Ring in the New Year in Chiba ✨ 5 Special Places to Visit!

Chiba Prefecture is dotted with tourist spots with rich nature and deep history. In this issue, we will introduce some of the best spots in Chiba Prefecture to enjoy during the year-end and New Year holidays, based on the theme of nature and travel. Why not refresh your mind and body as you welcome the new year amidst ancient and beloved culture and spectacular scenery?

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple in Narita City is a historic temple founded in the Heian period. The temple is known for its blessings against fire, and is popular among many people. The temple grounds are dotted with buildings designated as important cultural properties, creating a solemn atmosphere that evokes a sense of history.

Special events and services for visitors are offered during the year-end and New Year's holidays. From New Year's Eve to New Year's Day, the gates are open all night long, attracting many Hatsumode visitors. In addition, an event called “Hatsufudo” is held on January 28, and it is believed to be especially beneficial to worship on that day. However, admission and traffic restrictions may be enforced from New Year's Eve to three days of the New Year, so it is recommended to check the official website for information in advance.

Recommendation: One of the highlights of Shinsho-ji Temple is Naritasan Park, where you can enjoy nature in each of the four seasons. In winter, visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll in the clear air. In addition, after visiting the temple, be sure to try the famous eel dishes and wagashi (Japanese sweets) that can be enjoyed on the main pathway.

Access: 10 min. walk from JR Narita Station or Keisei Narita Station

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

住所	1 Narita, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture
電話番号	0476-22-2111
営業時間	8:00 - 16:00
公式サイト	https://www.naritasan.or.jp/english/visit/

Katori Jingu Shrine

Katori Jingu Shrine, located in Katori City, is the head shrine of all Katori Shrines across Japan and boasts a venerable history of over 2600 years. Also known as a deity of martial arts, it attracts many martial arts practitioners and sports enthusiasts for worship. The shrine grounds are surrounded by ancient trees, creating a solemn atmosphere where one can offer prayers in peace.

During the New Year's holidays, it is typically bustling with many Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) visitors. Limited edition goshuin (shrine seals) and amulets are prepared for the New Year, offering a special feeling. Additionally, shuttle buses often operate during this period, but it is recommended to check the official website for the latest transportation information.

Recommended Highlights: The charm of Katori Jingu lies not only in its magnificent main hall but also in its mystical approach path. There are days when nighttime illuminations are held, allowing visitors to enjoy a fantastical scenery. In the adjacent garden, different flowers bloom in each season, offering a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Access: Approximately 10 minutes by taxi from JR Sawara Station.

Katori Jingu Shrine

住所	1697-1 Katori, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
電話番号	0478-57-3211
営業時間	8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Prayer Reception until 4:30 PM) (Treasure Reception until 4:00 PM)
公式サイト	https://katori-jingu.or.jp/

Choshi Seafood Market

Choshi Market is a market where you can purchase fresh seafood and local agricultural products, beloved by both tourists and local residents. The quality of the seafood landed at Choshi Port is particularly guaranteed, and you can enjoy fresh seafood that can only be tasted here.

During the year-end and New Year holidays, special sales and events featuring local ingredients are held at the market, making it even more lively than usual. In particular, it bustles with shoppers preparing for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, making it a perfect opportunity to savor seasonal delicacies.

Recommended Highlights: The highlights of Choshi Market include tasting corners where you can enjoy fresh seafood on the spot, and events such as fish filleting demonstrations. There are also areas where you can taste dishes prepared with ingredients purchased at the market, making it highly recommended for families.

Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from JR Choshi Station.

Choshi Seafood Market

住所	3-6 Futaba-cho, Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture
電話番号	0479-22-1544
営業時間	Weekdays 9:30～18:00, Togakushi 9:00～18:30
営業日	Please check the official website.
定休日	Please check the official website.
公式サイト	http://www.choshiselect.jp/

Ohara Market

Ohara Market in Isumi City is a well-known market where a "Port Morning Market" offering fresh seafood and vegetables is held every Sunday. Freshly caught seafood from the fishing port and carefully grown vegetables from local farmers are lined up, and its freshness and reasonable prices make it popular with both tourists and local residents.

At the end of the year, special events are held on December 29th and 30th, bustling with many people seeking seafood and vegetables for the New Year. It's an interesting experience to look for special ingredients to adorn the New Year's dining table in the unique local atmosphere of the morning market. In the new year, it is held every Sunday as usual, and visitors can also enjoy activities such as bingo tournaments and barbecue corners.

Recommended Highlights: A key feature of the "Port Morning Market" is the barbecue corner where you can cook and enjoy fresh ingredients on the spot, as well as bingo tournaments held in the event space. With content that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, it is popular with families. Local handmade crafts and souvenirs are also sold, allowing you to find a special item.

Access: Approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Sotobo Line Ohara Station.

Ohara Market

住所	11574 Ohara, Isumi City, Chiba Prefecture
電話番号	0470-64-4518
営業時間	8:00-12:30 (different times for special events)
営業日	Mon-Sat
定休日	Sunday
公式サイト	http://minato-asaichi.com/

Mother Farm

Mother Farm, located on Mount Kano in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture, is a tourist farm spanning a vast 250 hectares. It's a popular spot for families and couples alike, offering opportunities to interact with animals, seasonal flower fields, delicious farm cuisine, and even glamping facilities.

During the year-end and New Year holidays, a variety of special events are held. These include a show where sheep create the zodiac character for the year in "sheep writing," as well as New Year's card exchange events, offering plenty of fun for both children and adults. Additionally, limited-edition farm cuisine will feature a special sausage themed after the zodiac sign for 2025, the "Snake" (巳 - mi).

Furthermore, there is also Yume Farm in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. If visiting Mother Farm is difficult, Yume Farm, which is also open during the year-end and New Year holidays, is a recommended alternative!

Yume Farm

住所	730-3 Naki, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture
電話番号	0476-96-1001
営業時間	Weekdays 10:00～16:00, Saturdays 9:30～16:30
営業日	No mid-year break
定休日	indeterminate rest period (e.g. from work)
公式サイト	https://www.yumebokujo.com/

気になったら今すぐ予約へ

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Recommended Highlights: The best part of Mother Farm is the chance to interact with animals and enjoy unique farm cuisine. The winter-limited flower fields and expansive scenery are also captivating, allowing you to spend time forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city.

Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from the Kimitsu PA Smart Interchange.

Mother Farm

住所	940-3 Tagura, Futtsu-shi, Chiba
電話番号	0439-37-3211
営業時間	February-November: Tohinichi 9:00-17:00 Weekdays 9:30-16:30 December-January: Tohinichi 9:30-16:00 Weekdays 10:00-16:00
営業日	No mid-year break
定休日	Monday, December 16 - Friday, December 20, 2024 Monday, December 16 - Friday, December 20, 2024 Monday, January 6 - Friday, January 10 and Tuesday, January 14 - Friday, January 17, 2025
公式サイト	https://www.motherfarm.co.jp/

気になったら今すぐ予約へ

Click here to make reservations

Summary

The spots within Chiba Prefecture are filled with charm that will make your year-end and New Year holidays special while allowing you to feel close to nature. You can celebrate the start of a new year at each facility or refresh yourself by immersing yourself in nature. Please also be aware that the business hours for the year-end and New Year holidays are subject to frequent changes, so be sure to check the official website of the facility you plan to visit. When you go out, try using the "Popland" app to check the latest information and events. It will allow you to enjoy new discoveries at your travel destination more conveniently.