Winter Wonders in Chiba: Gourmet Delights, Hot Springs, and Scenic Escapes

Chiba Prefecture is located in the Kanto region, neighboring Tokyo to the west. Facing Tokyo Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the prefecture has a mild climate and abundant nature. The clear, mild winter climate is perfect for sightseeing, and warming up in the hot springs of Yoro Valley or Minami-Boso is highly recommended.

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Chiba is accessible from Tokyo by train or car in about an hour, and the Narita International Airport makes it easy to visit from both Japan and overseas. Sightseeing spots include Tokyo Disney Resort, Country Farm Tokyo German Village, and Oyama Senmaida (Oyama Rice Terraces), where you can admire the beautiful winter scenery of Chiba. You can also enjoy fresh seafood and fruits in Chiba, which has charms for all four seasons.

Winter is the Season! Must-try Delicacies in Chiba

Strawberries

Strawberry picking in Chiba Prefecture is usually available from December to May. In winter, the strawberries are particularly sweet, making this a top seasonal activity to enjoy during the colder months. Strawberry farms are scattered all over Chiba, such as in Minami-Boso City, Tateyama City, Futtsu City, and Narita City, offering a wide range of varieties and experiences. Don’t miss this winter experience, where you can enjoy freshly picked strawberries right on the spot!

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Ise-ebi (Japanese spiny lobster)

Chiba is a major harvesting center for lobster, which boasts one of the highest catches in Japan. Lobsters are in season from September to April, when they are at their freshest and most delicious. The coastal areas of Minami-Boso, Tateyama, Katsuura, Onjuku, and Isumi are especially famous for their fresh lobsters, which can be enjoyed as sashimi, grilled, or in one-pot dishes. Freshly caught lobsters are served at restaurants and ryokans near local fishing ports. It’s a winter delicacy you won’t want to miss experiencing in Chiba.

Kinmedai (splendid alfonsino)

Known as a fish of good luck due to its bright red color, kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) is another must-try delicacy in Chiba. The kinmedai caught off the coast of Chiba are extremely rich in fat and have an exquisite taste. In particular, “Choshi tsuri-kinme” and “Sotobo tsuri-kinmedai” are high-quality kinmedai that have been certified as Chiba brand marine products. The savory kinmedai stew, marinated kinmedai rice bowl, and refreshing shabu-shabu all offer an unforgettable taste. Visit Chiba’s port towns to savor the freshest kinmedai!

Fresh Tuna from Choshi

Choshi Fishing Port, one of Japan’s major ports, is known for its fresh, raw tuna. Thanks to the nearby fishing grounds, Choshi lands fresh raw tuna, especially the bigeye tuna, which has a vibrant red color and a lighter flavor than bluefin. Tuna is available year-round, but the most fatty season is from late fall through winter. Enjoy it in sashimi, sushi, or donburi (rice bowl) at local markets and restaurants, where the morning’s catch awaits. Don’t miss the chance to try fresh raw tuna in Choshi!

Chiba’s Best Tourist Spots to Visit in Winter

Country Farm Tokyo German Village

Located in the center of Chiba, Country Farm Tokyo German Village is a vast theme park famous for its winter illuminations, creating a dreamy atmosphere with colorful lights. Within the spacious grounds, visitors can enjoy buildings and beautiful gardens that give a sense of German culture, as well as delicious winter delicacies, making it an ideal place to spend a heartwarming time with family and friends.

Shiramazu Flower Fields

Minami-Boso is an evergreen region where frost-free winters make it an ideal spot to enjoy vibrant flowers. A variety of flowers such as poppies, canola flowers, snapdragons, calendula, and stock are grown here. You can also enjoy flower picking from early January to mid-March, when many flowers are in full bloom. Why not take a walk through the flower fields while basking in the warm sunlight and sea breeze?

Oyama Senmaida (Oyama Rice Terraces)

Known as the closest traditional terraced rice paddies to Tokyo, Oyama Senmaida is a spectacular spot where you can enjoy different sceneries in the four seasons. In autumn and winter, the “Tanada no Akari” lighting event is held, which turns the beautiful terraced rice paddies into a world of dreams. In this place where the original Japanese landscape unfolds, this is a spot where you can spend a relaxing time while being healed by beautiful nature.

Katsuura Morning Market

Located on the Boso Peninsula, Katsuura Morning Market is a bustling market where fresh seafood and local agricultural products are available. During the winter season, fresh seafood such as Kinmedai and vegetables are lined up to whet your appetite. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the market and interact with the locals. Get your hands on delicious local produce and enjoy the taste of winter at this market, which is lively from early in the morning!

Tomisaki Shrine

Giving a panoramic view of the quaint seaside city of Katsuura and its bustling port, this shrine is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of nature and the shrine in the serenity of winter. During the Katsuura Big Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival), held annually from late February to March 3, approximately 1,800 hina dolls line the 60 stone steps of the Tomisaki Shrine, creating a gorgeous and breathtaking view.

Recommended Accommodations with Spectacular Views and Local Cuisines

Inubosaki Hotel

At Inubosaki Hotel, a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean can be enjoyed from all guest rooms. The view at sunrise, which is the earliest in Japan, is especially breathtaking. The open-air bath offers not only a beautiful view, but also makes your skin glow with the Inubosaki hot spring water. Together with cuisine using local seasonal ingredients, it provides a relaxing and healing experience.

Spa & Resort Kujukuri Taiyonosato Hotel

Overlooking the beautiful sandy beaches of Kujukuri, Spa & Resort Kujukuri Taiyonosato Hotel is a comprehensive spa resort where you can enjoy outdoor baths with natural hot spring, bedrock bath, body care, and fresh local delicacies such as grilled clams which is Kujukuri’s specialty. This is a great place to base yourself for sightseeing in the Pacific Coast area.

Cam Cam Dome House

Situated on the beautiful coast of Minami-Boso, this place is a unique dome-shaped accommodation facility. You can enjoy a walk at sunset, or spend the day with friends or family having barbecue and sauna. Come and spend an extraordinary time in a quiet environment surrounded by Chiba’s nature.

Monya Ryokan

Monya is a modern Japanese-style ryokan overlooking the beautiful sea of Minami-Boso. With delicious dishes of fresh local seafood and vegetables along with baby-friendly hospitality, Monya offers families a relaxing retreat.

Nanakuniyama MINKA

Nestled in a rich natural setting, Nanakuniyama MINKA is a traditional Japanese house where you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Here, you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients, the traditional rice cake pounding, star-gazing from a kotatsu, and other experiences which are exclusive to the winter season. This is a one-of-a-kind place where you can have a glimpse of the lifestyle of good old Japan.