Ideas for Chiba, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, Shizuoka

[final otter]

I have yet to book a flight, but I'm kinda brainstorming on a plan for a May trip, likely starting and ending at Narita. Idea is to fly in on the 5th of May, and fly back home on the 20th, though I am still considering stretching it with a couple more days to almost three weeks in total.

So far I have two days at the end that are more or less set in stone: On the 17th and 18th there's both the Shizuoka Hobby Show and the Granship Train Festa. I have already booked a hotel for that, not exactly the most ideal one, but it was the best I could get.

One option I considered first was focus mostly on Tokyo and surroundings, with also the Kanda Matsuri on the 10th and 11th. But already seen that getting a hotel that weekend is somewhat difficult/pricey, and I also kinda want to avoid Tokyo for once.

A rough route I've come up with so far:

• From the airport straight to Sawara (canal area, matsuri museum)
• Choshi (mostly for the Choshi Denkitetsudo)
• Chiba (is there anything interesting in the city itself, besides the monorail?)
• Kisarazu (base for Mt. Nokogiri)
• via Umihotaro to Kawasaki or Yokohama (still have several railway and car museums in that area)
• Kofu (Maglev Exhibition Center, Shosenkyo)
• Shizuoka (Hobby Show, Train Festa)
• In case I would stretch it to three weeks, Kanaya (Oigawa Railway) and maybe Hamanako
• Back to Tokyo for the flight home

Any thoughts on this? Other interesting places in those areas I should squeeze in?

[gaunt shard]

For Chiba I'm considering Tateyama. Some interesting temples to the South and a ropeway.

Also, go to a Baseball game at Kahim Makuhari station! 😛

If that first week of May is Golden Week, it's probably sold out, but this is the Marines schedule just to show their home games as circled

[gaunt shard]

For Yamanashi, have you seen Hokuto already? I'd be curious if a pilgrimage for Super Cub. Bet I could find information from their chamber of commerce.

[final otter]

Was already kinda looking at that. And from there could take a ferry to Kurihama, near Yokosuka.....though probably would have to skip Kofu then and just travel along the coast.

[final otter]

Right now I had Chiba at the 8th, so no luck. And wouldn't make much sense to go there earlier. Still, it is one thing to consider......would love to visit a game. That said, considering with these plans I'm quite close to Kashima and later also visit Shizuoka , can also check for a football game....

[final otter]

Enjoyed the anime, but to go there just for that.....maybe if I could actually rent a Super Cub.

From Kofu on I would also pass Minobu, which is of course known from Yuru Camp. Still, probably not.

I do have a go from the office (even when there is a overlap with one co-worker which might have been problematic....but I was first), so first think of the flights and how long in total I'll go, and then think of the exact route. Kinda disappointed @valid bay hasn't spammed this thread yet? 😆

[valid bay]

I thought people don't like me spamming suggestions?

My suggestions are often ignored.

@final otter Within Chiba prefecture and between Chiba city and Narita city. Learn about Japan from the National Museum of Japanese History
https://maps.app.goo.gl/682VBF2S6SZCY95Y8?g_st=ac

No need to go to Arashiyama, Kyoto to walk through a bamboo grove. Plus fewer people. This bamboo grove near the abovementioned museum.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LsTXZgqvyPaiCqX78?g_st=ac

At the end of that bamboo path is this preserved samurai house:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ddiaRLPv6m8EH3EV6?g_st=ac

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kkm5GsikHa9o7jHQ6?g_st=ac

https://maps.app.goo.gl/u7AzAUQMxCsq5F9a9?g_st=ac

Johnny Bot complaining now.

Maybe go further from Chiba city but still within Chiba prefecture is this showcase village. Maybe you have been there 🤔
https://maps.app.goo.gl/572kthveSfYpRWY29?g_st=ac

In Toke city, Chiba prefecture is this museum for Realist art. In my bookmarks for some time. Reason of interest is partly what the art in the museum and majorly due to architecture - that long cantilevered structure it has.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/84RCutp8uZck6QS6A?g_st=ac

If you want difficult to get to as a challenge, this temple deep within the forests in Chiba
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zzWp1QZzCEskmko4A?g_st=ac

The bus service to get there runs like 4x a day or thereabouts.

Still within my checklist to visit (like Hoki Museum). Maybe I have to do up an itinerary wholly for Chiba to make it to some of these places in my Chiba checklist. 🤔

Another spot not that easy to get to on my checklist.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RkAX57YpvaEJxsid9?g_st=ac

@final otter Spammed enough? 😝

[gaunt shard]

In Yachiyo, Chiba, my connections speak of this garden like it's a big deal

https://maps.app.goo.gl/saa5c6J8eT7m3EZH9

[final otter]

Haha, it can sometimes be a bit much, but still very much appreciated! Had found some of these suggestions myself already, but also a couple I'll have to check out.

[misty current]

I live for the berantle spams and I treat it like a challenge to visit all of them in my lifetime

[gaunt shard]

Speaking for Chiba station vicinity, if you're north/east of the tracks from Chibachuo station, you'll have a lot of restaurants to choose from with chains or mom and pops. Very high variety to wing it.

Shiokaze Brewing is one of the craft beer companies of the prefecture.

This location is closer to the Monorail. There's also locations conveniently near Soga station and Kemigawahama.

Trivially the owner (Chris) is an expat from Michigan. Once a JET, he's been living in Japan for decades. He was running this OG location and I had a conversation with him.

Obviously I'd grab fresh peanuts if you can find them. Should be easy since it's grown in the area.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vGnyzr8ND7trixqWA

My Japanese connection says Tateyama has a conveyor sushi restaurant called Yamato, serving fresh fish from that area. This convenient location is right on the water. Also next to a Nagisa museum.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/nonESLCe27VkNtUw5

Also got recommended this roadside station

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TFSaZ8KVH6dAuySh8

[valid bay]

https://tenor.com/view/the-simpsons-homer-simpson-good-bye-bye-no-gif-16925608232308805852

[daring tinsel]

https://tenor.com/view/animotion-obsession-who-do-you-want-me-to-be-to-make-you-sleep-with-me-new-wave-gif-16261742

[final otter]

Update: Flight is booked, I'll be arriving at Narita on the 6th of May, and fly back home on the 25th, also from Narita.

[valid bay]

Here to now throw a spanner into your planned itinerary

For Kanagawa, you may want to visit this place
https://maps.app.goo.gl/s95xTtjLJYiwu8zj9?g_st=ac

Peonies are in season in early May at this garden in Machida, Tokyo, but close to Kanagawa border.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qv2VYUL1jRVNNP2g9?g_st=ac

[final otter]

More pins on Google Maps.....the area is starting to get more and more populated.....

Not far from a place I also had pinned for years: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dGUCZcKa5yk7HawK9

Which in turn is a half hour bus ride from this: https://maps.app.goo.gl/S7UuEk7QCox6aj7P8

That said, think I should now first work out my route since I do want to try to get a tour here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nLMvZMbXHjk5wrWQ7

[valid bay]

I shared these before that you may be interested in.

This museum has a recreation of Oda Nobunaga's castle within the museum building
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pLQe5ypbZ6GKrEhF6?g_st=ac

Historical Japanese print art
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YCJmaxcRsSCSJ6VA6?g_st=ac

[final otter]

Hey, that's Tokyo! Not allowed! 😆
(even when I still consider the Kanda Matsuri....)

[valid bay]

This sento then
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5yRZTq1FamytKCj38?g_st=ac

[valid bay]

Machida is closer to Yokohama and Kawasaki than Tokyo city centre itself 😏

[final otter]

Gotta love the creative station names 😂

[valid bay]

Not sure whether you want to go an amusement park. This one is suggested to go for the night lights at the park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DEbKnDi8eujJijdG6?g_st=ac

[final otter]

Also noticed that Nifu place in the mall......you can bathe in fermented sawdust there 🤯
(starting from 7k yen.....I'll stick with the sento)

[final otter]

That one is indeed on my list, though probably not this trip.

[valid bay]

That amusement park has been in my book marks for some time but I just did not feel like I want to go all the way just for that.

[final otter]

Fuji-Q is probably my highest priority park right now, did check how feasible it would be to go from Kofu (assuming I go that route, which is not exactly certain yet), but that's still pretty long. And you want to be there early.....

Also, don't know if Eejanaika is running again or still suspended. Which would absolutely be a dealbreaker.

[valid bay]

This museum of art specialises in modern art sculptures. Smaller examples of the previous Osaka world expo totem can be found here
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cP54fdVKCYgzGbgd7?g_st=ac

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DnzQSAEwNgefiDnr5?g_st=ac

This park is very much closer to Tokyo city centre but it is one of the nicer parks that is worth a visit if you have not been there before.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/A71frZjXAknEm54z5?g_st=ac

Very near border of Tokyo with Kawasaki, Kanagawa.

[final otter]

Anything on the Miura peninsula, apart from Yokosuka?

[valid bay]

Not been all the way down to Miura. Up to Hayama on the west side and to Kurihama on the east side.

[misty current]

Misaki Port and Jogashima

I went in late-feb to see the Kawazuzakura but I'm not sure if it'll be that interesting in May

They're famous for tuna there

[gaunt shard]

Congrats!

[final otter]

Well, some progress so far: Have booked hotels for the first 8 nights. First I'll stay 2 nights in Narita, seems a bit more practical than Sawara. Then one night in Choshi, followed by 3 nights in Chiba.m And then cross the bay to Kawasaki.

From there I'm not quite sure yet, with 2 more nights until Shizuoka. Still considering Kofu, though that feels a bit out of the way considering how little time I'll have. Alternative could be Atami or Numazu. And still haven't really thought about the last week, Oigawa railway is still on the list, or maybe mix things up a bit and put Kofu after Shizuoka, giving it a bit more time before returning to Tokyo for the flight.

[final otter]

Btw, has anyone been on Umihotaru? Are there any storage lockers? As the plan is to go there by bus, look around for a while, maybe have a meal, and then take a later bus to Kawasaki. Would be pretty annoying while hauling around my luggage....

[valid bay]

Sorry, I haven't and don't expect to go to Umihotaru. I deleted it from my bookmarks and plans, even before the pandemic. Don't think it is worth the trouble.

🤔 Maybe if I end up driving in a Tokyo visit, I would go to have a look but otherwise, nope.

[final otter]

Just seems like such a outlandish place, one of the typical excesses of the bubble economy. And going that route fits perfectly in my attempts to avoid Tokyo as much as possible 😁

That said, one option I have also thought of is going there on the way back from Nokogiri (so without luggage), and just go to Umihotaru and back, not through the tunnel. And then the next day either go all the way to Kawasaki (or just take the boring train around the bay).

Otherwise it would be a bit of a gamble, and if they don't have lockers, hope I can leave my luggage somewhere for a while. But I have had some bad experiences with that 😅

[final otter]

One thing still on my list is Fuji-Q Highland, though that won't happen until Eejanaika gets reopened (at least, I hope they won't Do-Dodonpa it....). But still, it won't hurt to check how things are going on a weekday, and kinda hoped to also see waiting times. Well, learned one thing today: Definitely don't go on a cold, rainy day 😅

And only now noticed I shouldn't wait any longer than 7 years or they might not let me ride Eejanaika and Takabisha at all 😱

Back to the start of the trip, I might add a bit of Ibaraki to my trip: Happened to come across an article about Kashima Jingu, and how long it would take to get there from central Tokyo. Well......it's only a 20 minute train ride from Sawara which I was already planning to visit, so seems like a perfect opportunity to combine both. And considering the shrine itself is open 24/7, no need to hurry for closing time either.

[valid bay]

From Mt. Nokogiri, you can take the Kanaya ferry to cross Tokyo Bay to Kurihama ferry terminal. Totally avoiding Tokyo.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NKMrHKNNnsAqNeRL6?g_st=ac

The short route:
https://www.tokyowanferry.com/diagram/route/

Fares
https://en.tokyowanferry.com/fare/

[final otter]

I have actually been looking at that, but not quite sure if after a long and probably tiring day on the mountain I still have the energy for what will still be quite a trip. And if I would do that as part of the route instead of just Nokogiri as a day trip, I still have the luggage issue. Seems like they do have a few lockers at the ferry terminal, but not that many:

And I obviously would still have to visit Umihotaru as a separate destination then...

[valid bay]

Maybe do it as a one-way trip to move from Chiba to Miura peninsular.

It is an option.

A way to bypass going through Tokyo.

Not necessarily to do it as part of Mt. Nokogiri day trip.

[final otter]

Might rethink that bit of the route....but first better decide what to do with the remaining days 😅
(I do like my ferries though....)

[daring tinsel]

Ah yes. Pretty specific age restriction. 54 years. What happens at that age? Heart attacks soar?

[valid bay]

Higher heart rate pumping more blood around and may result in inadvertant "tentpole".

[daring tinsel]

Well yes. With age your heart rate typically goes up a bit. But then again, there are loads of ppl with high rate at 20yo...
As for tent pole, well those are signs of good health. Once those are gone, you just might as well stop living.

[gaunt shard]

I mean we looked fine on the ride. Wow I didn't know the restrictions

[final otter]

At the time didn't know my blood pressure was higher than the SkyTree though 😅

[gaunt shard]

I didn't know a few Fuji Q rides still aren't operational... Good thing I didn't go in

[final otter]

Luckily Nagashimasuka - Shoot the Chute stays open during rain.....you'll get wet anyway 😆

Although watched a video of it, and while you surely won't stay dry, it's not that bad. At leat not compared to the one at Nagashima Spa Land. there they provided ponchos to cover you from top to toe. And before I did the ride I questioned if that was even necessary, I mean, I'm not afraid of a few drops of water. Glad I made the right choice though.......some others clearly didn't 🤣

[vast mist]

There's a city in Chiba called Ohara that has a fish market that sells snacks and food. Only Sundays. Saw someone get lobster stew for like 500 yen.

[gaunt shard]

At my local parks it was always smart to stand on that bridge for a hot day. Knew the perfect angles to get wet. I'm impressed that one was built at the right angle for that splash. I remember not getting very wet on one of our own

[final otter]

Seen that indeed, maybe could include that I think. On Sunday I was already planning to visit nearby Otaki from Chiba, also to ride the Kominato Tetsudo and Isumi Tetsudo....at least if the latter one is actually running as apparently they had an accident and are now running buses instead.

But what I could do is from Chiba just take JR to Ohara (which should take about an hour), visit that fish market, then to Otaki, and then back to Chiba the slow way via those other rail lines. I kinda like that idea....

Seems like there are a few nice places and views further south on the peninsula, but even when there is a train going there, seems like a rental car would be much more practical there.

[final otter]

Over here we only have log flumes and the likes where you might get a bit wet, how wet mostly depends on luck. On this one though, you were guaranteed to get absolutely soaked.....hence those ponchos.

And it wasn't at all busy in the park, so I hadn't seen any other rides before I went so didn't expect this kind of splash either.. And even this video was a bit of a gamble, wasn't sure if I was standing at a safe spot....

Translation of the replacement bus schedule is also nice 💩 ☢️ :

But times aren't quite convenient...that 13:20 would leave me a lot of time at Ohara but little at Otaki, but te 10:25 would make things rather tight in the morning. Leave 7:38 or 7:46 (1 minute transfer....) at Chiba, arrive at Ohara at 8:31. It should be a 20 minute walk to the fish market, so would have about an hour before I have to return to the station. Apparently it can get quite busy, with that lobster stew being the favorite with a long queue...

They even have a pretty decent website, even if it's only in Japanese: http://minato-asaichi.com/

And helpful, because it shows when the market is held....though not far in advance. I got a bit worried when another website mentioned the market is only held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, while I'll be going on the 2nd.....but false alarm it seems.

[gaunt shard]

I saw this funny quirk in Choshi

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jbqNkNXyUFPETAbL9

I also had this bookmarked

https://www.visitchiba.jp/things/a-journey-through-the-chiba-countryside/

[final otter]

Added that aquarium to the list.....was already planning to visit Choshi (and actually stay one night), but apart from the Choshi Denkitetsudo, the lighthouse museum and some rock formations didn't have that much to do there.

Kominato and Isumi railways already were on the list, though unfortunately seems like the Isumi railway will still be running buses instead of trains.

[gaunt shard]

More randomness

https://www.visitchiba.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/chiba_restaurant_guidebook.pdf

[final otter]

For Choshi now have a hotel (Route Inn) in the town itself, but there are a couple of hotels not far from Inubo Station.....might be interesting to stay there....

[gaunt shard]

Seems like a craft beer on the coast for lunch would be a thing I'd do. (Lol)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/k15zik9vZmPSD4TJ8

[final otter]

Close to some stuff I already planned going, so I'll give it a try!

[gaunt shard]

I haven't had a dud with craft beer so far in Japan. Some don't wow you, but they're never bad. Only at 6 direct visits up to this point

But hey I love uniqueness of visiting Craft breweries when I need to slow down travelling

[final otter]

Still have to plan and book hotels for 7 nights, probably should focus more on that instead of more Chiba 😂

[gaunt shard]

I'm planning for Chiba too...just to do something

[final otter]

Think I'll go with Numazu and/or Atami for the two days I still have between Kawasaki and (not-)Shizuoka.

And then go the Kofu and maybe some Saitama route to get back to Narita.

Still trying whatever to avoid Tokyo 😆

[valid bay]

Soon, you will have too many options and things to do that you might as well stay longer in Chiba prefecture.

[gaunt shard]

Got a whole lot of land to conquer, but I only have 2 days.

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1347121789024731248/1347121789762801674/facebook_1739937345113_72978261663605709032.jpg?ex=67f190ae&is=67f03f2e&hm=99caaae708c17e6e446bdc69b3d6a112c7bc7a8f3ac9e42be88ab16f27982fa8&

At worst I'll go down to Tateyama

[final otter]

Have been looking at the lower part of Boso peninsula, but just doesn't seem that much to do, and clearly better traveled by car than train.

[gaunt shard]

Tateyama appears to have a museum and a few fish restaurants I'll try

Either way, I gotta do something towards the blank

[final otter]

So right now it's Narita, then Choshi, and finally Chiba. With the latter being just a base for a couple of day trips.

[gaunt shard]

Chiba city seems like a perfect base.

[gaunt shard]

For Saitama, I still endorse Nagatoro

[final otter]

Current plan day by day:
1-Tu) arrival, afternoon in Narita city itself
2-We) Sawara and either Kashima Jingu or Katori Jingu
3-Th) Yukarigaoka, Sakura and/or Museum of Aeronautical Sciences, move on to Choshi
4-Fr) Choshi Denkitetsudo and stuff along that line, move on to Chiba
5-Sa) Nokogiri, depending on time maybe either Tateyame or Umihotaru on the way back
6-Su) Ohara fish market, Otaki, return to Chiba by Kominato Tetsudo
7-Mo) bus to Kawasaki (ferry seems a bit too out there....), maybe Umihotaru along the way, Kawasaki Daishi
8-Tu) Still to plan: Nissan Heritage Collection, Isuzu Plaza, Romancecar Museum, Denbus Museum, Nihon Minka-en, Taro Okamoto Museum of Art
9-We) More of the above, move on to next place (probably Numazu)

And from there on it's still mostly open, apart from the weekend which will be all about the Shizuoka Hobby Show and the Granship Train Festa.

[gaunt shard]

I'm gonna watch through this because this 水バラ episode is Chiba centric. They take a journey from Kamogawa to Naritasan park. All 53 municipalities are in play.

https://youtu.be/QOKal1F4Pzo?si=myP-GzIhKv7oE_h9

[final otter]

Anyone any thoughts on Numazu vs. Mishima as a place to stay? Would be for 2 nights, in part for a day trip to Shuzenji. And for the other stuff I've seen it doesn't really seem to matter in which of the two to stay, after all it's just a small ride on the Tokaido between the two, and mostly buses from there.

@hollow coral , you had been to Numazu recently, haven't you? Any recommendations?

[final otter]

Well, already booked a hotel in Numazu. At first thought had very similar offers for both places and Mishimi seemed slightly more convenient, but the best hotel deal there turned out to be a partner deal that wasn't actually available anymore, and the only a bit more expensive Dormy Inn was also a partner deal but non-refundable.....or over 50% more expensive with free cancellation. Nope.....so Numazu it is!

[final otter]

Meanwhile I keep checking if I can get something a bit more convenient for Shizuoka, but I guess that's just not gonna happen. The hotel in Okitsu I had already booked for 8k per night is now already up to over 20k, and the cheapest place in Shizuoka itself is a 42k(!) dorm bed(!!!)....

That said, apart from the poor location I do kinda like the hotel I have now....seems more like a supersento with some rooms attached, as it has a whole variety of baths, saunas as well as a pool, also I count at least 8 different restaurants. They also have a free hourly shuttle bus from the station. And something that might also be interesting: They provide a free shuttle bus between this and their other hotels near Kofu and Matsumoto......and my next destination might just be Kofu....

[gaunt shard]

They're saying this is the oldest Onsen.....

https://maps.app.goo.gl/sxufK8kWwGAyBvJk9

[final otter]

Too bad it's an 8 hour walk from the nearest train station 😆

[crude acorn]

Come on that like a short stroll by Japanese standards 🤣

[final otter]

Well, the doctor did say I needed more exercise to get my blood pressure down 🤔

[valid bay]

Maybe rent a bicycle to cycle there? You will get there in easily half the time.

Plus you still get the cardiovascular exercise.

The onsen soak at the ryokan will ease the physical soreness.

[final otter]

I have a feeling that would still be an uphill battle.....literally 😅

[valid bay]

If you have a motorcycle license, then rent a motorbike.

[gaunt shard]

I'd rent a bike. Man that's so tempting

[final otter]

I haven't......so would have to rent a car.

[valid bay]

Maybe rent a car to drive there since the route, the Minami Alps Highway, has a lot of good scenery. You can take a leisurely drive there and stop over at any interesting scenic spots.

[final otter]

I do intend to rent a bike at Otaki to get to this place, though that's only about 5 kilometers: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JDcAbWmc55HCFDys7

[valid bay]

The day-use onsen along the way
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GEZbnpyXBFfTsANW7?g_st=ac

The views here
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bkMMYjfddmhTkFok9?g_st=ac

The nearby suspension bridge
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LSkKV195oymNBUyZ6?g_st=ac

Small museum further up
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1AnbWDBYf6gTdioZ9?g_st=ac

Another day use onsen:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TR8sgNeqvMYfVnDB9?g_st=ac

[final otter]

Well, then there's still the other issue: the €400+ room rate....so far I'm at an average of €56....

[valid bay]

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5rVNh2ToF1GZDhAS7?g_st=ac

[valid bay]

Rustic budget inn nearby that premium ryokan
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3aCn1ppKi11wNPo86?g_st=ac

More scenic spots
https://maps.app.goo.gl/S6uXrhx226Z3XpHo7?g_st=ac

https://maps.app.goo.gl/n8qXGpLw7sdZt5qN6?g_st=ac

Budget inn nearby the above suspension bridge
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BQjiQmGHbpFf3be89?g_st=ac

[final otter]

I'll probably just stick with Kofu as a base of operations 😅

First the basics, next time rent a car to get to all of the impossible places....

One place I do want to go, but would be easier from Matsumoto: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xeiWw8tV64oe3iiYA

[final otter]

And with 5 days remaining after Shizuoka, I think that's gonna be 3 nights in Kofu and the last two in Tokyo. Or maybe Saitama, to keep avoiding Tokyo to the end....
(well, crossing a bit will be unavoidable....)

How busy would the Keihin-Tohoku line be from Omiya to Nippori around 8 on a Saturday morning? As that would be about the time I'd have to go to the airport....

[hollow coral]

Haha well.. It was the work trip last year, and we were really rushed around, since it was a day trip from Kawagoe lol

We did go to this one fish market where they have grills you can rent and just grill up anything you buy

The old guy there was awesome 😂

Dunno if he would still be there

But the place was cool

We had very little time though xp

https://maps.app.goo.gl/nxa2YWZZP65pdnE26

This spot

And we went to some place for sushi for lunch.. But I can't remember

Had some street food, wandered aroumd

around

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TKCnUA6qTyiYNgXK9

I have a couple spots saved

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wRgth8qjpU3eAinr5

That kaiten sushi place seems popular and good

Uogashi Maruten Restaurant
055-954-1028

https://g.co/kgs/oV3cvkK

This is the spot Okawari shared recently

Also have some random Italian spot saved but just looks.. Normal 😂

リストランテ アウラ
055-943-7444

https://g.co/kgs/Du1UFv3

Numazu burger seems pretty famous

Have lots of fish burgers

They even have a shark burger

Maybe it was featured in Love Live? Seems to be.. Or something

[gaunt shard]

Apparently this farmers market has a cool farm to table setup with a cafe right inside. Some soy ice cream for a bargain? I wish.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Faqo7Q3Mw9EmqDRcA

[final otter]

@hollow coral thanks! Some cool options, especially that market and sushi place! I'll see if I can fit those in at some point.

[gaunt shard]

Also seen a giant tempura bowl here. Fresh seafood restaurant on the coast?

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XYxC6G2BFPpd4CRt9

Not sure if this was already linked for Numazu, but seen the show go here

https://maps.app.goo.gl/b8as5XXJrXFTQFHT8

[final otter]

Apparently also a shop selling edamame korokke....that sounds interesting 😋

A bit out of the way though.....

[gaunt shard]

Yea. Sounds like a high amount of different soybean things.

Looks like the vicinity of this Numazu area was brought up. Saw a contestant eat a dessert here

https://maps.app.goo.gl/EGVt4mu6Z3wQjDkY7

I'm messing around watching through the Chiba episode.

[final otter]

Those other two places look good too, but too far out of the way. That dessert place though.....

[gaunt shard]

It looks like a bus goes down to that area from Numazu station.

And this street appears to have a lot of that fresh seafood from the port vibes looking at the Restaurants in the vicinity

[final otter]

Yeah, but it's at least an hour and a half bus ride if you're lucky, or up to three hours if you're not......that's a bit much just for lunch 😉

[gaunt shard]

15 minutes not too bad

[final otter]

Oh to those, sure. Thought you meant to that other one....

[gaunt shard]

My bad. Dessert one with those seafood restaurants looks doable

[final otter]

The area also has the Deep Sea Aquarium and an observatory tower, so might go there anyway. Generally seems like a cool area.

[gaunt shard]

Looks like contestants went up here to take in a view

https://maps.app.goo.gl/pRF8jG7nyY1qrhL29

[final otter]

At first considered staying in Kisarazu instead of Chiba, a bit closer to Nokogiri and also Umihotaru, but in the end opted for Chiba which is a lot more convenient for the Kominato Tetsudo/Isumi Tetsudo/Otaki/Ohara day trip. Might still get to Kisarazu at some point, though that tower might be just a bit to far from the station for a quick visit.

[hollow coral]

No problem! I am curious myself about the sushi place, so if you go let us know! and the market too of course! It was fun to grill up our own fish right there fresh. We did oysters too, but they aren't my fave xp

[hollow coral]

ohh I think I saw this spot! It looked great

[gaunt shard]

This appears to be a free museum right next to the tower that covers the area's history. I've done the equivalent of county museums

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Me6riDxkqScEoUbQ9

Wow. These guys squeezed a quick bite here while waiting for their bus. They had 20 minutes and downed a fast meal here

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jJYAqB5UdPChZVyj9

[final otter]

Yeah, every town seems to have a local history museum like that. If I'm there and have the time I tend to check them out, but it's not something I'd travel for.

Well, unless they really take it to the next level, like this amazing place in Mie-ken, that truly was worth the long bus ride: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9jP84VGFm9r75adu9

[gaunt shard]

Looks like there's a rebuilt castle in Otaki. Contestants went here to claim the municipality

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xDndxDanbhUccGUA6

[final otter]

Depending on the time I might go there too. Not the highest priotity though.

[gaunt shard]

I'm at the part where both sides are progressing north. So there could be more relevant things as I go

This is a 10 minute walk from Sodegaura station..

Looks like a tasty honey roll, but also Dango skin products? Shut up and take my money!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FJEZQLavRMC5n46e7

[final otter]

Japan still cares about Internet Exploder.....

[gaunt shard]

I might go to this shop since I'll be on this train line

[final otter]

Another case of if I have the time.....but will probably already be a long day.

[gaunt shard]

This place is known for Jam rolls and other Roll cakes. 10 minute walk from Mobara station probably makes no sense for you but I saw it from the show

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lq3HjRYkciF6w1UD6

[final otter]

Zero chance of going there.....in the morning I'll be in a hurry to make it to Ohara for the morning market, and won't return that same route.

[gaunt shard]

It appears at Goi station it's possible to buy a bunch of train related souvenirs in reference to the Kominato railway portion. The old trains are on display if the actual trains aren't running

Given this is not a train game, it was fun to see them in the train station for a task

[final otter]

I'll be sure to get some of that.....haven't planned any stops along the line, and probably won't have that much time at Kazusa-Nakano Station to switch to the replacement bus for the Isumi Line.

[gaunt shard]

So if I'm reading this right, the trains dont run and it's just a bus ride?

Have you had Sangayaki before? Sounds like it is a Chiba dish

[final otter]

Never heard of Sangayaki before, but sure would love to try....

[gaunt shard]

That appears to be the task to claim Chiba City in this game. Hopefully the team actually goes to a restaurant

[final otter]

Funny they talk about how service has been suspended on "all lines".....they operate only one 😆

I assume they have their service facilities at Ohara Station, and the accident has been just east of Otaki, so guess it makes sense they don't run anything right now.

But I think I should now focus more on the other two weeks of my trip, can't do all of Chiba in just one week 😅

[gaunt shard]

They went here for the Sangayaki. Yet maybe it was a special at the time of filming. I'd think somewhere in Chiba City it's possible to find the dish

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ys69jBBeUoTfG8BZ9

[final otter]

Well, have now booked hotels for the entire trip. After Shizuoka went for three nights in Kofu and the last two in Saitama. Unfortunately no public bath in Kofu, as the only options for that would have been the two Dormy Inns, both of which not only were quite a bit more expensive than the Toyoko Inn, but also a lot further from the station. As for Saitama, got one (with bath!) just outside Omiya Station.

On average the hotels are €56 per night, 9 of the 18 have breakfast included, and 13 out of 18 do have a public bath. And apart from the one in Okitsu, all are within 5 minutes from the train station.

[gaunt shard]

I'll just throw this out here. Kimuraya bakery seems like a bigger company of the area, but this is the source building, not too far from Togane station. Sounds like they're known for things with Castella

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qoR3wzA7MeNNtstD9

[gaunt shard]

Not too far from Naruto station. A temple up the hill.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/YN3H1u2JXCwoTXqs9

Chiba-ken obviously known for Peanuts. This shop appears to be full of them. Maybe it would make a nice dry souvenir?

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WLhhTh2Gq99GsE7P7

[gaunt shard]

I believe you've stayed in Narita before, but have you stopped for this open air museum?

https://maps.app.goo.gl/em2gMdRLLRzsxWWu7

[valid bay]

Thank you for repeating my suggestion above:
#1353845861406347355 message

[final otter]

For Peanuts, better go to Tokyo 😜
https://maps.app.goo.gl/H5Z6rLdYqXQQVgGx7

[gaunt shard]

I'm from the same state as Schulz's studio. lol.

[gaunt shard]

This seems like an interesting Yakitori spot

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xGZienQjU5PjJJ5o8

[final otter]

A yakitori-ya you seemingly need a reservation for......not sure if that's gonna happen 😅

On a different note, found another small local line with basically one interesting spot along it: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vdHgU1PhFWoyiL2YA

[hollow coral]

Okawari posting a super atas place? Am I dreaming..?

tabelog shows the range from 8000-9000 yen lol

[gaunt shard]

Every once in awhile it happens. And yes I found it on Tabelog

[gaunt shard]

I might consider this as my first meal in Japan. Some risk getting out of the airport and checking in, that's doable

Link source was also here to that Atas place, go figure

https://www.ticketsinjapan.com/en/articles/marines-sightseeing-030425/