Kimono TAWARAYA is a 11-minute walk away.

Originally a farming community centered around Katori Jingu Grand Shrine, one of eastern Japan’s most important shrines established in 643, Sawara transformed during the Edo period when the Tone River was rerouted. This newly diverted waterway, which connected Sawara to Tokyo via the Tone and Ono Rivers, allowed goods to be transported efficiently to the capital. As a result, Sawara thrived as a key river port and logistics hub, earning it the nickname “Kitchen of Edo.”

Today, visitors can fully immerse themselves in Sawara’s Edo-era atmosphere by renting a kimono at Casual Rental Kimono TAWARAYA, located inside the charming Sawara Machiyakan complex, and then strolling around town in it. This shop, nestled on tatami floors behind wooden walls, offers kimono in a variety of colors and patterns. Yukata are available for summer visits. For an extra fee, guests can opt for Japanese-style hair arrangements and add traditional umbrellas to their outfits.

AM - Sawara Historical District - See What Life Was Like in the Edo Period

Access: Toyo Bridge is a 5-minute walk away from the kimono rental shop.

Dressed in a traditional kimono, visitors can explore Sawara’s beautifully preserved streets, where centuries-old merchant houses and storehouses line the Ono River. Recognized in 1996 as the first Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in the Kanto region, Sawara is often called “Little Edo” for its timeless charm and historical authenticity.

A highlight of the area is the Toyo Bridge, also known as “Ja Ja Bridge” for the sound of its unique irrigation system that releases water into the river every 30 minutes from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, creating a small waterfall sound effect. This sound is so distinctive it was selected as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan.”

Other notable spots along the way include the scenic Kyoei Bridge, offering views of Shojo, a soy sauce brewery operating since 1800 that sells local soy sauce and soy sauce-preserved delicacies, and the Former Residence of Ino Tadataka, the beautifully preserved traditional home of the famed cartographer who created Japan’s first complete map, now open to the public free of charge.

LUNCH - Koboriya Honten - Slurp Soba That Has Stood the Test of Time

Access: A 2-minute walk from Toyo Bridge.

Founded in 1782, Koboriya Honten is a family-run soba restaurant, now housed in a two-story wooden building constructed in 1900. Designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Chiba Prefecture, it retains its historic charm with a gabled roof and lattice windows.

Arrive early - reservations aren’t accepted, and seating is limited. The signature dish is “kurokiri soba,” a Sawara specialty made by blending seaweed into buckwheat flour, giving the noodles their distinctive black color. The result is a bowl packed with umami flavor and a smooth, springy texture. For a more complete experience, the kurokiri soba set with crisp tempura is highly recommended.

Arrive early - reservations aren’t accepted, and seating is limited. The signature dish is “kurokiri soba,” a Sawara specialty made by blending seaweed into buckwheat flour, giving the noodles their distinctive black color. The result is a bowl packed with umami flavor and a smooth, springy texture. For a more complete experience, the kurokiri soba set with crisp tempura is highly recommended.

The interior features traditional elements like tatami flooring, wooden beams, and low tables that evoke the atmosphere of old Japan. While interior photography is not allowed, guests are welcome to photograph their soba!

PM - Little Edo Sawara Boat Tour - Explore the Beauty of Sawara From the Water

What better way to explore a historic river town like Sawara than by boat? These 30-minute group cruises travel along the Ono River in a “sappa bune,” a traditional flat-bottomed boat long associated with life in Sawara. In winter, guests can enjoy the added comfort of a “kotatsu,” a heated, quilted table commonly found in Japanese homes, right onboard.

As you glide along the river, the staff provides commentary on Sawara’s unique features, from the “dashi” stone steps once used for loading and unloading goods to the traditional bridges overhead. It’s a tranquil, immersive way to appreciate Sawara’s Edo-period charm from a whole new angle.

PM - Chaya Hana Kanmuri Uwagashi Bettei Branch - Retro Tea Time By the River

Access: A 5-minute walk from Little Edo Sawara Boat Tour.

After a day immersed in the town’s historic splendor, enjoying tea and old-fashioned sweets is the perfect way to end your exploration of Sawara. Hidden among the wooden merchant houses lining the river, Chaya Hana Kanmuri Uwagashi Bettei occupies a repurposed pickles shop, now carefully restored. Original features, like the backyard storehouse and the elegant “kaidan-dansu” staircase chest, have been preserved, blending seamlessly with its refined cafe ambiance.

Seated on the second floor, visitors can watch sappa bune boats glide along the river below. Choose your favorite from the cafe’s beautiful selection of vintage teacups and select one of the refined tea options on the menu, such as pear and black cherry teas to pair with the cafe’s signature dessert, pudding à la mode - a nostalgic favorite from the Showa period (1926 - 1989) topped with seasonal fruits from Chiba and Ibaraki, Japan’s fruit kingdoms.

Make the Most of 3 Days in Chiba

Chiba is often seen as the gateway to Japan due to Narita International Airport, but it offers much more than just a transit point. This itinerary provides a well-rounded experience, from the stunning views atop Mt. Nokogiri to the historic charm of Sawara and the culinary delights and spiritual significance of Narita. While three days won't cover it all, it’s the perfect start to discovering Chiba’s rich culture and natural beauty. If you have the time, consider extending your stay to explore even more of what this diverse prefecture has to offer!

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