Historic Sites and Cultural Attractions
Kannonkyōji Temple
Kannonkyōji Temple is an ancient Tendai Buddhist temple traditionally said to have been founded in 781. During the Edo period, it became an important center of popular religious devotion alongside Naritasan Shinshōji Temple.
The Niōmon Gate houses imposing Niō guardian statues, which are traditionally associated with protection from misfortune, fire, and theft. The temple’s principal image, the Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva of Protection from Misfortune, is also widely revered.
The temple grounds are home to a three-story pagoda designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Chiba Prefecture, adding to the site’s historic atmosphere.
Other Historic Sites
- Koike Ōtsuka Kofun
- Takada No. 2 Kofun
- Yamada-Hōma Kofun Group
- Ruins of Ibitsu Castle
Tourist Attractions
Shibayama Park
Shibayama Park is a spacious, nature-rich park covering approximately 15 hectares. It features a plum orchard and open grassy areas, creating a peaceful setting for enjoying the outdoors.
The park also contains several facilities and attractions:
- Former Yabu Family Residence: A traditional Edo-period farmhouse that was relocated to the park and is available as a rest facility.
- Baseball Field and Mini Athletic Course: Facilities where families can enjoy outdoor recreation together.
Shibayama Kofun and Haniwa Museum
Located within Shibayama Park, the Shibayama Kofun and Haniwa Museum introduces visitors to the burial mounds and culture of Japan’s Kofun period.
The museum displays haniwa clay figures and other archaeological artifacts excavated from the Kujukuri area. Photographs, explanatory panels, and illustrations help visitors understand the culture, customs, and daily life of people who lived in Japan during the Kofun period.
Shibayama Haniwa Road
The area south of Narita International Airport is known as Sky Park Shibayama, and the Shibayama Haniwa Road runs through part of this area. Various attractions are located along the route, combining local history, nature, agriculture, and aviation.
- Museum of Aeronautical Sciences
- Shibayama Mizube-no-Sato
- Sora-no-Eki Fuwari Shibayama
- Green Port Eco-Agricultural Park
Museum of Aeronautical Sciences
The Museum of Aeronautical Sciences was the first aviation museum established in Japan. It introduces the history and technology of aviation in Japan through a wide range of exhibits and hands-on experiences.
- Henri Farman Biplane: A full-size replica of the historic aircraft is displayed.
- Aircraft Engines: Visitors can see actual aircraft engines up close.
- Flight Simulator: Visitors can experience what it is like to pilot an aircraft.
- Observation Deck: The deck offers a 360-degree view of aircraft taking off from and landing at Narita International Airport.
- YS-11 Prototype No. 1: The first prototype of Japan’s postwar domestically developed passenger aircraft is on display.
Hikōki-no-Oka
Hikōki-no-Oka, or “Airplane Hill,” is located approximately 580 meters from Runway A at Narita International Airport. From the observation area, visitors can watch aircraft take off and land at close range.
The combination of open views and the constant movement of aircraft makes this a particularly popular destination for aviation enthusiasts.
Green Port Eco-Agricultural Park
Green Port Eco-Agricultural Park is an environmentally conscious park located within Sky Park Shibayama. Facilities have been developed with consideration for the surrounding natural environment, making it a pleasant destination for families and visitors who enjoy nature.
Festivals and Events
Shibayama Haniwa Festival
The Shibayama Haniwa Festival is held annually on the second Sunday of November. The festival celebrates the town’s ancient burial-mound culture and features a variety of events that attract many visitors.
It is a particularly interesting time to visit for those who want to experience how Shibayama’s archaeological heritage is connected with its local community and traditions.
Arai Festival (Daikon Festival)
The Arai Festival, also known as the Daikon Festival, is a distinctive local festival held every year on December 14.
One of its unusual traditions is known as “Nabe Kakazezu,” under which households other than the designated duty household are traditionally prohibited from using fire on the day of the festival. At the designated household, lion dances are performed as prayers for good health and abundant harvests.
At Ōmiya Shrine, a particularly striking ritual takes place in which a temporary tower is set on fire while children throw daikon radishes at it. This unusual ceremony offers visitors a glimpse into a distinctive local tradition that has been passed down through generations.
About Shibayama Town
Shibayama Town is located approximately 30 kilometers from Chiba City and within about 50–60 kilometers of central Tokyo. It forms part of the urban employment area centered around Narita City.
Much of the town lies across the Shimōsa Plateau, also known as the Hokuso Plateau, characterized by relatively level terrain.
Rice paddies and agricultural fields extend across the town, and the primary industry has traditionally played an important role in the local economy. Much of Shibayama is also located beneath flight paths used by aircraft arriving at and departing from Narita International Airport, and the town’s development has been closely connected with the growth of the airport.
History of Shibayama Town
Shibayama has been inhabited since ancient times. Numerous kofun burial mounds dating from approximately the 5th to 7th centuries have been discovered throughout the area.
More than 280 kofun have been identified within the town, and numerous archaeological artifacts, including haniwa clay figures, have been excavated. These discoveries demonstrate the area’s importance as a center of ancient culture.
The Origin of the Name “Shibayama”
The name “Shibayama” is traditionally associated with Kannonkyōji Temple, also known as Shibayama Niōson. The temple is said to date back to the Nara period and attracted widespread devotion during the Edo period, when it became a major center of popular faith alongside Naritasan Shinshōji Temple.
Shibayama in the Modern Era
In 1955, Chiyoda Village and Futagawa Village merged to form Shibayama Town.
In 1978, Narita International Airport opened, and part of the town became airport land. Shibayama subsequently received designations including an International Tourism Model District and an International Airport Special Zone, supporting efforts to promote regional development.
Tourism and Culture
Shibayama Town offers a diverse combination of historic buildings, archaeological heritage, natural scenery, and aviation-related attractions.
Major Attractions
- Kannonkyōji Temple: An ancient temple traditionally dating from the Nara period, featuring a revered Kannon image and a three-story pagoda designated as a cultural property of Chiba Prefecture.
- Shibayama Kofun and Haniwa Museum: A museum where visitors can learn about Kofun-period culture through archaeological discoveries.
- Shibayama Park: A spacious natural park featuring open areas, seasonal plants, and the Former Yabu Family Residence.
- Museum of Aeronautical Sciences: Japan’s first aviation museum, offering exhibits and hands-on experiences related to aircraft and aviation technology.
- Hikōki-no-Oka: An observation area where visitors can watch aircraft arriving at and departing from Narita International Airport at close range.
Economy and Industry
Shibayama’s economy has traditionally been supported by agriculture, while its location next to Narita International Airport has encouraged the development of manufacturing, logistics, and other airport-related industries.
Primary Industry
Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy. In recent years, cultivation of watermelons and flowers has increased, and some of these agricultural products are exported overseas through Narita International Airport.
Secondary Industry
There are three industrial parks in the town. Notable facilities include the test tower operated by Japan Otis Elevator Company and various logistics facilities. Expansion of logistics-related industrial areas is continuing.
Tertiary Industry
Shibayama is home to numerous logistics facilities and serves as an important transportation and distribution hub connecting the region with destinations throughout Japan and overseas.
Access
Located close to Narita International Airport, Shibayama has transportation options convenient for both airport users and tourists.
By Train
Shibayama-Chiyoda Station on the Shibayama Railway Line is the town’s main railway station.
By Bus
Local bus services include the Shibayama Fureai Bus and services operated by Narita Airport Transport.
By Car
The town can be reached by car via the surrounding national and prefectural roads. Sora-no-Eki Fuwari Shibayama is a convenient place to take a break and shop for local agricultural products and specialties.
A Town Where Ancient Japan Meets Modern Aviation
Shibayama Town offers a distinctive combination of ancient history, archaeological heritage, nature, agriculture, and aviation.
Visitors can explore centuries-old religious traditions and ancient kofun burial mounds, discover haniwa at a local museum, enjoy the spacious greenery of Shibayama Park, and then watch modern aircraft take off and land at nearby Narita International Airport.
For travelers visiting Narita Airport, Shibayama provides an opportunity to discover a different side of Chiba—one where the heritage of ancient Japan and the technology of modern aviation exist side by side.