【Chiba Prefecture】Introducing a 2-Day, 1-Night Katsuura Sightseeing Model Course!

Chiba’s Katsuura City is a popular spot known as a cool summer destination. Because the waters along the Katsuura coast are deep, the sea temperature stays low and there are almost no extremely hot days. It’s recommended for those who want to spend a refreshing summer. Since it’s close to central Tokyo, why not consider it for a weekend trip? Here, we’ll introduce a 2-day, 1-night Katsuura sightseeing model course you can enjoy by train or car!

◎ Access from central Tokyo to Katsuura, Chiba

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From Tokyo to Katsuura, it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes on the Limited Express Wakashio No. 5 from Tokyo Station to Katsuura Station, or about 2 hours by car.

This model course can be done without a car, but if you’re driving, why not reserve a rental car?

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

Sightseeing in Katsuura begins at the popular “Katsuura Undersea Park” with its undersea observation tower!

The nearest JR Ubara Station is about 5 minutes on the Sotobo Line from JR Katsuura Station. From JR Ubara Station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to Katsuura Undersea Park.

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

About 60 meters offshore stands the centerpiece of the park: the undersea observation tower. At 24.4 meters tall and extending 8 meters below sea level, it has observation rooms both above and below the sea.

To reach the undersea observation tower, you pass through the tunnel at the entrance and cross a bridge built over the sea. The views from the bridge are beautiful, making it feel like an aerial stroll.

Descending the long spiral staircase brings you to the undersea observation room. You can see schools of fish, and sometimes even large sharks! Above the windows, fish are labeled with their names, so be sure to take a look.

Next to the ticket office, there’s a souvenir shop. Local specialties, seafood, and Katsuura’s famous spicy tantanmen noodles are available, making it a great place to buy souvenirs.

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Lunch at the ocean-view Mediterranean restaurant “edén”

For lunch, how about dining at “edén,” located inside Katsuura Undersea Park? This is a complex facility with a restaurant on the first floor and a thermal spring spa on the second floor.

Right in front stretches the ocean, with 55 terrace seats and 36 indoor seats available.

The menu features plenty of dishes such as paella, Boso chicken Mexican roast, pizza, homemade focaccia, and seafood cuisine. You can enjoy them together with craft beers, cocktails, and mocktails that perfectly match the food.

For dessert, try Basque cheesecake, vanilla ice cream, or custard pudding made with Boso eggs.

With all-ocean-view seating, edén is in an outstanding location surrounded by the sea and nature. Take your time to relax with a meal or a spa experience.

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　Panoramic scenery at “Ubara Risokyo (Minami Boso Quasi-National Park)”

One of Katsuura’s most renowned scenic spots, “Ubara Risokyo,” is located in the southeastern area of Ubara facing the sea. The surrounding coastline features dramatic cliffs carved by the rough waves of the Pacific Ocean, blending with rich greenery to create a beautiful landscape.

Highlights include observation plazas with views of the ria coastline, hiking trails, and even hand-dug tunnels!

＜Ubara Risokyo – Taoyame-daira Bell of Happiness＞

One of the highlights of Ubara Risokyo, “Taoyame-daira,” is about 650 meters, or roughly 10 minutes on foot, from the entrance of the hiking trail.

On the cliff stands the popular Instagram-worthy spot “Bell of Happiness,” making it perfect for photography.

From Taoyame-daira, you can enjoy the powerful scenery of the sea and nature.

＜Ubara Risokyo – Hill of Twilight＞

The highest point in Ubara Risokyo is the “Hill of Twilight.” From an elevation of about 30 meters above sea level, the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean is spectacular.

＜Ubara Risokyo – Kedo Cape＞

Kedo Cape, located at the southern tip of Myojin Cape, offers views of Ubara Island to the south. The contrast between the cliffs eroded by waves and the dense forest is truly impressive!

It is a captivating sightseeing spot surrounded by grand natural scenery.

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A stroll at “Ubara Beach” with a Torii Gate while watching the sunset

About a 7-minute walk from Ubara Risokyo is the breathtaking “Ubara Beach,” selected as one of the “100 Best Beaches in Japan.” The white torii gate of Yasaka Shrine standing toward the sea creates a mystical beauty.

The sunset, in particular, gives the area a magical atmosphere, making it highly recommended for an evening stroll.

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

There are two parking areas with about 300 spaces in total (1,000 yen, paid), making it convenient for those traveling by car.

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

For accommodations in Katsuura, how about staying at the condominium-style “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 about a 5-minute taxi ride. Located on elevated ground, the hotel offers spectacular views from guest rooms and facilities alike.

On the first floor, you’ll find “Sotobo no Yu,” a natural Katsuura hot spring bath with ocean views. The spring water, light brown in color, is a sodium-chloride hot spring (hypotonic, weakly alkaline, low-temperature).

It is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain, making it a soothing way to relieve fatigue. A jacuzzi and sauna are also available.

After bathing, enjoy Katsuura’s local seafood at the hotel restaurant. For dinner, you can choose from dishes such as a mini kaiseki course with sashimi boat and anago yanagawa, the specialty anago hitsumabushi set, or a seasonal sashimi boat set.

Alcohol options are plentiful, including beer, Hakata jun barley shochu, sake, whiskey, chilled sake, and wine.

All rooms with ocean views are equipped with a living room and mini-kitchen, so you can stay as comfortably as if at home.

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

Parking for about 50 cars is available outdoors, free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

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【Day 2】Start the Morning with Food Strolling at “Katsuura Morning Market”!

On the morning of Day 2, how about strolling and tasting food at “Katsuura Morning Market,” located about a 15-minute walk from the hotel? With a history of more than 400 years, this morning market is one of Japan’s three great morning markets.

Fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, and other seasonal produce line the stalls, letting you enjoy searching for Katsuura’s local specialties.

At the Morning Market Fresh Plaza near Katsuura Fishing Port, you’ll find plenty of tuna and bonito rice bowls, as well as grilled seafood! Since it opens early in the morning, it’s highly recommended.

The most famous treat at Katsuura Morning Market is “Nanbanya’s” warabi mochi. Its chewy texture and smooth, slippery feel are irresistible.

It’s a popular shop, so definitely stop by.

Observation deck at “Hachimanmisaki Park” with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean

About a 20-minute walk from Katsuura Morning Market, at the tip of Hachimanmisaki, lies Hachimanmisaki Park, once the site of Katsuura Castle. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the vast Pacific Ocean!

Within the park, there is also a statue of Lady Oman, a concubine of Tokugawa Ieyasu and grandmother of Tokugawa Mitsukuni of Mito.

Walking paths are well maintained within Hachimanmisaki Park, making it perfect for a stroll. From here you can see Katsuura Bay and the mystical offshore torii gate of the former Tomisaki Shrine.

The park also has a grassy field, playground equipment, and restrooms, so you can take your time and relax.

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A stroll around “Katsuura Lighthouse”

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

Normally, the lighthouse cannot be climbed, but it is open to the public on certain days in conjunction with Lighthouse Day (November 1). The panoramic view from the observation deck surrounded by the sea is breathtaking, so why not visit on the open day?

Standing quietly in nature, the lighthouse is also perfect for photography.

Since there is no dedicated parking lot for Katsuura Lighthouse, please use the parking lot at Uemura Memorial Park, located about 500 meters away from the lighthouse.

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Lunch at Katsuura Port Market Restaurant “Kakkurau” with Specialty Seafood Rice Bowls

A 20-minute walk from Katsuura Lighthouse brings you to Katsuura Fishing Port, famous as a port for landing bonito.

For lunch, how about enjoying Katsuura’s specialty seafood rice bowls? Katsuura Port Market Restaurant “Kakkurau” is a market restaurant directly managed by fish wholesalers, where you can savor fresh seafood.

Their specialty seafood rice bowl comes with six kinds of seasonal fish! You can taste seasonal selections such as tuna, yellowfin tuna, bonito, minced bonito tartare, greater amberjack, and red sea bream.

Other excellent dishes include simmered alfonsino set meal, tuna cutlet with kimchi-tartar sauce, and assorted sashimi platters. Alcohol options such as sake, wine, draft beer, and shochu are also available.

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