Top 10 Sightseeing Spots in Minamiboso Shirahama: A Tour of the Southernmost Tip of the Boso Peninsula

Discover the top 10 must-visit attractions in Shirahama, Minamiboso, a coastal town where the Pacific Ocean opens up in all its vast beauty. Located at the southernmost tip of Chiba’s Boso Peninsula, Shirahama merged with surrounding towns in 2006 to form Minamiboso City. At the southern edge, you’ll find a stunning white lighthouse—a landmark of the area. Nojimazaki, the cape where the lighthouse stands, juts out like an island and is rich with scenic and cultural attractions. The expansive ocean views are refreshing and unforgettable.

Thanks to the warm climate, Shirahama’s parks bloom with vivid flowers like calendulas and poppies throughout the year. Here’s a look at Shirahama’s top sightseeing spots, where the sea and vibrant blossoms await.

1. Nojimazaki Lighthouse

The Nojimazaki Lighthouse, an iconic octagonal white lighthouse, was built by a French engineer in 1869, making it the second Western-style lighthouse in Japan.
The lighthouse, standing 24 meters tall, has a spiral staircase inside that leads up to an observation deck. Located in the scenic Minamiboso National Park, it is an excellent spot for tourists. From the observation deck, you’ll see stunning views of the beautiful Shirahama coast and the surrounding park.

Recognized as one of Japan's top 50 lighthouses, it’s also famous for offering views of the first sunrise of the year in silhouette. Additionally, you can enjoy the sunset, unique to the southernmost tip of the Boso Peninsula. Benches along the rocky shore allow you to relax and enjoy the view of the sea.

2. Shirahama Beach

Shirahama Beach is renowned for its stunning white sands and endless coastline. It is a prominent tourist destination in Minamiboso Shirahama, with nearby parks, hotels, and well-maintained facilities.

The long coastal road makes it perfect for a scenic drive, with a refreshing sea breeze and beautiful ocean views. There is ample parking and restroom access, making it a convenient and family-friendly spot. The beach is especially popular in the summer swimming season, where visitors can enjoy the blue waters and white sands. It’s also great for tide pooling, making it an ideal outing for families with children.

3. Shirahama Onsen

Shirahama Onsen is a hot spring area near the coast of the Boso Peninsula. It's accessible from the city center in about 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it suitable for a day trip. The surrounding area has an onsen town with various inns and hotels. With its warm climate, the coastal area feels like an overseas resort. You can choose from tropical-themed hotel public baths to private baths in traditional inns, depending on your preference.

The spring quality varies from chloride springs to bicarbonate springs, which are believed to have skin-smoothing effects. Some accommodations are safe for pregnant women and families with babies, so you can enjoy a relaxed visit.

4. Shirahama Strawberry Picking Center

Shirahama Strawberry Picking Center offers delicious strawberries grown in Shirahama’s warm climate. It's open annually from mid-December to around May. The entrance fee varies by season and allows 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat strawberries. These strawberries, cultivated with Shirahama's pristine water and meticulous care, are superb.

There are four varieties available, such as Benihoppe, Kaorino, and Akihime, each with a different balance of sweetness and tartness for tasting. Fully ripe strawberries and strawberry seedlings are also available for purchase, making for a great souvenir. Enjoy making delightful memories in Shirahama.

5. Itsukushima Shrine

Near Nojimazaki Lighthouse on a small hill stands Itsukushima Shrine, surrounded by the sea, offering a serene atmosphere and stunning views.

Within the grounds are the Seven Lucky Gods statues created by Awano’s famed stone carver, Takeo Takeda, in the Edo period. Many visit for blessings of marriage and fertility, and you can enjoy sightseeing while praying.

A nearby parking lot is available, making it a convenient stop during a drive. Be sure to visit while exploring the area.

6. Hana-no-Sato Floral Village Nagura

If you've ever wanted to pick beautiful flowers in a vast field like the heroine of a fairytale, then “Hana-no-Sato Floral Village Nagura” is for you. Located at the southernmost tip of the Boso Peninsula, you can enjoy picking beautiful flowers while gazing out at the Pacific Ocean.

On the grounds, you can pick poppies from March to May and globe amaranth and sunflowers from June to August, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. You can also gift the flowers you pick, and carnation gifts are available.

Additionally, you can enjoy broad bean picking from late April to early May and peanut picking from September to October, allowing you to experience different activities each season. Be sure to enjoy nature at this Shirahama tourist spot.

7. Nemoto Coast

The 500-meter-long Nemoto Coast is lined with striking rock formations like Byobu Rock and Kabuto Rock, which look like natural sculptures. The rocks were formed by wave erosion, and the unique rock formations appear like art installations.

Nemoto Coast is one of the largest swimming spots in Shirahama, offering scenic views of Oshima and Izu. Every year, the beach opens for swimming from mid-July to mid-August and is popular with both locals and tourists.

It's recommended to also visit the adjacent Nemoto Campground. The auto campground allows for barbecuing, so you can enjoy a full day of activities.

8. Shirahama Nojimasaki Roadside Station

Located at the southernmost tip of the Boso Peninsula, the “Shirahama Nojimasaki Roadside Station” is a scenic tourist spot close to the main road, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

It’s perfect for a quick rest on a coastal drive. The lobby, filled with sunlight, offers a relaxing break from sightseeing. The shop sells fresh local vegetables and flowers, making it a great stop for souvenirs from Shirahama.

9. Shirahama Marine Museum

The Shirahama Marine Museum, also known as the Marine Crafts Art Museum, began in a fisherman’s home in 1965 and moved to its current location in 1973.

With a display of over 600 items, the museum showcases handicrafts, daily life items from people who made their livelihood from the sea, as well as kimonos and boat decorations, offering plenty to explore.

The permanent collection also features unique marine art pieces, including "Kai-awase tools," a traditional matching game used in the Edo period, and the "Whaling Scrolls" from Wakayama. An adjoining gallery allows visitors to view art pieces distinctive to Shirahama.

◎ Summary of Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Minamiboso Shirahama

We have highlighted some of Minamiboso Shirahama's tourist attractions. The scenic coastline facing the Pacific Ocean and flower parks are picture-perfect and soothing to the soul. With an abundance of hot springs and accommodations, it’s ideal for a weekend getaway. Refresh yourself with a visit to Minamiboso Shirahama!