Funabashi is a busy port city in northwestern Chiba prefecture. Indulge yourself at Funabashi’s exciting shopping districts and indoor malls and experience the family-friendly waterfront park. A short distance east of Tokyo, Funabashi offers an excellent side trip during your visit to Japan’s capital city.
Pick up a new outfit, state-of-the-art electronic items, omiyage (souvenirs) or a quick lunch at one of Funabashi’s sprawling shopping centers. Lalaport Tokyo Bay, a popular mall near Funabashi’s waterfront, features a vast variety of shops, as well as fun-filled gaming centers. Check out the colorful Pokémon Center, dedicated to the famous anime franchise. At Lalaport’s Funassyiland, purchase cute merchandise relating to Funabashi’s mascot, a pear fairy. Find additional retail outlets and cinemas at Aeon Mall and Venus Fort. Join locals at a heart-stopping sports event, such as horseracing at the Nakayama Horse Tracks. Watch a game of baseball at the Funabashi City Sports Park.
Enjoy a more relaxing Funabashi experience at Andersen Park, a picturesque park with a fairy-tale theme. See the settings of Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen’s stories come to life amid playground equipment and scenic overlooks. Have a picnic on the grassy lawns with views of a windmill and pond.
Near Funabashi Station, find the ancient Funabashi Daijingu Shrine, dedicated to the safety of fishermen and seafarers. Nearby, purchase local Funabashi pears, seafood and candy. Head to Sanbanze Ocean Park at Funabashi’s waterfront to spot birds, enjoy views of Tokyo Bay and let children play in the shallows. Many families visit this area in spring to collect Honbinosu shellfish and clams.
Funabashi is located in Chiba prefecture, less than 40 minutes from Tokyo Station by train. Narita International Airport is approximately an hour from Funabashi by train. Summers are warm and humid, while winter may have snowfall. For an exciting day out, visit Urayasu’s Tokyo Disneyland, less than 30 minutes away by train.
