Ichihara(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For families visiting Shira, Chiba, consider staying at City Hotel Shira, located near Shira Station and offering spacious family rooms, a children's play area, and easy access to Shira Citizens' Hall and Chiba Prefectural Museum of History. The hotel features a Japanese garden view, free breakfast, and proximity to Shira Central Park, perfect for outdoor activities. Its welcoming atmosphere and kid-friendly amenities make it ideal for a relaxed, enriching family trip in this quiet yet accessible city.

The best area for accommodation in Shira City is around Shira Station, where public transport links via the Keisei Electric Railway and Chiba Urban Monorail provide quick access to Tokyo and Narita Airport. This district hosts mid-to-high-end hotels like Shira Grand Hotel and APA Hotel Shira-Eki-mae, all within walking distance of shopping centers, dining streets, and cultural facilities. Surrounded by greenery and offering peaceful evenings, this location balances urban convenience with serene living—perfect for both business travelers and tourists.

Visitors to Shira City should experience the Shira Festival, held annually in spring at Shira Shrine, featuring traditional dance performances, decorated floats, and a bustling craft market. The city also excels in seafood cuisine—head to Shira Port Market to buy fresh yellowtail and squid directly from fishermen, then have them cooked into delicious dishes at nearby restaurants. Additionally, seasonal rice planting ceremonies allow guests to participate in traditional farming practices, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Japanese life and sustainable heritage.

While Shira City itself lacks natural hot springs, a 30-minute drive leads to the Izanami Beach Hot Spring Area, home to several high-quality ryokans such as Hoshino Yado Star no Yado. These lodges combine Japanese garden architecture with modern comforts, many offering private onsen baths with ocean views. Guests can enjoy therapeutic mineral baths, foot spas, and seasonal kaiseki dinners. Ideal for a day-trip retreat, this blend of city convenience and coastal relaxation makes it a top choice for rejuvenation.

Nighttime highlights in Shira City include the illuminated Shira Central Park and performances at the Chiba Prefectural Art Theater. Stroll through Shira Station Front Commercial Street in the evening to savor grilled skewers, ramen, and freshly baked desserts, capturing the vibrant street culture. For a tranquil escape, walk along the Shira River Promenade, where soft lights reflect on the water. Some hotels, like Shira Grand Hotel, offer nightly tea ceremonies with matcha and wagashi, providing a serene, culturally rich experience under the stars.

Couples should consider Shira Garden Hotel, known for its private terrace suites with outdoor soaking tubs and panoramic views of the city skyline and lush gardens. The hotel offers customized candlelit dinners and seasonal packages like the Cherry Blossom Experience, including couple’s tea ceremonies and photography tours. Located near Shira Central Park, it’s perfect for evening strolls. With art installations by local artists featured throughout the rooms, the ambiance blends intimacy, beauty, and tradition—ideal for creating lasting memories.

For business travelers, Shira International Conference Hotel stands out, situated adjacent to the Chiba Prefectural Industrial Promotion Center and Shira Municipal Office. It features fully equipped meeting rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour business center. Rooms come with smart controls and soundproof windows for productivity. Nearby, Café & Lounge M offers premium coffee and private meeting spaces. With a 45-minute drive to Narita Airport and excellent transport links, it’s a strategic hub for professionals seeking efficiency and comfort.

Tourists must try Shira Sushi, made with fresh fish caught daily from Izanami Bay, especially amberjack and mackerel, served over seasoned rice. Visit Shira Port Morning Market early to purchase just-caught seafood and enjoy it at street stalls—try uni donburi or fried fish platters. Another local favorite is black bean mochi, often sold during festivals, symbolizing prosperity. For a full culinary experience, book a chef’s table at Shira Local Kitchen, where seasonal menus blend Edo-era flavors with modern creativity, showcasing the region’s deep food heritage.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Shira River Greenway Trail and the Izanami Beach Coastal Nature Path. The former starts at Shira Citizens’ Hall, winding through shaded forests and wetlands where you can spot herons and kingfishers. The latter stretches about 6 km from Shira Station to Izanami Beach, passing scenic viewpoints and rest stops with interpretive signs detailing geology and ecology. Best visited in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat, bring water and a camera—this trail offers stunning views of dunes and ocean vistas, perfect for immersive nature walks.

Photography lovers should visit the Shira Shrine Torii Gate, a striking deep-red wooden gate surrounded by ancient trees, especially magical during cherry blossom season when pink petals drift across the frame. Another iconic spot is the Seasonal Flower Clock Sculpture in Shira Central Park, which rotates daily and reflects light beautifully against the lawn and fountains. Don’t miss the **