[Chiba Prefecture] Introducing a model 1-night, 2-day sightseeing itinerary for Katsuura!

Chiba’s Katsuura City is a popular spot known as a cool summer destination. Because the coastal waters of Katsuura are deep, the sea temperature remains low, and extremely hot days are rare. It’s perfect for those looking to escape the summer heat. It’s also close to Tokyo, making it ideal for a weekend trip. Here’s a 1-night, 2-day sightseeing model course in Katsuura that you can enjoy by train or car!

◎ Access from Tokyo to Katsuura, Chiba

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You can reach Katsuura from Tokyo in about 1 hour and 30 minutes by the Limited Express Wakashio No. 5 from Tokyo Station to Katsuura Station, or in about 2 hours by car.

This model course can be enjoyed without a car, but for those driving, how about reserving a rental car?

【By Train】

・About 1 hour and 30 minutes on the Limited Express Wakashio No. 5 bound for Awa-Kamogawa from Tokyo Station

・About 2 hours and 10 minutes via JR Keiyo Line and Sotobo Line from Tokyo Station

【By Car】

・About 2 hours via Shuto Expressway Bayshore Route and Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line

【Day 1】Start at Katsuura Undersea Park, where you can see the world beneath the sea!

Begin your Katsuura sightseeing at “Katsuura Undersea Park,” famous for its undersea observation tower!

To reach the nearest JR Ubara Station, take the Sotobo Line from JR Katsuura Station—it’s about a 5-minute ride. From JR Ubara Station, it's about a 15-minute walk to Katsuura Undersea Park.

Katsuura Undersea Park spreads across the scenic ria coastline area of Ubara in Katsuura City, covering an area equivalent to about three Tokyo Domes.

About 60 meters offshore stands the centerpiece of the park—the undersea observation tower. It is approximately 24.4 meters tall and descends to a depth of about 8 meters, with observation rooms both above and below sea level.

To reach the tower, pass through a tunnel at the Katsuura Undersea Park Tower Entrance and walk across a bridge built over the sea. The view from the bridge is stunning, offering an enjoyable “sky walk.”

Descending a somewhat long spiral staircase brings you to the undersea observation room. You may see schools of fish, and sometimes even large sharks! Fish descriptions are posted above the windows, so be sure to take a look.

Next to the ticket counter, there is a gift shop—highly recommended. Local seafood, specialty gourmet items, and Katsuura Tantanmen are available and make for great souvenirs.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.135194,140.284239&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=15141701972815967923

Lunch at "edén" with an ocean view, serving Mediterranean cuisine

How about having lunch at “edén,” located inside Katsuura Undersea Park? This multi-purpose facility has a restaurant on the first floor and a thermal spring spa on the second floor.

Facing the sea, it offers 55 terrace seats and 36 indoor seats.

The menu includes paella, Boso chicken Mexican roast, pizza, homemade focaccia, and various seafood dishes. Pair your meal with craft beer, cocktails, or mocktails.

For dessert, enjoy Basque cheesecake, vanilla ice cream, or Boso egg pudding.

With an all-ocean-view setting, edén offers a superb location surrounded by the sea and nature. Enjoy a relaxing time with food and spa treatments.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.135521,140.284967&z=15&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=887345195752303794

A breathtaking panoramic view at Ubara Risokyo (Minami Boso Quasi-National Park)

One of Katsuura’s top scenic spots, “Ubara Risokyo,” is located in the southeastern coastal area of the Ubara district. The surrounding coastline features dramatic cliffs carved by the rough waves of the Pacific Ocean, offering a breathtaking view harmonized with lush greenery.

Don't miss the scenic observation areas overlooking the ria coast, hiking trails, and hand-dug tunnels!

＜Ubara Risokyo – Taoyame-daira, Bell of Happiness＞

One highlight of Ubara Risokyo, “Taoyame-daira,” is located about 650 meters or a 10-minute walk from the entrance to the hiking trail.

Atop the cliffs, you’ll find the “Bell of Happiness,” a photogenic spot that’s perfect for social media. From Taoyame-daira, you can enjoy a powerful view of the sea and natural landscape.

＜Ubara Risokyo – Hill of Twilight＞

The Hill of Twilight is the highest point in Ubara Risokyo. From its 30-meter elevation, the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean is stunning.

＜Ubara Risokyo – Kedo Cape＞

Kedo Cape is located at the southernmost tip of Myojin Cape. Facing south, you can see Ubara Island, and the dramatic contrast of wave-eroded cliffs and dense forest is truly impressive!

This is a charming sightseeing spot surrounded by majestic nature.

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Stroll along Ubara Beach with its iconic Torii Gate while watching the sunset

About a 7-minute walk from Ubara Risokyo is the stunning “Ubara Beach,” selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Beaches. The white torii gate of Yasaka Shrine facing the sea is mysteriously beautiful.

The sunset here is particularly magical, making it ideal for an evening stroll.

In summer, the beach is bustling with swimmers. The swimming area extends about 120 meters offshore. The waves are calm, and permanent restrooms are available.

There are two parking areas with a total of around 300 spaces (¥1,000 paid), making it convenient for those coming by car.

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Stay at Katsuura Hilltop Hotel & Residence, where all rooms have ocean views

For accommodations in Katsuura, how about the condominium-style hotel “Katsuura Hilltop Hotel & Residence,” where every room has an ocean view?

From Ubara Beach, it’s about a 5-minute walk to JR Ubara Station, then a train ride to JR Katsuura Station, followed by a 5-minute taxi ride. Situated on a hilltop, the views from both guest rooms and hotel facilities are spectacular.

On the first floor, there is “Sotobo-no-Yu,” a flowing hot spring of Katsuura Onsen where you can bathe while looking out over the sea. The pale brown water is a sodium-chloride hot spring (hypotonic, mildly alkaline, low-temperature spring).

It is known to help relieve neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain, offering a soothing and relaxing experience. Jacuzzi and sauna facilities are also available.

After your bath, enjoy a meal at the restaurant featuring Katsuura’s signature seafood. Dinner options include a mini Kaiseki meal with a boat platter and Anago Yanagawa, specialty Anago Hitsumabushi meal, or a seasonal sashimi boat platter.

A wide selection of alcoholic beverages is available, including beer, Hakata pure barley shochu, sake, whiskey, chilled sake, and wine.

All ocean-view rooms are equipped with a living room and mini kitchen, so you can feel right at home.

Amenities include a refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, cooking utensils, washing machine, dryer, and Wi-Fi—perfect for long stays.

The hotel provides outdoor parking for approximately 50 vehicles, available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.150342,140.322411&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=7546070401974626217

【Day 2】Start your morning with street food at Katsuura Morning Market

On the morning of day two, how about strolling and tasting local foods at the “Katsuura Morning Market,” about a 15-minute walk from the hotel? With over 400 years of history, it is one of Japan’s three great morning markets.

Seasonal ingredients such as fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits are available, making it a fun place to find unique local products.

At the Shinsen Hiroba near Katsuura Fishing Port, you can find tuna and bonito rice bowls, grilled seafood, and more! It opens early in the morning and is highly recommended.

One specialty of the Katsuura Morning Market is “Nanbanya’s” warabi mochi. Its chewy texture and smooth finish are irresistible.

It’s a popular shop, so be sure to stop by.

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Panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from Yawata Misaki Park Observation Deck

About a 20-minute walk from the Katsuura Morning Market, at the tip of Yawata Misaki, lies Yawata Misaki Park, where Katsuura Castle once stood. From the observation deck, the view of the Pacific Ocean is truly breathtaking!

In one corner of the park stands a statue of Lady Oman, concubine of Tokugawa Ieyasu and grandmother of Mito Mitsukuni.

Yawata Misaki Park is equipped with walking paths and is perfect for a stroll. You can see Katsuura Bay and the submerged torii gate of the former Tomisaki Shrine—a mystical sight.

There are also grassy open spaces, playground equipment, and restrooms, making it a great place to relax and play.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.136019,140.311538&z=16&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=18432741895213944855

Stroll around the area of Katsuura Lighthouse

About a 15-minute walk from Yawata Misaki Park is the Katsuura Lighthouse. Built in 1917, the white lighthouse stands approximately 21 meters tall, with an observation deck about 71 meters above sea level.

While you normally cannot enter, there are public open days around Lighthouse Day (November 1). The view from the sea-surrounded observation deck is amazing, so consider visiting on those dates.

The lighthouse nestled in nature is perfect for photography.

There is no dedicated parking for Katsuura Lighthouse, so please use the parking lot at Uemura Memorial Park, about 500 meters away.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.137926,140.319193&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=10210005877452376611

Lunch at Katsuura Port market dining “Kakkurau” with their famous seafood rice bowl

About a 20-minute walk from Katsuura Lighthouse brings you to Katsuura Fishing Port, known for its bonito landings.

For lunch, enjoy Katsuura’s pride—its seafood rice bowls. “Kakkurau” is a market dining hall run directly by a wholesaler, serving ultra-fresh seafood.

Their specialty seafood rice bowl features six seasonal fish! Enjoy fresh cuts of tuna, yellowfin tuna, bonito, chopped bonito namero, amberjack, and red sea bream depending on the season.

Other popular dishes include simmered goldeneye snapper set, tuna cutlet with kim-tartar sauce, and assorted sashimi. A variety of alcoholic drinks such as sake, wine, draft beer, and shochu are also available.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.145491,140.31345&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=7950966979748637024

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