Chiba Prefecture Tours List 

History and Culture
1-1.Sawara Townscape (History and Cultural Tradition); Shrine and Temple Architecture
1-2.Japanese History and Folklore; the History and Folklore of Boso
1-3.History and Cultural Tradition of Boso
1-4.Tone River and Water Transportation (Food Product [Soy Sauce]; Distribution [by Boat]; History)

Nature
2-1.A Southern Boso Nature Experience and Nature's Bounty in the South
2-2.Studying and Experiencing the Marine Environment
2-3.Experiencing Nature on the Seashore and Sampling Local Food, Fauna and Flora

Technology and Cutting-edge Corporations; Environment and Energy; Disaster Preventation; Transportation
3-1.Visiting a Museum and Observing Cutting-edge Corporations

Commerce and Amusement
4-1.Touring Commercial and Amusement Facilities

Local Industry
5-1.Experiencing Local Food and Natural Produce

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1) History and Culture
c1-1 1. Sawara Townscape (History and Cultural Tradition); Shrine and Temple Architecture

Visitors will embark on a tour of the town of Sawara, still richly imbued with the atmosphere of the period in which it flourished as a key water transportation area, and famous Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples that are located nearby.
c1-2 2. Japanese History and Folklore; the History and Folklore of Boso

By touring a museum and an historic Buddhist temple, as well as viewing first-hand the lifestyle of the common people in Japan, visitors will deepen their understanding of Japanese history and ethnic culture.
c1-3 3. History and Cultural Tradition of Boso

Via hands-on contact with a traditional technology and museum tours, visitors will learn about the history and customs that are peculiar to the southern Boso region (the southern part of Chiba Prefecture).
c1-4 4. Tone River and Water Transportation (Food Product [Soy Sauce]; Distribution [by Boat]; History)]

Visitors will tour a museum, a park and a food product plant which are located in the Tone River basin, which was once a vital distribution route for the Kanto region in days gone by, and learn about the river and the lifestyle of its people.

[Tour List]

2) Nature
c2-1 1. A Southern Boso Nature Experience and Nature's Bounty in the South

The southern part of Chiba Prefecture is blessed with a mild climate all year round and a rich natural environment. By touring a botanical garden and parks, visitors will become more interested in nature and its bounty.
c2-2 2. Studying and Experiencing the Marine Environment

Visitors will tour a museum, an aquarium and a park, thereby enhancing their knowledge of the ocean and marine life by observation and face-to-face encounters.
c2-3 3. Experiencing Nature on the Seashore and Sampling Local Food, Fauna and Flora

Visitors can experience eating Japanese food and sample the local lifestyle at a minshuku (a regular private house used for accommodation purposes) that is located on the Iwai Coast, and enjoy direct contact with animals on a lush green farm.

[Tour List]

3) Technology and Cutting-edge Corporations; Environment and Energy; Disaster Prevention; Transportation
c3-1 1. Visiting a Museum and Observing Cutting-edge Corporation

Visitors will get to see corporate showrooms that display world-leading state-of-the-art technologies, and a museum that provides a menu of simulated experiences which will bring the latest science and technology that much closer to hands-on participants.

[Tour List]

4) Commerce and Amusement
c4-1 1. Touring Commercial and Amusement Facilities

By visiting both commercial and amusement-related facilities that are quick to reflect the latest fads, visitors will enjoy their direct encounters with modern Japanese culture.

[Tour List]

5) Local Industry
c5-1 1. Experiencing Local Food and Natural Produce

Visitors can learn about local industry by experiencing "local food" through direct encounters with traditional beach fishing methods and soy sauce factory tours.

[Tour List]


<Chiba Prefecture Tours>

1) History and Culture
map1-1 1-1. Sawara Townscape (History and Cultural Tradition); Shrine and Temple Architecture

Visitors will embark on a tour of the town of Sawara, still richly imbued with the atmosphere of the period in which it flourished as a key water transportation area, and famous Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples that are located nearby.

09:30 - 10:30 [1] Katori-jingu shrine
10:45 - 11:15 [2] The Suigo-Sawara Museum of Festival Floats
11:30 - 12:15 [3] Koedo Sawara Boat Tour
12:15 - 13:00 Lunch
13:00 - 15:00 Sawara townscape tour
[4] The Ino Tadataka Museum
[5] Sawara Machigurumi Museum etc.
15:30 - 16:30 [6] Naritasan Shinsho-ji temple
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1-1-1 [1] Katori-jingu Shrine

With its origin said to date back as far as the seventh century B.C. this shrine, a seat of worship for the ancient Japanese Shinto religion, has leading status as one of the most important shrines in Japan. The present sanctuary was constructed in the year 1700, and its main inner sanctum and gate have both been designated important cultural assets.
http://www.katori-jingu.or.jp/index.htm

1-1-2 [2] The Suigo-Sawara Museum of Festival Floats

This hall exhibits two of dashi (wheeled festival floats) that are actually used during the Sawara Grand Festival which is held in July and again in October, reference materials that pertain to the festival and its floats, and instruments that are used to play traditional music Sawara-bayashi.
http://www.city.katori.lg.jp/taisai/dashikaikan.html

1-1-3 [3] Koedo Sawara Boat Tour

This boat tour takes visitors at a leisurely pace through the central part of Sawara via Ono River, and the townscape which unfolds a long both sides of the river offers historic views for their enjoyment.
http://www.kimera-sawara.co.jp/

1-1-4 [4] Ino Tadataka Museum

Ino Tadataka (1745-1818) was the first Japanese surveyor to ever complete a map of Japan by walking all around the country and surveying it via actual observation and physical measurement. This museum has made available to the public precious reference materials that testify to his life and work, as well as other personal effects.
http://www.city.katori.lg.jp/museum/

1-1-5 [5] Sawara Machigurumi Museum

Portraying the entire town of Sawara which still retains its old-world flavor from the Edo period (1603-1867), this museum displays old private dwellings and the products that each private home has handed down proudly from generation to generation. Visitors will enjoy the diversity of the exhibits on offer, which range from furnishings to displays of traditional cooking.
http://m-kaze.com/gurumi/

1-1-6 [6] Narita-san Shinsho-ji Temple

Ever since its founding in the year 940, many Japanese have professed their faith at this Buddhist temple which attracts some 2.9 million worshippers during the first three days of the New Year. There are many sights to see in the spacious temple precincts, including Shaka-do hall which has been designated an important cultural property.
http://www.naritasan.or.jp/e-index.html
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map1-2 1-2. Japanese History and Folklore; the History and Folklore of Boso

By touring a museum and an historic Buddhist temple, as well as viewing fi rst-hand the lifestyle of the common people in Japan, visitors will deepen their understanding of Japanese history and ethnic culture.

09:30 - 11:30 [1] Chiba Prefectural Boso no Mura Museum
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch
13:00 - 14:00 [1] Narita-san Shinsho-ji temple
14:30 - 16:30 [3] National Museum of Japanese History
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1-2-1 [1] Chiba Prefectural Boso no Mura Museum

This museum both preserves and displays traditional items for daily use and traditional technique by which visitors can learn about the history and culture of the Boso region through observation and experience.
http://www.chiba-muse.or.jp/MURA/

1-2-2 [2] Narita-san Shinsho-ji temple

Ever since its founding in the year 940, many Japanese have professed their faith at this Buddhist temple which attracts some 2.9 million worshippers during the first three days of the New Year. There are many sights to see in the spacious temple precincts, including Shaka-do hall which has been designated an important cultural property.
http://www.naritasan.or.jp/e-index.html

1-2-3 [3] National Museum of Japanese History

This government-run museum provides comprehensive research and displays exhibits that pertain to Japanese history and culture. Its vast site is a repository of precious reference materials and models that have been effectively laid out for visitors to appreciate.
http://www.rekihaku.ac.jp/english/index.html
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map1-3 1-3. History and Cultural Tradition of Boso

Via hands-on contact with a traditional technology and museum tours, visitors will learn about the history and customs that are peculiar to the southern Boso region (the southern part of Chiba Prefecture).

09:30 - 12:00 [1] Boshu Fans (hands-on experience)
12:15 - 13:00 Lunch
13:15 - 14:45 [2] Tateyama Museum
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1-3-1 [1] Boshu Fans (hands-on experience)

Visitors can enjoy the hands-on experience of making Boshu Fans, which are a representative traditional handicraft in Chiba Prefecture. The whole production process is conducted manually, in accordance with methods which have been handed down through the ages.
http://tateyama-taiken.sakura.ne.jp/taiken/

1-3-2 [2] Tateyama Museum

Displaying materials on the local area's history and customs, this museum was built on top of the ruins of the castle of the Satomi clan, a family of feudal warlords who ruled the southern part of Chiba Prefecture from the 15-16th century.
http://www2.city.tateyama.chiba.jp/Guide/?tpcid=53&stoid=3583
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map1-4 1-4. Tone River and Water Transportation (Food Product [Soy Sauce]; Distribution [by Boat]; History)

Visitors will tour a museum, a park and a food product plant which are located in the Tone River basin, which was once a vital distribution route for the Kanto region in days gone by, and learn about the river and the lifestyle of its people.

09:30 - 10:30 [1] Chiba Prefectural Sekiyado-jo Museum
11:00 - 13:00 [2] Shimizu Park; Lunch (barbeque)
13:30 - 15:30 [3] Kikkoman Monoshiri Shoyu-kan
16:00 - 16:30 [4] Abiko City Museum of Birds (Teganuma)
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1-4-1 [1] Chiba Prefectural Sekiyado-jo Museum

This museum explains in easy terms the history of Sekiyado, which was once an important transfer point for water-borne transport, as well as the fl ood control of Tone River and water transport along its reaches.
http://www.chiba-muse.or.jp/SEKIYADO/English/top.htm

1-4-2 [2] Shimizu Park

Famous as a viewing spot for cherry blossoms and azaleas, this park also allows visitors to try a number of outdoor activities such as an adventure course, amaze and trout fishing.
http://www.shimizu-kouen.com/

1-4-3 [3] Kikkoman Monoshiri Shoyu-kan

Soy sauce has been widely manufactured in the Tone River basin ever since the 17th century. Here, visitors can learn about the history and production process of soy sauce which is a traditional Japanese food seasoning.
http://www.kikkoman.co.jp/enjoys/factory/noda.html

1-4-4 [4] Abiko City Museum of Birds

As the only museum in Japan that is devoted to ornithology, this facility was established for the purpose of arousing interest in the natural environment and conservation awareness via the study of birds.
http://www.bird-mus.abiko.chiba.jp/english/eindx.html
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2) Nature
map2-1 2-1. A Southern Boso Nature Experience and Nature's Bounty in the South

The southern part of Chiba Prefecture is blessed with a mild climate all year round and a rich natural environment. By touring a botanical garden and parks, visitors will become more interested in nature and its bounty.

09:30 - 12:00 [1] Okinoshima Island
12:30 - 13:15 Lunch
13:30 - 15:00 [2] Ocean Veil Resort Nambo Paradise
15:30 - 16:30 [3] Tateyama Wild Bird Sanctuary
After sunset [4] Observing sea fireflies
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2-1-1 [1] Okinoshima Island

Formerly a deserted island sitting in Tokyo Bay, Okinoshima Island joined up with the main land mass after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, thereby becoming accessible on foot. Visitors can observe various creatures in their habitat at the water's edge.
http://tateyama-taiken.sakura.ne.jp/taiken/

2-1-2 [2] Ocean Veil Resort Nambo Paradise

Here, a massive greenhouse contains as many as 5,000 varieties of tropical and subtropical plants in full bloom, as well as brilliantly-colored tropical birds and butterflies that fly about in a carefree manner.
http://oceanveil.com/nanpara/

2-1-3 [3] Tateyama Wild Bird Sanctuary

A variety of migratory birds can be observed in this evergreen broad-leaved forest which covers an area of some 22.4 hectares. The sanctuary is also equipped with a re-source center in which visitors can use quizzes to study about birds and plants.
http://www.chiba-forest.jp/yachou/

2-1-4 [4] Observing sea fireflies

These luminescent crustaceans live in their seabed habitat at a depth of about five meters. After the sun has set, their luminescence turns the waters of Tateyama Bay a sparkling marine blue.
http://tateyama-taiken.sakura.ne.jp/taiken/
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map2-2 2-2. Studying and Experiencing the Marine Environment

Visitors will tour a museum, an aquarium and a park, thereby enhancing their knowledge of the ocean and marine life by observation and face-to-face encounters.

09:30 - 10:00 [1] Coastal Branch of Natural History Museum and Institute, Chiba
10:15 - 10:45 [2] Katsuura under Sea Park
11:30 - 15:00 [3] Kamogawa Sea World; Lunch
15:30 - 16:30 [4] Tai-no-ura Pleasure Cruise
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2-2-1 [1] Coastal Branch of Natural History Museum and Institute, Chiba

The oceans of Chiba are the central theme of this museum. Without restricting themselves to indoor exhibits, visitors can enjoy direct contact with the marine environment by fi rsthand observation of the surrounding seashore.
http://www.chiba-muse.or.jp/UMIHAKU/index.htm

2-2-2 [2] Katsuura under Sea Park

A deeply indented coastline has produced the breathtaking views that are on offer here. An observation tower has also been erected at a depth of eight meters, which allows visitors to observe a variety of fish and the ocean floor.
http://www.bay-web.com/leisure/katsuura/

2-2-3 [3] Kamogawa Sea World

Looking out on the Pacific Ocean, this is one of the leading marine parks in Japan. It has 11,000 exhibits of aquatic life on display, covering a total of 800 species, and visitors can also enjoy performances which feature killer whales and dolphins in action.
http://www.kamogawa-seaworld.jp/english/

2-2-4 [4] Tai-no-ura Pleasure Cruise

This cruise allows visitors to observe schools of sea bream swimming near the ocean surface, which is quite a mysterious phenomenon because sea bream are deep-sea creatures by nature.
http://www.tainoura.jp/
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map2-3 2-3. Experiencing Nature on the Seashore and Sampling Local Food, Fauna and Flora

Visitors can experience eating Japanese food and sample the local lifestyle at a minshuku (a regular private house used for accommodation purposes) that is located on the Iwai Coast, and enjoy direct contact with animals on a lush green farm.

(Stay overnight at a minshuku on the Iwai Coast)
09:00 - 13:00 [1] Iwai Minshuku hands-on learning; Lunch
14:00 - 16:30 [2] Mother Farm
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2-3-1 [1] Iwai Minshuku

This gathering of some 100 minshuku grouped together on the Iwai Coast, which itself is a renowned swimming beach, does not only provide overnight accommodation. They also provide a variety of opportunities for visitors to gain direct exposure to nature and Japanese culture.
http://www.awa.or.jp/home/tomiyama/

2-3-2 [2] Mother Farm

This vast farm, which has flowers blooming in all four seasons, allows visitors to enjoy direct contact with animals such as milking cows by hand. It also has an amusement park which is equipped with a Ferris wheel.
http://www.motherfarm.co.jp/en/
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3) Technology and Cutting-edge Corporations; Environment and Energy; Disaster Prevention; Transportation
map3-1 3-1. Visiting a Museum and Observing Cutting-edge Corporation

Visitors will get to see corporate showrooms that display world-leading state-of-the-art technologies, and a museum that provides a menu of simulated experiences which will bring the latest science and technology that much closer to hands-on participants.

09:30 - 10:30[1] Chiba Museum of Science and Industry
11:30 - 16:30With lunch,
[2] Chiba Shin-Minato Clean Energy Center, and
[3] Makuhari Messe
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3-1-1 [1] Chiba Museum of Science and Industry

This museum allows visitors to learn first-hand the principles and the workings of science and technology, by focusing on how science and technology are applied to industry.
http://www.chiba-muse.or.jp/SCIENCE/home.html

3-1-2 [2] Chiba Shin-Minato Clean Energy Center

To turn rubbish into energy resources, we are introducing the “Super-Waste Power Generation System” that makes the most of the heat generated in the waste incineration process.
http://www.chiba-tour.jp/news090622/english/index.html

3-1-3 [3] Makuhari Messe

Housing the International Exhibition Halls, the International Conference Hall and the Makuhari Event Hall on its extensive grounds, Makuhari Messe is Japan's leading international convention complex.
http://www.m-messe.co.jp/en/index.html
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4) Commerce and Amusement
map4-1 4-1. Touring Commercial and Amusement Facilities

By visiting both commercial and amusement-related facilities that are quick to reflect the latest fads, visitors will enjoy their direct encounters with modern Japanese culture.

09:30 - 11:00 [1] LaLaport TOKYO-BAY
10:45 - 11:15 Lunch
12:00 - 12:45 [2] Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari
13:00 - 16:30 [3] Makuhari Messe
[4] Cineplex Makuhari
[5] Chiba Marine Stadium
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4-1-1 [1] LaLaport TOKYO-BAY

This shopping center was Japan's first ever large-scale commercial facility complex which offered consumers the opportunity to go shopping, look around and have fun all in one place.
http://www.lalaport.net/pc/top

4-1-2 [2] Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari

This outlet mall contains about 100 stores that offer everything from big-name brands to brands that are extremely hard to find. Another attractive feature is the good design quality of the building.
http://www.31op.com/

4-1-3 [3] Makuhari Messe

Housing the International Exhibition Halls, the International Conference Hall and the Makuhari Event Hall on its extensive grounds, Makuhari Messe is Japan's leading international convention complex.
http://www.m-messe.co.jp/en/index.html

4-1-4 [4] Cineplex Makuhari

Comprised of ten separate theaters, this movie theater complex enables fans to enjoy movies courtesy of the latest visual and sound technology. The complex also has a shopping center among other facilities.
http://www.kadokawa-cineplex.co.jp/makuhari/

4-1-5 [5] Chiba Marine Stadium

With a seating capacity of about 30,000 spectators, this multipurpose stadium plays host to a variety of sporting events such as baseball and soccer games, as well as concerts.
http://www.marinestadium.com/index.html
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5) Local Industry
map5-1 5-1. Experiencing Local Food and Natural Produce

Visitors can learn about local industry by experiencing "local food" through direct encounters with traditional beach fishing methods and soy sauce factory tours.

09:00 - 13:00 [1] Sweep net fishing (Kujukuri Town); Lunch
14:00 - 15:00 [2] Higeta Soy Sauce Factory,
or [3] Yamasa Soy Sauce Factory
16:00 - 16:30 [4] Baking nure-sembei (moist rice cracker) by hand
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5-1-1 [1] Sweep net fishing

Visitors will get to experience sweep net fishing, which is a traditional fishing method all along the Kujukuri Beach. After the catch is brought in manually, the fish will be cooked on the spot for a fresh, delicious meal.
http://www.99beach.com/store/kanesen/

5-1-2 [2] Higeta Soy Sauce Factory

This factory tour is augmented by visual commentary and a guide's explanations. The factory also has a resource center which houses valuable reference materials.
http://www.higeta.co.jp/

5-1-3 [3] Yamasa Soy Sauce Factory

In addition to observing the actual manufacturing process, visitors can gaze at exhibits which will make them feel a history of more than 350 years that soy sauce entails, such as implements that were used in days gone by.
http://www.yamasa.com/koujyou/index.html

5-1-4 [4] Baking nure-sembei (moist rice cracker) by hand

Visitors will be taught by a qualified instructor how to bake by hand moist rice crackers called "nure-sembei," which are a specialty of the Choshi region. After flavoring the rice crackers which they have baked personally, visitors can savor them piping hot.
http://www.choshi-dentetsu.jp/
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