Boso no Mura, an open air museum close to Narita

Boso no Mura is an open-air museum with reproductions of a village from the Edo period (1603-1867, during the reign of the Tokugawa family). Boso is an old name for the region which corresponds to the current prefecture of Chiba and Mura means village. Easy to access from Narita or Tokyo, Boso no mura is perfect for a half-day excursion.

Having lived for a while in the prefecture of Chiba, I stumbled across the village of Boso no Mura when looking for a half day trip from Narita.

Boso-no-Mura is a place that tells the history and culture of Japan during the Edo era. A prosperous era when Japan closed in on itself. A time when the arts flourished: theatre (Kabuki), woodblock prints (Ukiyo-e), literature and poems (Haïku).

It’s a delight to wander on the streets surrounded by merchant houses, workshops and farms. It’s easy to let your imagination run wild and immerse yourself in the medieval past. The precise reproductions of the buildings as well as the streets give a good overview of how a village would have looked like.

Restaurant d’Udon

However, the site can sometimes turn into an amusement park. Groups of Japanese schoolchildren and tourists can flow the streets of Boso no Mura. Especially on weekends when the village offers workshops such as the tea ceremony or even woodblock printing.

Woodblock print workshop (Ukiyo-e)
Papier maché masks

I went there twice during the week and I was almost alone. I really appreciated the tranquility of the place. Boso no Mura is a nice excursion near Tokyo and Narita, an experience not to be missed for medieval Japan lovers.

Access
From Tokyo 

Train & bus  (2 hours: ¥1,160) 

From Ueno station, take the Joban line to Ajiki station (1h15 ¥ 940). Then take a Chiba Kotsu bus towards Ryukakujidai-Shako and get off at the Boso no Mura bus stop (10 minutes, ¥ 220, 1-2 buses per hour).

From Narita

Boso no Mura is easy to access from Narita: it’s perfect if you have a limited time at the airport and don’t want to go to Tokyo.

Bus (30 minutes: ¥400)

From Narita station, take a Chiba Kotsu bus (there are 2 to 3 buses per hour) in the direction of Ryukakujidai-Shako and get off at the Ryukakujidai-Ni-Chome stop. Allow 20 min for the bus journey (¥400). Boso no mura is 10 min walk away.

Train & bus (20-30 minutes: ¥420)

From Narita station, take the JR Narita line to Ajiki station (10 min, ¥200, 2 trains per hour). Then take a Chiba Kotsu bus towards Ryukakujidai-Shako and get off at the Boso no Mura bus stop (10 min, ¥220, 1-2 buses per hour).

Details
¥300 (cash only)
Open from 9am to 4.30pm
Closed on Mondays
Website

Address: 1028 Ryukakuji, Sakae-machi, Imba-gun, Chiba Prefecture, 270-1506, Japan.