Seishun 18 Ticket: Chiba Edition | Day Trips from Tokyo | Focus #278

The 'Seishun 18 Ticket' is an affordable unlimited ride pass sold by the JR Group during the spring, summer, and winter seasons. With this ticket, you can enjoy unlimited rides on local and rapid JR trains nationwide for a day, perfect for a short day trip.

Following our previous Tochigi edition, we bring you the Chiba edition. Although Chiba Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo, venturing a bit further reveals numerous nature-rich spots where the coastline and greenery intertwine. Capture the best moments with your camera while enjoying its unique charm.

Located in Narita City, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a historic temple known as a place of faith since ancient times. Its impressive wooden architecture, vibrant red main hall, and the lush greenery surrounding it create picturesque scenery in any season. There are six types of Goshuin (excluding limited-time ones) available at different halls, so why not try collecting them?

Moreover, beyond Shinshoji Temple lies Naritasan Park, which spans an area larger than three Tokyo Domes. While famous for its autumn foliage, the park also welcomes visitors with vibrant green trees in summer. This place, where history and nature coexist, is a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts looking for photogenic shots.

• Location: 1 Narita, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, 286-0023
• Phone: 0476-22-2111
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from Narita Station (JR Narita Line)
• Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (grounds open all day)
• Admission: Free
  • Access to Narita Station: Tokyo Station ~ (JR Sobu Line Rapid) ~ Narita Station (Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)

Not only a transportation hub, Narita International Airport is also known as an interesting photography spot for camera enthusiasts. Especially from the airport's observation deck, you can capture aircraft taking off to destinations worldwide up close, offering an overwhelming experience. The moment when the sky turns orange at dusk with the runway in the background is a perfect photo opportunity. Additionally, the modern architecture and glass structures inside the airport create unique contrasts of light and shadow, making for intriguing subjects. Aim for a dynamic shot at Narita Airport.

• Location: 1-1 Furugome, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, 282-8601 (Head Office Building)
• Phone: 0476-34-5400 (Main)
• Access:
  • Terminal 1: About a 5-minute walk from Narita Airport Station (JR Narita Line)
  • Terminals 2 & 3: About a 5-minute and 10-minute walk respectively from Airport Terminal 2 Station (JR Narita Line)
• Hours: Open 24 hours (Observation deck until 9:00 PM, most stores close by 10:00 PM)
  • Access to Narita Station: Tokyo Station ~ (JR Sobu Line Rapid) ~ Airport Terminal 2 Station / Narita Airport Station (Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes)

Chiba Park, which lets you forget the hustle and bustle of the city, welcomes visitors with beautiful flowers in every season. Especially noteworthy are the cherry blossoms in spring and the Oga lotus in early summer. Within the park, centered around a pond, you'll find photogenic scenery everywhere, with trees and flowers reflecting on the water and traditional bridges in the background. Spend a peaceful time in this urban oasis while enjoying photography.

• Location: 3-1-1 Benten, Chuo Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, 260-0045
• Phone: 043-251-5103 (Chiba Park Information Center)
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from Chiba Station (JR Sobu Line) via Chiba Park Exit or North Exit
  • Access to Chiba Station: Tokyo Station ~ (JR Sobu Line Rapid) ~ Chiba Station (Approx. 45 minutes)

Maebara Beach, located in Kamogawa City, features a beautiful sandy beach. The contrast of the clear sea and white sand is truly a natural work of art. At sunset, don't miss capturing the enchanting scenery created by the sun reflecting on the waves. It's also a convenient stop after visiting Kamogawa Sea World, as they share the same nearest station.

• Location: Maebara, Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture, 296-0002
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Awa-Kamogawa Station (JR Uchibo Line / Sotobo Line)
• Access to Awa-Kamogawa Station:
  • ① Tokyo Station ~ (JR Keiyo Line) ~ Kazusa-Ichinomiya Station ~ (JR Sotobo Line) ~ Awa-Kamogawa Station (Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes)
  • ② Tokyo Station ~ (JR Sobu Line Rapid) ~ Kimitsu Station ~ (JR Uchibo Line) ~ Awa-Kamogawa Station (Approx. 3 hours 20 minutes)

Inubosaki, a cape jutting into the Pacific Ocean, is famous for being one of the first places in Japan to see the New Year's sunrise. The Inubosaki Lighthouse, towering alongside the vast horizon, is listed among the world's top 100 lighthouses and serves as a symbolic presence. The scenery where the white lighthouse, blue sea, and expansive sky come together is truly special for photographers. Add new colors to your work here.

• Location: Inubosaki, Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, 288-0012
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from Inubo Station (Choshi Electric Railway)
  • Access to Inubo Station: Tokyo Station ~ (JR Sobu Line Rapid) ~ Chiba Station ~ (JR Sobu Main Line) ~ Choshi Station ~ (Choshi Electric Railway, one-way fare 350 yen) ~ Inubo Station (Approx. 3 hours)