Choshi and Sawara are home to tourist attractions such as the Tone River, Katori Jingu Shrine, and Inubozaki, tourist events such as the Setsubun Festival, Shinko Festival, and Otaue Festival, and local delicacies such as white gyoza, botan nabe, and sardine dishes.
Choshi is located in the northeast of Chiba Prefecture and is the easternmost point of the Kanto Plain. The Tone River flows to the north, and during the Edo period (1603-1867), the Tone River water transportation system was developed, leading to the brewing of soy sauce and the development of the fishing industry. Because Sawara is surrounded by the sea, the climate is humid and mild. Sawara developed as a water town, and even today, the old streets along the Ono River, called "Koedo," remain.
In Choshi, visitors can enjoy fresh fish dishes landed at Choshi Port. The taste of fresh tuna, flatfish, and horse mackerel is exceptional, and kaisendon, sushi, and boiled fish are standard menu items.
Many restaurants serve imobuta, Chiba Prefecture's brand name pork, and pork shabu, pork cutlets, and kakuni are popular. While most pigs are fed on corn, Imo pork is raised on sweet potatoes and tapioca. Characterized by its strong sweet taste, it is exported not only to Japan but also to other countries.
Sawara is home to a variety of restaurants, including long-established tsukudani shops, Japanese and Western-style restaurants.
Inubozaki, the easternmost point of Kanto, located in Choshi, is the earliest sunrise spot in Japan, except for mountain peaks and remote islands, and attracts many tourists early in the morning on New Year's Day. In summer, Kaikajima Beach, Nagasaki Beach, and Choshi Marina Beach are bathing spots.
For a relaxing view of the Pacific Ocean, Choshi Port Tower is the place to go. The observation room offers a 360-degree panoramic view. Enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean, the mouth of Tone River, and Choshi Port. The Chikyu no Marukumieru Oka Observation Hall is located at the top of Mt. Atago, and from the observation space, visitors can experience the roundness of the earth.
The Sawara Grand Festival is held in the downtown area of Sawara, and floats with decorations of historical figures on the top are pulled around the city. This has continued since the Edo period (1603-1868) and was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset in 2004. The Suigo Sawara Float Hall displays floats throughout the year.
Katori Jingu, the head shrine of Katori Jingu, one of the 400 shrines in Japan, is also visited by many Hatsumode visitors. A shuttle bus runs from Katori Station on the JR Narita Line during the Hatsumode season.
Katori Jingu Shrine is one of the most important and historic Shinto shrines in the Kanto region of Japan. Located in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, the shrine has been closely associated with Japanese mythology, imperial history, warriors, and martial arts for centuries. The shrine is the head shrine of the many Katori Shrines found throughout Japan. It is also known as the Ichinomiya of Shimosa...»
Sawara Historic Townscape is a beautifully preserved historic district in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. Once a prosperous merchant town supported by river transportation, Sawara retains many traditional buildings and streetscapes dating from the Edo period through the early Showa period. Because of its historic atmosphere and close connection with waterways, Sawara has long been known as...»
Inubosaki Lighthouse stands at the tip of Inubosaki Cape in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. The cape has long been regarded as a difficult area for navigation because of its many small islands, rocks, and reefs. Completed in 1874, the lighthouse was designed by British engineer Richard Henry Brunton, who was responsible for designing numerous Western-style light...»
Inubosaki Cape is a spectacular headland in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, projecting into the Pacific Ocean at the easternmost edge of the Kanto Plain. Surrounded by rugged coastline and open ocean, the cape is part of the Suigo-Tsukuba Quasi-National Park. The most recognizable landmark is Inubosaki Lighthouse, whose white tower rises above the coast and has guided ships across the Pacific sinc...»
Suigo Sawara Iris Park is a municipal botanical garden located in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. Situated at the gateway to the Suigo-Tsukuba Quasi-National Park, it is one of the area's best-known tourist attractions and offers visitors beautiful flowers, waterways, and traditional Japanese cultural experiences throughout the year. The park covers approximately 8 hectares and takes advantage of ...»
The Sawara Grand Festival is one of the most impressive traditional festivals in Chiba Prefecture. Held twice a year in the historic Sawara district of Katori City, the festival consists of two major celebrations: the Honjuku Gion Festival in July and the Shinjuku Autumn Festival in October. With magnificent festival floats, traditional Japanese music, elaborate sculptures, and energetic performa...»
Enpukuji Temple, also known as Iinuma Kannon, is a historic Buddhist temple in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture. The temple belongs to an independent branch of the Shingon Buddhist tradition and has been an important center of worship in the region for approximately 1,300 years. Its mountain name is Iinumasan, and its principal Buddhist image is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, a form of Kannon, the bodhis...»
Nure Senbei is a distinctive type of Japanese rice cracker that originated in Choshi, Chiba Prefecture. Unlike traditional senbei, which are usually crisp and crunchy, nure senbei are known for their uniquely soft and moist texture. Also written as “Nure Senbei” or “Nure-Senbei,” these rice crackers have long been enjoyed by local residents. They are made by dipping freshly baked rice crackers di...»
Byobugaura Cliffs are a spectacular series of sea cliffs stretching for approximately 10 kilometers along the Pacific coast from Choshi City to Asahi City in Chiba Prefecture. Rising dramatically above the ocean, the cliffs resemble the famous White Cliffs of Dover in England and are therefore often called the “Dover of the East.” This extraordinary coastal landscape was designated as a Place of ...»
A Charming Local Railway Full of Nostalgia The Choshi Electric Railway Line, commonly known as Choden, is a local railway in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture. The line runs for approximately 6.4 kilometers, connecting Choshi Station with Tokawa Station in about 20 minutes. The entire railway is located within Choshi City and travels through a scenic area near Inubosaki, one of the easternmost point...»
A Historic Soy Sauce Town Shaped by Climate, Geography, and Water Transport Choshi, located at the easternmost edge of the Kanto Plain in northeastern Chiba Prefecture, is known for its beautiful coastline, fishing industry, and mild climate. The city is also famous throughout Japan for its traditional soy sauce. For centuries, Choshi has been an important center of soy sauce production, supporte...»
Kozaki Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kozaki Town, Katori District, Chiba Prefecture. The shrine was traditionally part of Shimousa Province and has been an important center of local worship for centuries. The principal deities enshrined here are Ame-no-Torifune-no-Mikoto, Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto, and Sukuna-bikona-no-Mikoto. The shrine was once known as Komatsu Shrine, but was later re...»
Ino Tadataka Former Residence is a historic house in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, where the renowned Japanese surveyor and geographer Ino Tadataka lived during his years in Sawara. Ino Tadataka is famous for conducting detailed surveys throughout Japan and creating an exceptionally accurate map of the Japanese coastline. His former residence was designated a National Historic Site on Ap...»
Ino Tadataka Memorial Hall is a museum located in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, dedicated to the life and achievements of Ino Tadataka, a pioneering Japanese surveyor and scholar of geography and astronomy who lived during the Edo period. Ino is famous for spending many years surveying Japan in detail and producing remarkably accurate maps of the country. The museum introduces his life, surveyin...»
Hankoji Temple, located in Iitaka, Sosa City, Chiba Prefecture, is a historic temple of the Nichiren school of Buddhism. Its mountain name is Myounzan. The temple is particularly famous as the former site of Iitaka Danrin, one of the most important centers of higher learning for Nichiren Buddhism in Japan. A danrin was a Buddhist educational institution where monks studied Buddhist doctrine, scri...»
Choshi Port Tower is a landmark in Kawaguchi-cho, Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, and a symbol of the city's thriving fishing and seafood industries. Located beside Choshi Fishing Port, the tower forms the central part of the Choshi Fisheries Port Center together with the neighboring seafood market complex, Wosse 21. The tower was completed in June 1991 and officially opened on June 23 of the same...»
Natural rock oysters from the Iioka and Choshi areas of Chiba Prefecture are a special summer seafood known for their plump texture and rich flavor. Unlike cultivated Pacific oysters, which are generally associated with the winter season, these oysters belong to the rock oyster family and come into season from early summer through summer....»
Shijimi clams are a local seafood specialty harvested from the Tone River, which flows through the Kanto region before reaching the Pacific Ocean at Choshi in Chiba Prefecture. The river provides a rich environment where shijimi can be harvested throughout the year. Among them, Choshi shijimi is particularly known for its large size and deep, savory flavor. The clams are also valued as a nutritio...»
Enjoy the Natural Flavor of Pacific-Caught Yellowtail Yellowtail caught along the Pacific coast of Japan generally has less fat than yellowtail from the Sea of Japan. However, this lighter richness allows the natural umami flavor of the fish to stand out, while its firm, satisfying texture makes it especially enjoyable. In Chiba Prefecture, yellowtail is at its best during the winter months. The...»
Enjoy Choshi Saury from November Onward Pacific saury is one of Japan’s most beloved flavors of autumn. In Japanese, it is written as “秋刀魚” (sanma), literally combining the characters for “autumn” and “swordfish.” The name reflects both its peak season in autumn and its long, slender body, which shines like a sword. Pacific saury spends the warmer months feeding in the nutrient-rich northern sea...»
Elegant Fat and Firm, Flavorful Flesh Choshi Tsuri Kinme is a premium variety of golden eye snapper (kinmedai) caught individually by handline off the coast of Choshi, Chiba Prefecture. Each fish is carefully brought in by fishermen one at a time, helping maintain its excellent condition and quality. The fish is easily recognized by its golden, shining eyes and vivid red body. Highly regarded as...»
Discovering Local Sardine Cuisine in Chiba, a Major Fishing Region Chiba Prefecture is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Tokyo Bay, while the Tone River also provides abundant water resources. Thanks to this favorable environment, fishing and aquaculture have long been important industries throughout the Boso Peninsula. In particular, Choshi Port on the Pacific coast of eastern Chiba is well k...»
A Distinctive Western-Style Landmark in Sawara's Historic Townscape Sawara Mitsubishi Hall is a historic brick building located in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. Designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Chiba Prefecture, the building is one of the distinctive landmarks of Sawara's beautifully preserved historic townscape. The building was constructed in 1914 as the Sawara Branch of ...»
Joyama Park is a scenic park located in the Omigawa area of Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. Known as a popular spot for cherry blossoms and azaleas, the park offers beautiful seasonal scenery throughout the year. Set on the Shimosa Plateau, the park combines lush natural surroundings with historical sites and archaeological remains. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks through the greenery, admire co...»
Yasaka Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the Honjuku area of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. The shrine is particularly famous for its connection with the Sawara Grand Festival, one of the region's most important traditional festivals. The shrine was formerly classified as a Murasha, a village-level shrine under Japan's former shrine ranking system. It has long served as the pr...»
Suigō Sawara Dashi Kaikan is an exhibition facility located within the grounds of Yasaka Shrine in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. The museum introduces the history and traditions of the Sawara Grand Festival and offers visitors an opportunity to see authentic festival floats throughout the year. The Sawara Grand Festival is known for its impressive dashi, or traditional festival floats, w...»
Kaijōzan Myōfukuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Myōkenchō, Chōshi City, Chiba Prefecture. It belongs to the Nichiren school of Buddhism and has a history dating back to the late Kamakura period. The temple grounds are home to a Myōken Shrine dedicated to Myōken Bosatsu, and the presence of this sacred site is said to have given the surrounding neighborhood its name, Myōkenchō. ...»
Seaweed Konjac, locally known simply as “Kaiso”, is a traditional local dish passed down mainly in the Tōsō region of Chiba Prefecture, including the area around Chōshi City, as well as southeastern Ibaraki Prefecture. Made from fresh or dried seaweed and naturally set using the seaweed's own gelling properties, this traditional food reflects the close relationship between the people of the regio...»
Katori City is located in northeastern Chiba Prefecture and is known as one of the three major cities in Japan associated with the atmosphere of “Koedo,” or “Little Edo.” The city developed as a prosperous commercial center supported by waterways and transportation routes. Katori is also recognized as one of Japan's “100 Selected Water Villages”, thanks to its rich water resources and distinctive...»
Toyohashi Bridge is a historic bridge spanning the Ono River in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. Locally, it is affectionately known as “Jaja-bashi,” a name inspired by the sound of water flowing down from the bridge. The distinctive sound of the falling water has become an important part of the local landscape. In 1996, Toyohashi Bridge was selected as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan by Japan'...»
Chukei Bridge spans the Ono River in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, and stands along Chiba Prefectural Route 55, also known as Katori Kaido. Located in the historic center of Sawara, the bridge is closely connected with the area's history and culture and has long been familiar to local residents....»
Oto Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Oto, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. It is regarded as a sub-shrine of Katori Jingu and has long been deeply respected by the local community. The shrine has maintained a close historical relationship with Katori Jingu while preserving its own traditions and cultural practices. Under Japan's former shrine ranking system, Oto Shrine was designated a...»
Suwa Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Shinjuku, Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. It is closely associated with the famous Sawara Grand Festival, particularly the spectacular autumn festival held in the town. For centuries, the shrine has been worshipped as a guardian deity of the local community. Today, it remains a beloved place of worship and an important part of Sawara's cul...»
Sobataka Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Okura, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. It is regarded as the first and most important sub-shrine of Katori Jingu and has been closely connected with the famous shrine for centuries. There are several shrines in the lower Tone River region whose names are also read “Sobataka,” but this shrine is traditionally regarded as their principal shrine....»
Kanpukuji Temple is a historic temple of the Buzan School of Shingon Buddhism located in Makino, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. Its formal name is Myoko-zan Renge-in Kanpukuji, and its mountain name is Myoko-zan. Since the medieval period, the temple has received devoted patronage from the Chiba clan, local powerful families, and ordinary people. It is particularly well known as a center of worsh...»
Zennoji Temple is a historic temple of the Jodo School of Buddhism located in Ichinobunme, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. Its mountain name is Nonakayama, and its formal name is Hoju-in, Zennoji Temple. For centuries, the temple has served as an important center of Buddhist faith for the local community. Its grounds preserve valuable Buddhist statues, memorial monuments, and historic buildings th...»
Jisshoji Temple is a temple of the Nichiren school of Buddhism located in Karihage, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. The temple's mountain name is Butsushozan, and its former head temple was Kokzenji Temple in Higashi Ward, Hiroshima City. Jisshoji Temple is particularly notable for the remains of Tokiwa Danrin, a school where Buddhist teachings were studied by followers of the Fuju Fuse branch of ...»
Raikoji Temple is a temple of the Jodo Sect's Chinzei branch located in Kaizuka, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. Its mountain name is Toko-zan, and its formal name is Hoju-in. The area surrounding the temple has a rich historical background, including the nearby Yoshifumi Shell Mound, which is designated as a National Historic Site of Japan....»
Tachibana Fureai Park is a scenic park in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, developed around the natural surroundings of Tachibana Pond, an agricultural irrigation reservoir. The spacious park features open lawns, wooded areas, recreational facilities, and a hands-on learning center, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors. With beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, the park is a relaxi...»
Kozaki Town is located in Katori District, Chiba Prefecture, and is part of the wider Narita metropolitan area. Situated along the Tone River, the town developed historically through river transportation and commerce. During the Edo period, brewing and fermentation industries flourished in Kozaki, leaving behind a number of historic buildings and industrial heritage sites. Today, visitors can dis...»
Jinguji Temple is a temple of the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism located in Namiki, Kozaki Town, Katori District, Chiba Prefecture. Its mountain name is Myohozan. The temple enshrines Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha) and Juichimen Kannon (Eleven-Headed Kannon) as its principal Buddhist figures. Locally, the temple has long been known as "Namiki Kannon" and has been an important place of worship ...»
Roadside Station Hakkō no Sato Kozaki is a roadside station in Kozaki Town, Katori District, Chiba Prefecture, dedicated to the region’s rich tradition of fermented foods. The facility showcases and sells a wide range of traditional Japanese fermented products, including sake, miso, and soy sauce, introducing visitors to the distinctive flavors and cultural heritage of fermentation....»
Tako Town is located in Katori District in northeastern Chiba Prefecture. Surrounded by fertile farmland, rivers, and a rich natural environment, the town has a long history closely connected with rice cultivation and local traditions. Tako is particularly well known for Tako Rice, a locally branded variety of rice that has been highly valued in the region. The town is also dotted with ancient bu...»
Matsusaki Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Tako Town, Katori District, Chiba Prefecture. The shrine enshrines Ukanomitama no Mikoto, Ninigi no Mikoto, and Omiyanome no Mikoto as its principal deities and has been an important center of local faith for centuries. Traditionally believed to have been founded in 772, the shrine has long been associated with prayers for abundant harvests ...»
Yasaka Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Tako Town, Katori District, Chiba Prefecture. Deeply connected with the local community, the shrine has long served as a guardian shrine for the area and remains an important part of Tako's traditional culture. The shrine is particularly famous as the main venue for the Tako Gion Festival, one of the largest traditional festivals in Tako Town. The fest...»
Jomyoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Tako Town, Katori District, Chiba Prefecture. It belongs to the Nichiren school of Buddhism and has Shaka Nyorai, the Buddha Shakyamuni, as its principal object of worship. Known by its mountain name, Hosshozan, Jomyoji is regarded as the oldest temple in Tako Town. With a history spanning more than 1,200 years, the temple has played an impo...»
Nihonji Temple is a historic head temple of the Nichiren school of Buddhism in Tako Town, Katori District, Chiba Prefecture. Known by its mountain name, Shotozan, the temple has played an important role in the history of Nichiren Buddhism. Nihonji is particularly famous as one of the Three Great Buddhist Seminaries of Kanto. For centuries, it served as a place where Buddhist monks gathered to stu...»
Myokoji Temple is a historic temple of the Nichiren school of Buddhism located in Tako Town, Katori District, Chiba Prefecture. The temple is known for its long history, valuable cultural properties, and especially its famous life-sized statue of Nichiren, traditionally known as the “Hige no Soshi,” or “Bearded Patriarch.” The temple is also closely connected with Hokekyoji Temple, one of the maj...»
Tako Hikari Marshland is one of the largest natural wetlands in Chiba Prefecture, extending across Tako Town in Katori District and Yokoshibahikari Town in Sambu District. Covering approximately 24 hectares, the marshland supports a distinctive ecosystem and a remarkable variety of wetland plants and wildlife. The area is particularly valuable for its rare vegetation. Several plants recorded in t...»
Asahi City is located in northeastern Chiba Prefecture and is known for its beautiful natural scenery, long history, rich agricultural traditions, and diverse tourist attractions. It is approximately 80–90 kilometers from central Tokyo and about 50 kilometers from Chiba City, making it relatively easy to reach while retaining the relaxed atmosphere of a rural coastal area. The southern part of th...»
Choshi City is located in northeastern Chiba Prefecture and is famous as one of the places where the New Year's sunrise can be seen earliest in Japan. The city occupies a peninsula-like area extending into the Pacific Ocean, with water surrounding it on three sides. Located at the easternmost edge of the Kanto region, Choshi is blessed with spectacular coastal scenery, abundant seafood, and a dis...»
Sosa City is located in northeastern Chiba Prefecture and is widely known as one of Japan’s leading production areas for ornamental trees and nursery plants. The city has one of the largest cultivation areas of its kind in Japan and is home to a rich variety of natural, cultural, and historical attractions. From historic shrines and temples to the scenic coastline of Kujukuri Beach, Sosa offers v...»
Inubosaki Onsen is a picturesque hot spring resort in Choshi, Chiba Prefecture, located on the Pacific coast in the former province of Shimosa. It is also known as Inubō Onsen, Shio-no-Yu Onsen, and Byobugaura Onsen. The area is surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery and forms part of the Suigo-Tsukuba Quasi-National Park. With ocean views, natural hot springs, traditional Japanese inns, and spec...»
Tamasaki Shrine stands in Iioka, Asahi City, Chiba Prefecture, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Regarded as the Second Shrine of Shimosa Province, it has long been an important center of worship for the safety of maritime travel and the prosperity of fishing. The shrine was formerly classified as a Gōsha, a recognized village-level shrine under the prewar shrine ranking system. Throughout its long ...»
Asahi Kujukuri Onsen is a seaside hot spring destination in Asahi City, Chiba Prefecture. Located along the beautiful Kujukuri Beach on the Pacific coast, the area is known for its mild climate, abundant nature, and relaxing coastal atmosphere. The hot spring area forms part of Kujukuri Prefectural Natural Park, where visitors can enjoy changing coastal scenery throughout the seasons. The combina...»
Yasashigaura Onsen is a historic hot spring destination in Asahi City, Chiba Prefecture, in the area formerly known as Shimosa Province. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Kujukuri Beach and the Pacific coast, the area offers a peaceful setting where visitors can relax away from the bustle of larger tourist destinations. The area is home to Yasashigaura Onsenkan, a long-established hot spring in...»
Kumano Shrine is located in Miyamoto, Sosa City, Chiba Prefecture. For generations, local residents have affectionately called it “Miyamoto no Gongen-sama”, reflecting its long history of worship and its connection with the tradition of Japanese syncretic Buddhism and Shinto. The shrine was formerly classified as a village shrine under Japan's prewar shrine system. Surrounded by a quiet atmospher...»
Ryubi-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Otera, Sosa City, Chiba Prefecture. It belongs to the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism. The temple's mountain name is Tenjiku-zan, and its principal image of worship is Shaka Nyorai, the Buddha Shakyamuni. Ryubi-ji is also known as one of the Three Dragon Temples of Kanto, together with Ryukaku-ji Temple in Sakae Town, Chiba Prefecture, an...»