Travel Information | Visit Chiba | Latest update:2022/12/21
JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) has made it easy to gather all the information you need to make your Japan trip a smooth success, providing a database of the physical locations for Tourist Information Centers (TICs) in all prefectures. TICs must meet certain criteria to be certified by JNTO, and are then given a rank of either 1, 2, or 3 depending on their size and services offered.
Category 3
Larger, open year-round, with full-time foreign language support on-site (English, and 2 other languages; generally Korean and Chinese). Wi-Fi and computers are available.
Category 2
Somewhat smaller, open more than 240 days of the year including either Saturdays or Sundays. Always has English support, but not always other languages. Wi-Fi generally available, but on a case-by-case basis.
Category 1
More local, foreign language support is not guaranteed, but will have a varying amount of information available in English. Wi-Fi generally available, but on a case-by-case basis.
Many of the “category 3” TICs offer currency exchange services, and specialized facilities like prayer rooms. There are also various “partner” information centers that may be part of another facility or highway station.
Look for a TIC near your destination here:
You’ll find Tourist Information Centers scattered throughout the major areas of Chiba, naturally in places like Narita Airport, Chiba Station, and Makuhari. However, you’ll also see them in the deeper areas of Chiba, all the way down to the tip of the peninsula as well, with 41 in total in the prefecture.
“CHI-BA+KUN Plaza”, a category-2 TIC, is one such location that is incredibly helpful for gathering information regarding activities all over Chiba. It’s also the premier location to learn about Chiba’s mascot: Chiba-kun! Conveniently located in the Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu, just after the “Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line Expressway”, it’s a sure stop for many people traveling in Chiba. Here, you’ll find a wealth of information for things to do, eat and drink, and buy throughout every nook of Chiba, and since the staff are some of the biggest fans of Chiba around, they’ll point you in the right direction!
Learn more about CHI-BA+KUN Plaza: https://www.visitchiba.jp/things/chibakun-plaza/