Nishi Chiba Park. Creative Commons

In central Chiba, a good spot for a quick run is to combine Chiba Park with the campus of Chiba University. A loop is ~6 km. Start at Chiba Park, a small but pretty park with some nice paths around a couple of small lakes and a botanical garden. There are also some recreational facilities. It’s ~1 km through the park. Exit the east end onto Koen Dori, which is the connector road to the University. Run for 0.5 km to the South Gate of Chiba University, and then enjoy a ~2.5 km loop around the pleasant campus paths, including Nishi Chiba Park at the south end.