Chiba Prefecture, located to the east of Tokyo, Japan, receives a huge number of travelers through Narita Airport, Japan’s busiest airport. A short trip from Tokyo by limited express train or shuttle bus will land you in the prefecture’s capital, Chiba City. Travel just a bit further and you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by rich, beautiful nature along the coastlines and farm fields.
Before traveling to Chiba, read this guide thoroughly to get to know all about popular tourist attractions, things to do, travel tips and warnings, and information about travel medical insurance.
Chiba Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Ending up at a doctor’s office or hospital is probably the last thing on your mind while you’re planning a trip. However, if an emergency does occur, you may have no choice but to seek professional help. Unless you have a travel medical insurance plan, you could stand to spend a fortune at a private medical facility.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Chiba?
There are always health risks involved in traveling abroad. So, while it’s not legally mandatory to purchase a travel medical insurance plan before visiting Chiba, doing so is a smart way to protect your finances. To ensure that you can take advantage of the best treatment available without being solely responsible for large medical bills, purchase travel medical insurance.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Chiba?
- If you suffer from an accident or illness and need medical evacuation or repatriation, it’s going to be expensive if you do not have a travel medical insurance plan that covers it.
- A travel medical insurance plan can offer coverage for treatment costs for complications arising from the acute onset of pre-existing medical conditions.
- If you suffer an illness or injury during your trip to Chiba, the cost of treatment could add up to thousands. A travel medical insurance plan can help protect you from major medical bills.
Things to Do for Travelers in Chiba
Explore the Tokyo Disney Resort Area
Tokyo Disney Resort is an internationally renowned theme park. Tokyo Disneyland, set up in 1983 and Tokyo DisneySea, set up in 2001, are known together as Tokyo Disney Resort. This incredible resort boasts numerous Disney attractions, nearly a dozen hotels and endless opportunities to shop and explore. It’s fun for the whole family.
Ekoin Café Terrace
Ekoin Cafe Terrace is based around a temple founded in 1657 in Tokyo. The branch temple is located in Chiba Prefecture. After entering through the vermillion-lacquered gates, you’ll find a modern temple surrounded by nature that was originally established to host memorial services. The café is run by the clergy in their spare time.
Visit Sawara
Sawara is one of the little Edo towns in the outskirts of Tokyo. It retains its historical samurai residences and landscapes of the Edo Period. This town prospered due to water transportation during the Edo Period. You can now experience it with a short boat trip of 30 minutes along the Ōno River.
Egawa Beach
Egawa Beach is an interesting attraction in Chiba Prefecture’s Kisarazu City, where utility poles are lined a kilometer across the Tokyo Bay tideland. The beach is popular for the moment before sunset, where the light, water and utility poles play together to create a mesmerizing scenic view. Access to the beach outside shell fishing season is prohibited as a measure for preventing accidents.
Enjoy a Panoramic View of Mt. Nokogiri
Amateur hikers and children alike can enjoy hiking Mt. Nokogiri. A 1,300-year-old Nihonji temple is situated on the mountain’s summit, and it is home to the largest stone Buddha statue in Japan. You can also take a ropeway ride located just a 10-minute walk from Hamakanaya Station.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Chiba
Carry ID
In Japan, all tourists and foreign citizens need to carry their passport as proof of identification at all times. If you feel hesitant to carry your passport, you can keep a color photocopy of your passport along with a copy of your visa.
Stay Connected
Network coverage is often spotty around Chiba. It is a wise to rent a pocket Wi-Fi and carry a phone charger or portable battery so you can stay connected. You can also consider using a satellite phone.
Recognize signs
Recognize signs for evacuation areas. Evacuation areas are generally large parks, and elementary and junior high schools are used as emergency shelters in the event of a natural disaster. In case of a tsunami, quickly go to the nearest tsunami evacuation site.
Volunteer Tour Guide
There are many groups in Chiba who volunteer to show tourists around the city. If you choose to sightsee with such a group, you can learn a lot about the history and culture of Chiba from a local’s perspective. The members will also warn you about potential dangers and help you become more aware of the customs and traditions of Japan.
Japanese Etiquette
Japan is a world of unique customs and cultures. Everyday life there includes manners and gestures that may be unfamiliar to you. Read up on local customs like changing your shoes to slippers in front of your inn and not using soap or towels in the public bathrooms.
Before You Travel to Chiba - Do This
You are almost ready to pack your bags. Before you go, consider these suggestions:
- Make sure to pack enough clothes so that you can spend as much time at the beach as you want without worrying about running out.
- Explore the prefecture on foot so that you can see the hidden gems away from tourist attractions.
- Buy a travel medical insurance plan before traveling so that you can enjoy a fun and carefree vacation.