Old-world charm in a new age

WITH the world's best sushi restaurants (among other things) only about an hour's train ride away, it's easy to be tempted to head straight for Tokyo when you land at Narita Airport. But give the neighbouring prefectures of Chiba and Ibaraki a chance and you'll be surprised at how much both have to offer. They possess a skyscraper-free old-world charm that's a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Forget peak hour commuter jams. The roads are relatively clear at all times and most attractions are within a short distance of each other, making both prefectures ideal for a leisurely self-drive family holiday.

Some of Chiba's tourist sights are practically at Narita's doorstep, a mere 20- to 30-minute car ride away. The Muse…