11 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Futtsu, Chiba! Experience Both the Ocean and Mountains of Uchibo

Futtsu City, located in the southern part of Chiba Prefecture, is situated right around the belly of Chiba-kun, the mascot character that promotes Chiba Prefecture. When it comes to the charm of Futtsu City, the sea is the highlight! At the quiet Uchibo Sea, you can enjoy leisure activities such as swimming and clamming. But Futtsu’s appeal isn’t limited to the sea. Futtsu is home to many tourist attractions where you can experience the vast land of Boso, including Nokogiriyama and Mother Farm. Now, let’s guide you through the tourist spots in Futtsu where you can enjoy both the sea and the mountains.

1. Nokogiriyama

Nokogiriyama is a representative tourist spot in Minami Boso, straddling Futtsu City and Nokonami Town. Made of tuff, Nokogiriyama has been quarried since the Edo period, and its name derives from the way the mountain resembles the teeth of a saw. From the Edo period, famous contemporary painters such as Hiroshige and Tani Buncho have depicted this celebrated mountain.

The main attraction is the “Jigoku Nozoki” (Hell Peek)! When you look down from the protruding rocky area, your legs might shake. How about testing your courage?

2. Futtsu Park

If you want to enjoy the Futtsu Sea, Futtsu Park is a must. The park covers the area around Futtsu Cape, which juts out into Tokyo Bay. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Fuji—a secret to its popularity. A recommended viewpoint is the Meiji Centennial Memorial Tower. The view of Tokyo Bay from the tower, with its complex and cool design, is truly exceptional.

3. Mother Farm

Mother Farm is a famous tourist farm where you can interact with animals. Enjoy events featuring sheep and duck parades and even experience milking dairy cows.

But that’s not all Mother Farm has to offer! You can also pick seasonal fruits on the farm, from blueberries and kiwifruits to strawberries. It’s the perfect event to savor seasonal flavors. In addition, don’t miss out on the hands-on experiences where you can make your own cheese and jam. It’s fun not only for kids but also for adults, and the simple process makes it an easy experience. And of course, there are cottages and camping available—ideal for breathing in the fresh morning air on the farm. Mother Farm is a tourist spot where you can enjoy various outdoor activities all day long.

4. Lovers’ Sanctuary, Kanaya

Kanaya, near Nokogiriyama, is famous as a lovers’ sanctuary. At Kanaya Port, there is the “Bell of Happiness,” which is said to grant eternal love when rung.

On sunny days, you can see Kanagawa Prefecture and even Mt. Fuji across Tokyo Bay. The recommended time to visit is in the evening. With the Tokyo Bay Ferry and the sea illuminated by the sunset, the scenery is beautiful. Kanaya is a romantic tourist spot and is highly recommended for couples touring Futtsu!

5. Tokyo Bay Kannon

Near JR Sanuki Town Station, on a small hill called Otsubeyama, there stands a prominent, large Kannon statue. This statue, known as Tokyo Bay Kannon, was built in 1961. Visitors can climb inside its body, and the area around the crown, known as the “Tenjōkai,” is famous for its spectacular views. From here, you can have a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay, and on clear days, even see Mt. Fuji. A visit to Tokyo Bay Kannon isn’t complete without ascending to the Tenjōkai!

Additionally, Tokyo Bay Kannon hosts seasonal events such as Setsubun. In June, they sell soft serve ice cream made with loquat—a specialty of Minami Boso—and in October, they sell peanuts. Tokyo Bay Kannon allows you to fully experience the charm of Chiba in Futtsu. Why not visit on your next trip?

6. Futtsu Citizen’s Forest Campsite

The Futtsu Citizen’s Forest Campsite is a public campsite, making it relatively affordable. Even those who are not residents of Futtsu can use it, which is great. The campsite is well-managed, ensuring a safe stay. Although Futtsu is known for its seaside leisure, enjoying a barbecue in the quiet forest is also delightful! Note that the campsite is only open from July to August.

In addition, the Citizen’s Forest features areas such as the Bird Forest, where you can experience the rich nature of Futtsu. On May 5th, the Citizen’s Forest Festa is held, with numerous carp streamers hoisted and delicious pork soup and milk distributed.

7. Natural Hot Spring Umibe no Yu

In Futtsu City, where both the sea and the mountains are present, what could be more perfect for tourism than a hot spring? At “Natural Hot Spring Umibe no Yu,” you can relax in the hot springs while gazing at Tokyo Bay. With its spacious baths offering sea views, it’s a great place to take a break during your Futtsu trip.

At the post-bath area, you can enjoy light meals. Imagine having a chilled beer after warming up in the hot spring—the perfect combination. If you’re planning a hot spring visit in Futtsu, “Natural Hot Spring Umibe no Yu” is highly recommended.

8. Takagoyama Natural Animal Park

Located to the east of Futtsu City, Mount Takago is home to many Japanese macaques. At Takagoyama Natural Animal Park, you can observe 130 adorable Japanese macaques.

You can interact with the monkeys through the mesh fence, and since they are accustomed to humans, they come close quickly. Leading the troop is the 6th generation boss, Jirocho. His commanding presence as he leads the group is impressive. In Futtsu, aside from Mother Farm, Takagoyama Natural Animal Park is another excellent spot to interact with animals unique to the area, making it well worth a visit.

9. Futtsu Aqua Farm

Located in central Futtsu City, Futtsu Aqua Farm is a tourist spot where you can fully enjoy strawberry and blueberry picking. It boasts one of the largest areas in Chiba Prefecture, about 1,800 tsubo. With approximately 45,000 strawberry plants cultivated over the vast area, the strawberries rarely run out at the beginning of the season.

The highlight of Futtsu Aqua Farm is the 30-minute all-you-can-eat strawberry picking! The greenhouse is already filled with a sweet and tangy aroma. This is a perfect tourist spot to savor the flavors of spring. Children will be delighted by the abundance of strawberries.

10. Kanaya Art Museum

Located in Kanaya, Futtsu City, the Kanaya Art Museum was established to revitalize the town of Kanaya and Nokogiriyama, which have been loved by many literati and artists under the banner “Town of Stone and Art, Kanaya.”

The building itself is striking—a design that perfectly fits the stone town. It may appear simple at first glance, but it exudes a sense of innovation. Instead of a permanent collection, the Kanaya Art Museum actively hosts special exhibitions. Depending on the theme, you can enjoy a variety of artworks with different flavors.

11. Sommelier House, Sake Artisan’s Hall

In Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture, the sake “Toukai,” which has been loved for over 200 years, is produced by Koizumi Shuzo. Their sales store, “Sommelier House, Sake Artisan’s Hall,” offers an exciting tasting corner where you can observe the production process of the daiginjo “Toukai Mori.” By tasting the sake, you can literally experience the flavors of Futtsu while learning about its production—a win-win!

In the museum section, you can see exhibits of sake-making tools from the Edo period, gaining insight into the long history of the brewery’s endeavors. As souvenirs, besides sake, you can also check out products such as Nara pickles and sake buns. In winter, newly brewed sake made from new rice is on sale. If you visit in winter, it’s hard not to make a purchase.

◎ Summary

Has the charm of Futtsu’s tourism been conveyed to you? Futtsu, facing Tokyo Bay, offers tourist spots where you can fully enjoy the sea, and it also has plenty of attractions to enjoy the mountains such as Nokogiriyama and Mother Farm. In addition, there are also must-see sites like hot springs and sake breweries, making Futtsu an area rich enough in attractions that a day trip or one-night stay hardly does it justice.

Furthermore, using the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, you can easily access Futtsu! It takes less than an hour by car from Haneda Airport and about an hour and a half from Narita Airport. So, why not plan a trip to Futtsu during the upcoming Golden Week or summer vacation?

Search

Customer Support

11 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Futtsu, Chiba! Experience Both the Ocean and Mountains of Uchibo