Exploring Chiba Prefecture.

#Chiba City.

For those still longing for city vibes without the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the Chiba city area makes for a simple yet interesting day trip from the capital.

Highlights: Chiba Monorail, Chiba Shrine, Chiba Port Tower & Chiba Port Park, K.S HARBOR, Chiba City Museum of Art, Inohana Castle Ruins. Tojogaoka Historic Park & Tojo-Tei House.
Transport: From JR Tokyo, rapid line trains run direct to JR Chiba, taking about 45 minutes. The faster Narita Express Train also runs direct yet requires seat reservations ahead of time.

#Sawara.

Boasting a charming historic river district, the town of Sawara can be easily accessed from Tokyo, making it an ideal day trip for those hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital.

Highlights - Sawara Station (Katori): Alight at Sawara Station for the historic river district (pictured).
Transport: From JR Chiba, trains take just over an hour to around 1.5 hours with a change at JR Narita. From JR Tokyo, a train will take just over 2 hours with a change at JR Narita. Note: Take care not to confuse JR Narita with the Narita Airport Terminal Stations.

#Katsuura & Kamogawa.

From the pristine Central Katsuura Beach to the sea views of Myokaiji (affectionately dubbed "A Temple that lives with the sea") or to Tanjoh-ji Temple with its grand wooden entrance gate, the coastal cities of Katsuura and Kamogawa are worth venturing out to.

Highlights - Katsuura Station: Katsuura Beach, Katsuura Morning Market (6:30 till 11:00 - closed Wednesday), Tomisaki Shrine, Myokaiji /A Temple that lives with the sea (recommended viewing point).
Highlights - Awa-Kominato Station: Alight at Awa-Kominato Station (in Kamogawa) for Uchiura Beach, Kominato Fishing Port, Tanjoji Temple (pictured).
Transport: From JR Chiba, trains run to JR Katsuura and take just over an hour with a change at Soga. Trains onto JR Awa-Kominato take about a further 20 minutes with no change required.
Those travelling from JR Tokyo can get a direct train to both JR Katsuura and JR Awa-Kominato, which take about 1.5 hours to Katsuura plus around a further 20 minutes onto Awa-Kominato.