【Charms and Trivia about Chiba】Part 3: Tourist Spots in the Hokuso Area⛩️

When I was around elementary school age, I went to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple with my family right at the start of the New Year, but I only have memories of my parents getting into a huge fight.

Whether it was taking the wrong road, my dad flying into a rage, or my mom saying various things back to him, it was just absolute chaos😱

Don't you find that when you go out as a family and end up fighting, the child's reaction just becomes really tiresome?🤣

Good evening, this is Yudai.

The third installment of my local affection series.

This time, I will also be listing recommended places in Chiba Prefecture.

The location is the Hokuso Area⛩️, where you can feel the history even within Chiba Prefecture.

Regarding the standard question for Chiba residents, "Where is it if you compare it to Chi-ba+kun?", it would be the back of the head.

1. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (Narita City)

A temple representing Chiba Prefecture that boasts over 1,000 years of history.

The temple grounds, featuring the magnificent Great Main Hall and a beautiful three-story pagoda, are enveloped in a solemn atmosphere that feels like it cleanses your soul just by walking through.

After your visit, head to the atmospheric Naritasan Omotesando Street which has continued since the Edo period.

With the savory aroma wafting from famous eel restaurants, long-established Japanese confectionery shops, and various souvenir stores lining the street, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while snacking.

Another charm is that it shows a different face throughout the year, with cherry blossoms in spring🌸, fresh greenery in summer🌱, autumn leaves in autumn🍁, and the first shrine visit of the year in winter⛩️.

It is one of the Hokuso area's premier tourist spots where you can enjoy history, gourmet food, and nature all at once.

(2) Inubosaki (Choshi City)

Located at the easternmost point of the Kanto region, it is a scenic spot known for being the place where you can see the first sunrise of the year earliest in Japan.

Standing on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you will be overwhelmed by the power of the endless horizon and the crashing white waves.

If you climb the iconic Inubosaki Lighthouse, a 360-degree panoramic view unfolds, and on a clear day, you can enjoy breathtaking scenery.

In particular, the sea dyed in the colors of the sunrise or sunset is perfect for photos, making it one of Chiba Prefecture's representative scenic spots where you can feel the grandeur of nature with your whole body.

In the surrounding area, especially at Choshi Fishing Port, there are plenty of restaurants where you can taste fresh seafood, cafes, and hot spring facilities♨️, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.

(3) The Townscape of Sawara (Katori City)

Sawara is called Koedo (Little Edo), alongside Kawagoe in Saitama.

Here, merchant houses and storehouse-style buildings from the Edo period still remain beautifully, allowing you to feel as if you have traveled back in time. Time machine?

On the river flowing through the center of town, you can enjoy a nostalgic boat tour, and the view of the historic townscape from the water's surface is exceptional.

With stylish old folk house cafes, local sake breweries, Japanese confectionery shops, and general stores scattered about, even just a leisurely stroll allows time to pass in a luxurious way.

Furthermore, at the Sawara Grand Festival held in summer and autumn, you can experience traditional culture registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as magnificent floats parade through the town.

It is one of the Hokuso area's premier tourist destinations, where historical charm and modern enjoyment harmonize perfectly, making you want to visit again and again.

4. Katori Jingu Shrine (Katori City)

Known as one of the Kanto region's leading power spots, it is the head shrine of the approximately 400 Katori shrines across the country.

It is said that the time of its founding dates back to the age of mythology!?

It is a prestigious shrine with an incredibly long history spanning over 2,600 years.

It is said to offer various blessings such as success in competition, career luck, and traffic safety, and it is visited by many worshippers throughout the year.

Once you step into the shrine grounds, you will be captivated by the sacred space enveloped in clear air and silence, with giant cedar trees over several hundred years old standing in rows, and the solemn main hall designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

Nearby, it is also recommended to taste Katori's famous dango and Japanese sweets.

The townscape of Sawara introduced earlier is located about 10 minutes away by car, so visiting both allows you to enjoy history even more.

Katori Jingu, where you can experience history, culture, nature, and healing all at once, is a representative landmark of the Hokuso area that is perfect for those who want to 'clear their minds' or 'visit a special place'.

Summary

This time, I gave a brief introduction to tourist spots in Chiba's Hokuso area.

This area has many places with a long history, so it is especially recommended for those who want to feel that kind of atmosphere.

The downside is that public transportation is not very convenient.

Traveling by car is essential🚙

It might be fun to go on a tour of Chiba's historical sites while driving with friends

Please, go and visit!