15 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Choshi – Choshi is an Amazing Place

Choshi City, located in the northeastern part of Chiba Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most renowned port towns. Choshi is home to many sightseeing spots offering breathtaking views of the vast Pacific Ocean, including the famous Inubosaki Lighthouse! In addition, there are plenty of diverse attractions to explore. Taking a ride on the charmingly retro Choshi Electric Railway is also a great way to tour the city. Now, let's introduce some must-visit sightseeing spots in Choshi.

1. Inubosaki Lighthouse

Inubosaki, located at the eastern edge of the Kanto Plain, is home to the towering Inubosaki Lighthouse. Completed in 1874, this lighthouse is one of only five First-Class Lighthouses in Japan. Due to its historical significance, it has been registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan and is also recognized as one of the "100 World Lighthouses".

To reach the observation deck, you must climb 99 steps, a playful nod to Kujukuri Beach. Additionally, Inubosaki is famous as the earliest place in Japan (excluding mountain peaks and remote islands) to witness the first sunrise of the year. On New Year's Day, various events are held, drawing many visitors.

Inubosaki is truly a symbol of Choshi and a must-visit destination for sightseeing in the area.

2. Inubou Terrace Terrace

Inubo Terrace Terrace is a new tourist spot in Choshi that opened in January 2019. The all-white building has a simple design, but that makes it stylish. Another attractive feature is that it is free and easy to visit. The observation terrace on the second floor is equipped with unique chairs and hammocks, so you can relax and enjoy the view. There are also benches outside.

There is also a select shop on the second floor that sells Choshi's specialty products. Why not stop by to look for souvenirs? There is a cafe on the first floor, where you can take a break while looking out at the sea. In addition, you can rent bicycles here, so you can also tour Choshi by bicycle. Why not combine this with a visit to Inubosaki Observatory!

3. Manganji Temple

Located about a 5-minute walk from Inubosaki Station on the Choshi Electric Railway, Manganji Temple is a well-known temple near Inubosaki. It is famous as a place where visitors can witness the first sunrise of the year.

Manganji enshrines 188 principal deities from the Saigoku and Bando pilgrimage routes, making it a sacred site said to offer the same blessings as visiting 189 temples at once.
The temple's main deity, the Eleven-Faced Kannon, is believed to grant one’s most important wish of the year, attracting a steady flow of worshippers. With such a powerful blessing, it might be difficult to decide on just one wish.

In winter, the temple is also home to around 6,000 camellia flowers, adding to its charm. With so much to offer, Manganji is a must-visit historical site in Choshi.

4. Dolphin and whale watching

The waters off Choshi are where the Oyashio and Kuroshio currents collide. It is one of Japan's leading fishing grounds, and also a spot where you can see dolphins and whales almost all year round! Dolphin and whale watching allows you to spend a truly luxurious time enjoying both the magnificent nature and the creatures swimming there. There is a high probability of encountering dolphins, over 80%, and if you're lucky with the timing, you may even be able to see a large group of dolphins!

Choshi Marine Research Institute, which runs this dolphin and whale watching tour, also offers sunset and sunrise cruises. The spectacular view that unfolds before your eyes is breathtakingly beautiful. This cruise is recommended for those who want to enjoy romantic sightseeing in Choshi.

5. Choshi Electric Railway Nure Senbei Station

Choshi Electric Railway Nure Senbei Station is a rice cracker shop run directly by the Choshi Electric Railway. Please note that it is not a train stop. The striking red and dark brown exterior of the shop is modeled after the old Choshi Electric Railway carriages. As it　

is run directly by the railway company, the interior is lined with posters of the Choshi Electric Railway throughout its history. It is an irresistible space for fans and children who love trains. The most popular spot for tourists is the hand-baked nure senbei corner. You can add your favorite toppings to the rice crackers you bake yourself, so you can make your own rice crackers to your liking. There are many bargains that can only be purchased here, so be sure to stop by when you are sightseeing in Choshi.

6. Round Earth Observatory

Atagoyama is the highest mountain in northeastern Chiba Prefecture. At its peak is the "Round Earth Viewing Hill Observatory." From the rooftop observation space, you can see Kujukuri Beach, Byobugaura, and even Mt. Fuji if the weather is good. You can feel the "roundness of the earth" from the arching horizon. The view at dusk is especially beautiful and beyond words!

The first and second floors are equipped with a shop where you can purchase Choshi souvenirs and an event hall. There is also a cafe corner on the third floor, so you can relax while looking at the ocean that spreads out before you.

7. Myofukuji Temple

Myofuku-ji Temple was founded in 1314 by Saint Jyogyoin Nisyu. It is also famous for the statue of Hokushin Myoken Daibosatsu, said to have been created by Prince Shotoku, enshrined in the main hall. It is about a 5-minute walk from Choshi Station, so it is easily accessible. The

biggest attraction is the wisteria trellises in four places on the temple grounds. Among them, the wisteria flowers of the 750-year-old wisteria tree called "Garyu no Fuji" are particularly spectacular! Every May, many tourists visit to see the purple curtains. The temple is lit up during this period, so you can enjoy a fantastic view. It is also a good idea to plan your trip to Choshi during Golden Week to coincide with the wisteria blooming.

8. Herb Garden Pocket

Choshi is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Herb Garden Pocket takes full advantage of this climate, allowing you to enjoy lavender all year round. It is a particularly popular spot with women, and the 5,500 square meter site is packed with things to see, including a garden, restaurant, and herb shop!

The herb shop also has original goods that can only be purchased here. The bath salts and perfumes would make great gifts for women. The restaurant also serves dishes such as pasta and pizza made with organic herbs grown in the garden. There is also a dog run, making it a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy sightseeing in Choshi with their beloved dog.

9. Byobugaura

Byobugaura spreads out on the southwest side of the Choshi Peninsula. The cliffs that stretch into the distance are very impressive! It is made up of four layers, including the Naarai Formation, and you can also find layers of volcanic ash here and there. Also, because its appearance is reminiscent of the Straits of Dover in Europe, it is also affectionately known as the "Dover of the East." There is a promenade, so you can view Byobugaura up close. Be sure to take a look at this magnificent view of Choshi created by nature.

10. Choshi Marina Beach

Choshi Marina Beach is a tourist spot located very close to Byobugaura. It's a truly luxurious beach where you can swim while looking out at the "Dover of the Orient." The waves are relatively calm, so you can safely enjoy swimming with small children. We also recommend watching the sunset from the neighboring Choshi Marina and Naarai Port Seaside Park! The orange-hued sky and sea are sure to put you in a romantic mood.

11. Yamasa Soy Sauce Co., Ltd. Factory Tour Information Center

Since its founding in Choshi in 1645, Yamasa Soy Sauce has been selling soy sauce and other seasonings, supporting people's lives. It is a company with a long history, with the Edo Shogunate even recognizing the quality of its products. Yamasa Soy Sauce offers factory tours. You can learn about the process of soy sauce making as you explore the vast grounds, which are about four times the size of the Tokyo Dome. At the end, you'll even receive a delicious souvenir. In addition

, at the Soy Sauce Tasting Experience Center, which can be visited without a reservation, there is a corner where you can pour soy sauce over rice crackers you've made yourself and eat them! The soy sauce soft serve ice cream, a popular product among tourists, is also worth trying.

12. Wosse 21

Choshi Fishing Port boasts one of the largest catch volumes in Japan. If you come to Choshi, you can't miss out on some seafood! That's why we recommend "Uosse 21." The seafood sales center inside the building is lined with shops selling fresh fish and processed products. Another fun part is interacting with the cheerful and friendly store staff. You

can also enjoy fresh seafood caught at Choshi Port at the adjacent Seafood Restaurant Uosse. In addition to standard dishes such as seafood bowls, they also offer original creative dishes. If you're looking for lunch in Choshi, be sure to check out Uosse 21.

13. Choshi Port Tower

Choshi Port Tower is one of Choshi's best viewing spots, along with Inubosaki Lighthouse and the Round Earth Observatory. The impressive twin tower structure will have you taking photos. From the observation deck and lobby you can see the Pacific Ocean, Tone River, Choshi Port, and more. The glass walls give you a thrill.

Choshi Tower also houses an exhibition hall, a shop, and a coffee shop. If you have time, why not stop by? There is a walkway that connects it to Uosse 21, making it easy to sightsee.

14. Enpukuji Temple

Enpukuji Temple is located about a two-minute walk from Kannon Station on the Choshi Electric Railway. It has long been known as Iinuma Kannon, and Choshi once flourished as a temple town of Enpukuji Temple. Upon entering the temple grounds, the vermilion Niomon Gate, five-story pagoda, and Great Buddha are eye-catching. The temple is also home to the Iinuma Leveling Stone, which is said to be the origin of river surveying in Japan and is of great academic value. We also

recommend sightseeing at night. The temple grounds are lit up at night! The quaint, fantastical scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. It is held on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of every month, as well as on weekends.

15. Choshi Camera Museum

The Choshi Camera Museum has around 1,150 cameras on display. These are part of a collection that Takuro Yamaguchi has collected over the course of 40 years. The total number of cameras in the collection is an astonishing 3,000. The museum displays cameras from the

Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras. You'll be excited to see the rare cameras that you rarely see, such as large obscure cameras and machine gun cameras. This museum is enjoyable not only for camera enthusiasts, but also for those who are not familiar with cameras. Please note that the museum is closed during the summer (usually from June to September), so please be careful when visiting.

◎ Summary

Choshi has many attractive tourist spots, including scenic spots overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean and delicious seafood. Another attraction of Choshi is the nostalgic townscape and the warm hospitality of the local people. On your next day off, why not take a leisurely tour of Choshi while riding the Choshi Electric Railway and feeling the sea breeze?

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15 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Choshi – Choshi is an Amazing Place