9 Best Things to Do in Chiba in November

If you plan to go sightseeing, you probably want to include things in your itinerary that you can only see or experience during that specific time. This time, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in Chiba for November for those who are interested.

About November in Chiba

In November, Chiba offers beautiful autumn foliage, fun events, and seasonal delicacies to enjoy to the fullest. Experience the unique attractions of this season and fully enjoy Chiba’s nature and culture.

Foliage Spots

Chiba Prefecture has many famous spots for autumn foliage, and November offers particularly beautiful scenery. Here are three spots you should definitely visit when you come to Chiba:

Yoro Valley (Otaki Town)

“Yoro Valley” is one of the leading spots for autumn foliage in the Kanto region. The best viewing time is from late November to December, offering a slightly later foliage experience. Along the “Yoro River” valley, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as walking along the trails, waterfall tours, hiking, and stream fishing. Especially, “Awamata Falls” boasts a height of 30 meters and a width of 100 meters, and its magnificent scenery is worth seeing.

Momiji Road (Futtsu City)

“Momiji Road” is a roughly 10 km long tunnel of autumn leaves along Prefectural Route 182 by the “Shikoma River”. About 1,000 maple trees line the road, offering vibrant autumn colors from November to December. It’s recommended to enjoy this beautiful scenery while driving or cycling.

Takago Lake (Ichihara City)

“Takago Lake” is an artificial lake with the largest water surface area in the prefecture. The autumn leaves of the surrounding forest and the yellow leaves of the large ginkgo trees by the lakeside are spectacular, with the best viewing time from mid-November to early December. At the lake, you can enjoy boating, black bass fishing, and wakasagi fishing. Additionally, the “Ichihara Lakeside Museum” nearby allows you to enjoy both art appreciation and autumn foliage.

November Events and Experiences

In November, Chiba hosts many unique events and experiences. Here are three events that are especially recommended:

Otaki Morning Market (Otaki Town)

The “Otaki Morning Market” is held on every multiple of five days (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30) at the precincts of “Isumi Shrine”. Fresh local mountain and sea produce are lined up, attracting many people. In November, many tourists visit this morning market to enjoy local ingredients.

Shibayama Haniwa Festival (Shibayama Town)

The “Shibayama Haniwa Festival” is a unique festival where people dressed as ancient figures parade through the town with children’s haniwa floats and festival floats. It is held on the second Sunday of November every year, coinciding with the industrial festival, cultural festival, and commercial festival. The event is bustling with open-air markets, plant markets, and sales events, making it perfect for families.

Iitaka Danrin Ruins (Sosa City)

The “Iitaka Danrin Ruins” is a temple that served as a learning center for the Nichiren sect for about 300 years until the early Meiji period. Many of the buildings remain as they were at that time, offering a serene atmosphere. In November, the autumn foliage is also beautiful, allowing you to enjoy both history and nature. There are also nationally designated important cultural properties, making it a worthwhile visit.

November Flavors and Experiences

In November, Chiba offers the opportunity to enjoy the delicious seasonal flavors. Here are three experiences that are particularly recommended:

Sweet Potato Digging (Chiba City, Abiko City, Narita City, etc.)

Chiba Prefecture ranks third in the nation for sweet potato production. November is the peak season for sweet potato digging, and you can enjoy the harvest experience at places like “Chiba Chuo Tourism Farm” (Chiba City), “Teganuma Farm” (Abiko City), and “Narita Yume Farm” (Narita City). Try various varieties such as the fluffy “Beniazuma” and the moist “Silk Sweet”.

Mandarin Orange Picking (Minamiboso City, Sodegaura City, etc.)

Mandarin orange picking can be enjoyed in Chiba Prefecture from October to April. Focusing on Wenzhou mandarins, this popular family activity can be experienced at places like “Tateyama Pioneer Farm” (Tateyama City), “Chikura Orange Center” (Minamiboso City), and “Tokyo German Village” (Sodegaura City). Enjoy freshly picked, sweet, and juicy mandarins.

Persimmon Picking (Sanmu City)

At “Nakano Kaen” (Sanmu City), you can enjoy persimmon picking from late October to early December. For a fee of 600 yen, you can harvest up to 1kg of fresh persimmons and enjoy them on the spot. Spend a leisurely time in nature and savor the flavors of autumn.