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Funabashi: A Hidden Gem of Japan
Nestled between Tokyo and Chiba, Funabashi is a city that often only visitors to Japan’s capital glimpse in passing. However, those who take the time to explore the city’s charms find a treasure trove of its own – from its bustling urban centers to serene natural beauty, a thriving foodie scene and the last remaining horse racing track in the region.
As a National Geography Journalist, I spent a week in Funabashi to discover what makes this intriguing city tick.
Scenery and Impressions
One cannot deny that Funabashi is a metropolis, with its towering skyscrapers, crowds of commuters, and buzzing streets. But this city surprises visitors with its soft edges and charming quirkiness. Amidst the bustle of the modern city, there are plenty of green spaces, canals, and parks that offer relief and relaxation to locals and tourists alike. The city’s colorful neighborhoods, historical landmarks, and welcoming locals add to its charm.
What I Liked Most
The people are charming and welcoming, and their love for their city is palpable. They are quick to offer visitors advice on the best sites to visit, the tastiest street foods, and hidden gems. The street food scene is fantastic and is arguably one of the best in Japan, with a diverse array of cuisines catering to all tastes. The city’s open-air museums and beautifully reconstructed historical buildings are also impressive.
What I Dislike
The city’s size can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. The city’s public transportation network is efficient and reliable, but the trains can still be bustling and crowded. Some of the historical landmarks have been overtaken by commercialism, making them lose their authenticity.
Average Cost of Living per Day
The cost of living in Funabashi is higher than the national average. The average cost of a meal is $10–$30, and a cup of coffee is around $4.50. A three-star hotel averages around $120 per night, while a five-star hotel costs $300 per night.
Top 20 Points of Interest
1. Funabashi Daijingu Shrine
2. Funabashi Race Track
3. Nakayama Racecourse
4. LaLaport Tokyo Bay mall
5. Kamagaya Great Buddha
6. Funabashi Seaside Park
7. Teganuma Shintoshin
8. Funabashi Andersen Park
9. Gorilla Park Funabashi
10. Funabashi Shrine
11. Chiba Museum of Science and Industry Funabashi Branch
12. Funabashi Municipal Museum
13. Funassyi Street
14. Manpukuji Temple
15. Gyotoku Bird Observatory
16. Ichikawa Fusumae Castle Site
17. Nisshin Kyokoku Memorial Hall
18. Yatsu Higata Nature Observation
19. Yatsu Rose Garden
20. Yatsu Sports Park
Top 20 Popular Street Food and Price
1. Yakitori: chicken skewer ($2–$4)
2. Negi-tama: savory pancakes ($4–$6)
3. Okonomiyaki: savory pancake with meat vegetables ($7–$10)
4. Tonkatsu: breaded pork cutlets ($10–$15)
5. Ebi Fry: deep-fried shrimp ($5–$10)
6. Soba noodles: buckwheat noodles ($5–$10)
7. Onigiri: rice ball with filling ($2–$4)
8. Kushiage: deep-fried skewered meat or vegetables ($3–$5 per stick)
9. Takoyaki: octopus balls ($5–$10)
10. Yakisoba: stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat ($5–$10)
11. Taiyaki: sweet pancake with filling ($3–$5)
12. Gyoza: pan-fried dumplings ($5–$10)
13. Ramen: noodle soup with broth and toppings ($7–$12)
14. Karaage: deep-fried chicken ($5–$10)
15. Melonpan: sweet bread ($1–$3)
16. Anpan: sweet bread with bean paste filling ($1–$3)
17. Korokke: deep-fried croquette ($3–$5)
18. Tai meshi: rice cooked with sea bream ($10–$15)
19. Shuumai: steamed pork dumplings ($3–$5)
20. Udon: thick noodles in soup ($7–$12)
Top 10 Hotels and Airbnb Listings with Detail and Price in US Dollars
Hotels
1. Hotel Monterey La Soeur Ginza (rating 4.5) – starting at $150 per night
2. Grand Park Hotel Panex Tokyo (rating 4.5) – starting at $100 per night
3. Tokyo Bay Maihama Hotel First Resort (rating 4.5) – starting at $200 per night
4. Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier (rating 4.5) – starting at $170 per night
5. Hotel Sunroute Ariake (rating 4.5) – starting at $80 per night
6. Pearl Hotel Kayabacho (rating 4.5) – starting at $85 per night
7. Dormy Inn Express Asakusa (rating 4.5) – starting at $85 per night
8. The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Shiodome (rating 4.5) – starting at $170 per night
9. Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo Seafort (rating 4.5) – starting at $150 per night
10. Hotel Okura Tokyo Bay (rating 4.5) – starting at $180 per night
Airbnb Listings
1. Private room in Funabashi (rating 5.0) – starting at $30 per night
2. Entire apartment in Funabashi (rating 4.5) – starting at $70 per night
3. Traditional Japanese House in Funabashi (rating 5.0) – starting at $100 per night
4. Tatami Room in Funabashi (rating 5.0) – starting at $40 per night
5. Cozy Apartment in Funabashi (rating 5.0) – starting at $50 per night
6. Share House in Funabashi (rating 4.5) – starting at $30 per night
7. Spacious Apartment in Funabashi (rating 4.5) – starting at $80 per night
8. Guest House in Funabashi (rating 5.0) – starting at $40 per night
9. Stylish Apartment in Funabashi (rating 5.0) – starting at $60 per night
10. Designer Apartment in Funabashi (rating 4.5) – starting at $70 per night
Top 5 Recommendations and Reasons
1. Grand Park Hotel Panex Tokyo: This hotel offers great value for money with its location near a train station, comfortable rooms, and excellent service. Rates are affordable, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers.
2. Traditional Japanese House in Funabashi: Japanese culture is a must-try experience, and staying in this authentic Japanese house guarantees this. It offers a fantastic blend of traditional Japanese style and modern amenities, and its location near local restaurants and shops makes it convenient.
3. Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier: This hotel offers an upscale experience without breaking the bank. Its location in the heart of Ginza offers access to high-end shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Rooms are modern, spacious, and beautifully designed.
4. Share House in Funabashi: This listing offers budget-conscious travelers a chance to stay in a traditional Japanese-style room in a share house. It’s perfect for solo travelers looking for a sense of community, and its location close to train stations makes it an excellent base for exploring the city.
5. Cozy Apartment in Funabashi: This Airbnb lodging offers a comfortable and affordable stay in a private apartment. Its location near local shops and restaurants makes it convenient, and the host is readily available to help with anything needed.
Overall Rating: 8.5 / 10 stars
Funabashi is a city that offers a unique blend of modern and traditional Japan, with a distinct culture that has been preserved throughout the ages. Although it may be overshadowed by neighboring Tokyo, Funabashi holds its own as a worthwhile destination for tourists. Visitors can enjoy the bustling city or relax in the tranquil nature on offer, savor some of Japan’s best street food, and stay comfortably in the city’s affordable hotels and Airbnb listings.
3-Day Trip Itinerary
Day 1
– Visit Funabashi Daijingu Shrine
– Stroll around the Tokyo Bay area and visit the LaLaport Tokyo Bay mall
– Pick up Lunch at Sano City Kamameshi Nishigin
Day 2
– Visit Yatsu Higata Nature Observation center
– Visit Kanda Myojin Shrine, one of Tokyo’s oldest shrines, in nearby Chiyoda-ku area
– Dine at the Okonomiyaki restaurant Gomura in neighboring Ichikawa
Day 3
– Visit Funabashi Seaside Park
– Stroll through the Yatsu Rose Garden and take in the colorful blooms
– Head to Funabashi Anderson Park, and head to any nearby cafe for treats.
*All mentioned prices are approximate and subject to change.
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