Must Visit Attractions in Chiba

One of Chiba's most visited attractions, the Chiba Zoo is a delight for animal lovers. The park is divided into different habitats and sections where visitors can explore all the animals housed in this charming zoo. The Small Animals Zone is the home of the zoo's mascot Futa-the red panda, the zoological hall houses breathtaking tropical birds and two-toed sloths while the Steppe Zone is dominated by the elephants, giraffes and ostriches. With so much of diverse wildlife, the park makes for a great family visit.

Overlooking the Chiba city from the port, the Chiba Port Tower is a glistening urban monument. Built in the year 1986, the tower was constructed to mark the city's population growth that exceeded five million. Rising at an elevation of 125 meters (410 feet), the lozenge-shaped building forms the semblance of a tall, flat glass sheet from afar. The observation deck at the top offers breathtaking views of the city and its port while other floors comprise of cafes, shops and 3D artwork. An iconic structure in the city, Chiba Port Tower makes for a pleasurable visit with family and friends.

Established in 1580, the Tateyama Castle was erected to protect the Satomi Clan from any threats that entered into the Edo Bay. Post the fall of the Satomi Clan in 1614, the castle was in ruins. Taken over by Inaba Clan, the castle was rebuilt in 1781 to be used as a residence, but the donjon was not refurbished. In 1982, the donjon was rebuilt and was used as a tourist attraction. This wondrous white castle is one of the brilliant examples of Japanese royal architecture. Come spring, the beautiful pink Sakura blossoms add a lovely charm to this historical castle and its premises.

Nihonji Daibutsu is a giant statue of Buddha in the Nihonji temple. Located on Mount Nokogiri, the temple was constructed in 725 CE, while the effigy was carved out in the 18th Century by Jingoro Eirei Ono and his team of sculptors. This gigantic and magnificent structure is of Yakushi Nyorai, known to be the Buddha of Healing. Considered to be one of the tallest statues of Buddha in the world, this revered site is visited by hundreds of tourists and locals alike.