✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Funabashi sharing quite a few of those!
Welcome to the land of endless possibilities, where excitement awaits you at every corner.
Funabashi may seem like a simple town at first glance, but within its borders lies a world of experiences waiting to be explored.
From tantalizing street food to stunning temple architecture, Funabashi has something for everyone.
So put on your adventurer’s hat and get ready to embark on a journey like no other.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Funabashi:
1. Funabashi Andersen Park
Funabashi Andersen Park is a leisure park with various attractions, including nature areas and gardens, amusement rides and museums, all based on the Danish fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful four-season flower gardens, including a rose garden and Denmark hill covered with vibrant flowers and Cherry Blossom trees in the springtime.
Visitors can also explore numerous Danish style buildings, including an iconic windmill, a replica of Andersen’s birthplace, and riding a half-size train.
The park also offers a beautiful playground and a large splash park area to keep little ones entertained.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Andersen Fairy Tale Castle, where kids can touch, feel, and experience the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen.
There is also a folk museum and a concert hall with live performances.
Insider travel tips: – The park can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so visiting on weekdays or early in the morning can help avoid large crowds.
2. AEON Mall Funabashi
AEON Mall Funabashi is a large shopping mall in the city of Funabashi, Japan.
What to see or do: The mall offers a variety of shopping options, including major fashion retailers, household goods, and beauty products. There is also a cinema, a food court, and a rooftop garden.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the “We Are One” digital art installation on the ceiling of the first-floor atrium. It features mesmerizing images and patterns that change with the seasons and holidays.
Insider travel tips: – The mall can be quite crowded on weekends and holidays, so try to visit during weekdays if possible.
3. Narashino Park
Narashino Park is a large public park located in the city of Funabashi. It is a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
What to see or do: The park features a wide range of facilities and attractions, including playgrounds, sports fields, a skateboard park, a dog run, and a large pond where visitors can rent boats and go fishing.
There are also several walking and jogging paths that offer stunning views of the surrounding nature.
Don’t miss: One of the park’s standout features is the beautiful Japanese garden, which features a traditional tea house and a stunning bonsai collection.
The garden is a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese culture and aesthetics.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the cherry blossom season (late March to early April) to see the park’s cherry trees in full bloom.
4. Funabashi Racecourse
Funabashi Racecourse is a horse racing track located in Funabashi City, Chiba, Japan.
What to see or do: At Funabashi Racecourse, visitors can watch exciting horse races throughout the year. The racecourse also has facilities for betting, dining, and souvenir shopping.
Don’t miss: One of the biggest events held at Funabashi Racecourse is the Funabashi Grand Prix, a major horse race that takes place in January each year.
Insider travel tips: Consider arriving early to secure a good spot for viewing the races.
5. LaLaport TOKYO-BAY
LaLaport TOKYO-BAY is a large shopping mall located in Funabashi, Japan.
What to see or do: The mall has over 500 shops and restaurants, as well as a cinema and an aquarium. It’s a great place to shop for Japanese fashion brands, cosmetics, and souvenirs.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of Japanese and international cuisine at the food court or restaurants.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of LaLaport TOKYO-BAY is its giant Ferris wheel, located on the roof of the mall. It offers panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: – LaLaport TOKYO-BAY can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so try to visit on weekdays if possible.
6. Kitahatsutomi Yakata
Kitahatsutomi Yakata is a historic residence that dates back to the Edo period in Funabashi, located in Chiba prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the beautiful garden and the traditional architecture of the residence, which has been well-preserved over the years.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the stunning collection of antique ceramics and furniture, which give insight into the lifestyle of wealthy Japanese families during the Edo period.
Insider travel tips: – The residence is not well-known among tourists, so it offers a peaceful and authentic experience of Japanese history and culture.
7. Funabashi Shrine
Funabashi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Funabashi, Chiba prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the shrine’s grounds and architecture, including the main gate, main hall, and torii gates. The shrine also has a large pond and gardens that are perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Funabashi Shrine is the annual “Urayasu-no-mai” festival, which takes place in late September or early October.
The festival features traditional Japanese dance performances and attracts visitors from near and far.
Insider travel tips: – Funabashi Shrine is easily accessible by train, with a station located just a short walk from the shrine grounds.
8. Funabashi City Cultural Hall
The Funabashi City Cultural Hall is a multipurpose performing arts center in Funabashi City, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy various cultural events and performances at the hall.
It has three performance halls, including a large hall that can accommodate up to 1,943 people, a medium hall that can hold up to 394 people, and a small hall for up to 177 people.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see a traditional Japanese puppet theatre performance, Bunraku, at the cultural hall. It’s a unique and fascinating experience.
Insider travel tips: – Check the schedule and book tickets in advance as the cultural hall hosts many popular events and performances throughout the year.
9. Funabashi City Hall Observation deck
Observation deck located on the 13th floor of Funabashi City Hall offering stunning panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and the city.
What to see or do: Take in breathtaking views of the surrounding cityscape and Tokyo Bay. The observation deck features large floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing visitors to see the city from multiple angles.
Don’t miss: Visit during sunset for the best views and a chance to see the city skyline transform as the sun goes down and the city lights turn on.
Insider travel tips: – Admission to the observation deck is free of charge.
10. Teganuma Shinsui Park
A serene park located in Funabashi city, famous for its large Teganuma pond and beautiful natural surroundings.
What to see or do: Take a relaxing stroll around the pond and admire the serene beauty of the park. There are several walking trails available for nature lovers.
Visitors can also enjoy boating and fishing activities in the pond.
Don’t miss: The park’s observation tower, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surroundings. The tower is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
Insider travel tips: Visit the park during the early morning or late afternoon hours for a serene and peaceful experience. If you’re interested in fishing, bring your own equipment as rentals are not available on site.
Don’t forget to admire the colorful foliage during autumn.
11. Funabashi Dai Ni Sports Park
Funabashi Dai Ni Sports Park is a sprawling sports complex in Funabashi, Japan.
What to see or do: The park features a wide range of facilities, including baseball fields, soccer pitches, tennis courts, a track and field stadium, and a large indoor pool complex.
Visitors can participate in a variety of sports activities or simply enjoy a leisurely walk around the park’s extensive grounds.
Don’t miss: The park’s impressive track and field stadium is a must-see, featuring modern facilities and seating for over 20,000 spectators.
If you’re a soccer fan, be sure to check out the park’s two main pitches, which host regular matches and tournaments.
Insider travel tips: The park can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so try to visit during the week if possible.
If you’re interested in using the indoor pool, note that it requires a separate admission fee and may have limited hours depending on the season.
Parking is available onsite, but consider taking public transportation if possible to avoid congestion.
12. Misato Park
Misato Park is a sprawling park in Funabashi city in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, featuring open fields, wooded areas, and various sports facilities.
What to see or do: Visitors to Misato Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including baseball, soccer, tennis, and basketball. The park also has a playground and a splash pad for children.
There are several walking trails and picnic areas, as well as a pond where visitors can rent boats and go fishing.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the park’s seasonal flowers, including cherry blossoms in the spring and cosmos flowers in the fall.
The park is also home to several annual festivals, including a summer music festival and a winter light-up event.
Insider travel tips: – The park can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays, so visit on a weekday if possible.
13. Yatsu Rose Garden
Yatsu Rose Garden is a beautiful garden located in Funabashi, Japan, spanning an area of 11,000 square meters and filled with over 10,000 roses.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the breathtaking sight of roses in full bloom. Admire the variety of colors, shapes, and sizes of the roses.
You can also find a small European-style castle and a fountain that add to the charm of the garden.
Don’t miss: The garden is most beautiful during the rose season from late May to early June, when all the roses are in full bloom.
During this time, visitors can also enjoy various events and exhibitions held at the garden, such as a rose-themed art show.
Insider travel tips: Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it on the grassy area overlooking the roses.
The garden can get crowded during peak season, so try visiting on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
You can also purchase rose-themed souvenirs at the gift shop.
14. Chiba Museum of Science and Industry
Chiba Museum of Science and Industry is a great place to learn about the history and development of science and technology in Japan.
What to see or do: The museum has a collection of scientific exhibits showcasing the latest technological advancements, interactive displays, and historical artifacts. Explore various exhibitions related to astronomy, electricity, ecology, and robots.
Attend informative workshops, film screenings, and live demonstrations.
Don’t miss: The transportation exhibit that features a collection of airplanes, trains, and cars. Ride a simulator of a Japanese bullet train, and explore how the legendary Shinkansen train operates.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during weekdays to experience the museum with less crowd.
15. Takaishigami Shrine
A shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and good harvests in Funabashi, Japan.
What to see or do: Admire the architecture of the shrine, take a walk through the beautiful gardens and visit the small museum exhibiting treasures of the shrine.
Don’t miss: The unique sacred tree at the shrine which is over 1200 years old.
Insider travel tips: Remember to bring some yen for offering at the shrine and be mindful of the rules of the shrine, such as not to take photographs in certain areas.
It’s also worth checking the shrine’s website before visiting as they often host exciting events and festivals throughout the year.