Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kujukurihama is the general term for the long stretch of sandy coastline that stretches along the Pacific coast of Chiba Prefecture, and refers to the vast coastal area that stretches from Kujukuri Town in the east towards Choshi and all the way to Futtsu in the west. The name literally means "99 (many)," and the actual length of the beach is around 60km. The area has long prospered through fishing (especially clam fishing) and salt production, and in recent years has become popular as a surfing, swimming, and driving course.
Its distinctive features include a long stretch of white sandy beach, shallow waters, and the ability to easily catch large swells from the Pacific Ocean, making it ideal for surfing, as well as the magnificent sunrises you can see rising from the horizon. Other attractions include restaurants facing the sea and seafood delivered directly from the fishing port (clams, milt, horse mackerel, etc.).
Highlights
- Stroll along the long sandy beach: Perfect for a leisurely stroll while listening to the sound of the waves. Also famous as a great spot for taking photos of sunrises and sunsets.
- Surfing spots: Conditions change depending on wind direction and tides, but there are many spots that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced surfers (the area around Ichinomiya is a good example).
- Fishing Port and Seafood: Fresh seafood can be enjoyed at local fishing ports and beachside restaurants. Clams and whitebait are seasonal specialties.
- Beach activities: swimming, beach volleyball, playing on the rocks (observing the tide at low tide), etc.
- Drive and Beach Line: The drive along the Kujukuri Beach Line (the road along the coast) offers beautiful scenery, with observation points at various points.
- Nearby hot springs: There are hot springs scattered nearby, such as Shirako Onsen, where you can enjoy a dip after playing in the sea.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
Kujukuri Beach covers a wide area, so the nearest station and access method will vary depending on your destination, but the main access examples are as follows.
- Train + Bus/Taxi: From Tokyo, it is common to take the JR (Sotobo Line, Sobu Main Line, Togane Line, etc.) to Mobara Station, Togane Station, or Kazusa-Ichinomiya Station, and then take a local bus or taxi to the coast. Check the name of the coast you want to go to (e.g. Ichinomiya Coast, Katakai Coast, etc.) and choose the nearest station.
- By car: From the Tokyo metropolitan area, take the Shuto Expressway → Keiyo Road / Higashi-Kanto Expressway → Ken-O Expressway. Locally, you can access each beach using the Kujukuri Beach Line (prefectural road) or national highway. There are paid and free parking lots near each beach, roadside stations, and fishing ports, but they often fill up during peak seasons, so it's recommended to arrive early.
- Expressway bus: There are limited-time or seasonal shuttles and express buses that go directly from Tokyo to Kujukuri. We recommend checking the operating information in advance.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short walks and photography: 30 minutes to 1 hour (parking and round trip time will be considered separately)
- Swimming and relaxing at the beach: Half a day to a full day
- Activities including surfing and playing on the rocks: Half a day to a full day (board rentals and lessons require preparation time)
- Stay including hot springs and meals: 1-2 nights (staying at nearby accommodations allows you to enjoy dinner and photographing the sunrise)
Nearby spots
- Ichinomiya Beach: A famous surfing spot. There are many surf shops and accommodations in the surrounding area.
- Shirako Onsen (Shirako Town): A hot spring resort close to the sea, convenient for lodging. Winter yellowtail and whitefish milt dishes are also famous.
- Katakai Fishing Port and Katakai Beach: A fishing port and beach where you can enjoy seafood.
- Observation spot and roadside station along the Kujukuri Beach Line: There are restaurants, restaurants and rest areas selling local specialties.
- Nearby lighthouses and seaside parks: Small tourist spots and walking trails dotted around neighboring cities and towns.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: Parking lots and beaches can get very crowded during the swimming season (mainly the summer vacation period from July to August). If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning, on a weekday, or during the off-season.
- Swimming safety: The ocean can have strong currents (rip currents and sudden deep waters). At swimming beaches, please follow the signs and lifeguards, and avoid swimming too hard. Do not swim on days with high waves or in rough weather.
- Surfing and board etiquette: When it's crowded, please maintain a safe distance from other swimmers and respect the rules and local etiquette. Beginners are encouraged to use a surfing school.
- Environmental conservation and garbage: Please be sure to take any garbage you find on the beach with you or dispose of it in designated areas. There are different rules for barbecues and bonfires in each area, so be sure to check in advance.
- Seasonal precautions: Jellyfish may appear in summer (be careful not to get stung). In winter, there are strong northerly winds and rough waves, and the temperature difference along the coast is large, so be sure to dress warmly.
- Disaster risk: The Pacific coast may be affected by tsunamis. In the event of an earthquake or tsunami warning, follow instructions and evacuate to higher ground.
- Traffic and parking: Traffic congestion occurs during peak hours. It is best to use public transportation or leave early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Kujukuri Beach is vast, and each location has its own unique character and way of enjoying it. Before visiting, it's a good idea to check the name of the beach you want to visit, how to access it, and its opening status (opening period for swimming, whether there are lifeguards, etc.) to ensure a safer and more comfortable trip.
