Introduction to Funabashi

Funabashi is a vibrant, mainly residential city in Chiba province, just next to Tokyo. However you can find traditional and historical Japan in the untouched backstreets, full of temples and nature.

The name of this area is believed to have come about when Prince Yamato Takeru, a legendary hero of the Yamato Dynasty who lived circa 100 A.D., visited the Kanto Region. At the time, Japan was divided by many tribes, and his role was to spread the sovereignty of the imperial court. The name was invented when he used a boat (fune) as a bridge (hashi) to cross the local river.

1. Cross Ebi River 13 times

There are 13 bridges on the river, each decorated with a different sculpture or statue. Follow the directions provided by the municipality: link.
The river becomes particularly suggestive in spring as it gets covered by sakura and illuminated at night.
The river’s name (“Ebi”, meaning “shrimp” in Japanese) probably comes from the fact that shrimp caught in this river were served to Minamoto no Yoritomo (the first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, from 1192 to 1199) when he visited Funabashi long ago.

2. 10 walks in nature

Take a break from the bustling city and enjoy a simple walk in this area’s several parks. Check the 10 itineraries to get in shape while relaxing in the green, between temples, animals, flowers, and playgrounds.

3. Hand-pick delicious pears

Chiba Prefecture ranks first in Japan in the number of pears harvested yearly. Japanese pears stand out for their juicy flesh that contains much moisture and for their crunchy texture. Have fun picking excellent pears at Ono Nashi-en around September or picking pears and other fruits in Tanaka-en.

4. Meet the sun goddess in Oohi Shrine

Oohi Shrine, also known as Funabashi Daijingu, is the oldest shrine in the city. It’s dedicated to Amaterasu, the goddess of the Sun, and its history spans nearly two millennia. The lighthouse Tōmyōdai nearby is a mixed Japanese-Western style building completed in 1880 and is a Chiba Prefecture Designated Cultural Property. A festival is held at the shrine on October 19 and 20 every year with a famous amateur “Funabashi Fighting Sumo” event. Website link

5. Join the local festival

The Funabashi Citizen Festival is a summer occurrence full of dances and excitement. Once a fisherman’s village, the main attraction of the traditional festival is seeing the heavy portable shrines getting swung from side to side like fishing boats swaying violently on the sea. Another parade is the silly face dance, which in ancient times wished for safe fishing and good catches while warding off evil spirits.

6. Dive in history at the free Museum

At the Funabashi City Local Collection Museum you can travel in time from artifacts such as clay figures and earthenware vessels from the primitive age, to the Edo and industrialization eras goods and machineries. Occasionally, they organize workshops for kids.

7. Play Japanese drums

TAIKO-LAB Funabashi is a school that arranges classes also for tourist groups. Visitors can try their hands on wadaiko, which are traditional Japanese drums. They claim this activity not only teaches the art of this particular music form but beating drums with all your power is also an intense sport, and the sound that resonates deep within the body is healing, invigorating, and refreshing.

8. Visit ancient stores

Honcho-dori is now a modern street, but the Morita Gofukuten shop strikes a contrast with its traditional exterior. They sell several fabric goods like kimono jackets, bags, and wall decor. Google Maps

Just in front, Hirose-chokusendo is a Japanese confectionery store selling mainly senbei (rice creakers) or sweet mochi. The Japanese-style building, like the Morita Gofukuten one, was built in the Meiji Era. Google Maps

9. Taste local delicacies

Did you know Chiba province is famous for its peanuts? Visist one of the Chiba Peanuts locations. Website

Buy grilled nori seaweed, peanuts and premium tea at Chacha Shop. Website

Admire beautiful and delicious sweets at Ougiya. Website

Choose your favourite rice typology at Oh-Kome. Website

Indulge in peanuts rice crackers, snacks, and fresh sweets at Kobaya Honten. Website

10. Stroll in the back alleys

Yamaguchi Yokocho is a narrow street lined with many shops serving food and drink from the Meji period. If you get hungry here there will be a wide choice for local eateries. Another nearby option is Naka Street, with a mixture of restaurants both old and new.

11. Visit local Markets

The best way to feel the local life, buying fresh and local vegetables and seafood, markets are the place to go. Funabashi Morning Market is held at Funabashi Daijingu Shrine (Oohi Shrine) 5 or 6 times per year, while The Funabashi Regional Wholesale Market is open to the public during events held in even-numbered months (6 times per year).

Are you visiting Japan in Autumn? Don’t miss Autumn in Japan: not only foliage, a complete guide from food to festivals