Cape Myogane is a scenic cape located on the border between Futtsu City and Kyonan Town in Awa District, Chiba Prefecture. Here, Mount Nokogiri rises dramatically before dropping steeply toward Tokyo Bay, creating a distinctive landscape of rugged cliffs and ocean views.
With its spectacular scenery, maritime views, and fascinating history, Cape Myogane is an appealing destination to combine with sightseeing around Mount Nokogiri and the southern Boso Peninsula.
From Cape Myogane, visitors can enjoy wide views across the Uraga Channel, an important waterway connecting Tokyo Bay with the Pacific Ocean. Ships frequently pass through the channel, making the view particularly interesting for visitors who enjoy watching boats and the changing scenery of the sea.
On clear days, visibility extends far across the water, creating expansive views that are especially beautiful around sunset.
The name Myogane is said to have originated from a strange bell that was discovered in the sea near the cape long ago.
The bell was reportedly called a “myo-kane,” meaning a mysterious or unusual bell. Over time, the name is believed to have changed into “Myogane,” the name used today. This local legend adds another layer of historical interest to the dramatic coastal landscape.
The area around Cape Myogane was historically known as a difficult section of the coastal road. The steep cliffs and narrow route made passage challenging for travelers.
During the Edo period, Tokugawa Mitsukuni described the area in his travel record Ko-in Kiko in 1674, noting a small road running along the precipitous shoreline near the projecting end of Mount Nokogiri. His description gives an impression of how demanding travel through this area once was.
In 1888, a road and tunnel were constructed farther toward the sea than the present-day Myogane Tunnel. Later, in 1952, a new road incorporating the present Motona Second, Shiofuki, and Myogane tunnels was developed, and the former road was abandoned.
The old Myogane Tunnel is now buried and can no longer be used. Nevertheless, its existence remains an interesting reminder of how transportation infrastructure along this rugged coastline has changed over time.
Along National Route 127 near Cape Myogane, travelers heading south toward the Hota area of Kyonan Town pass through three tunnels: Motona Second Tunnel, Shiofuki Tunnel, and Myogane Tunnel.
Motona Second Tunnel was originally divided into two separate tunnels, known as Motona First and Motona Second. Later, a rock shed was constructed between them to protect the road from falling rocks on the slope above. As a result, the two sections now appear almost like a single tunnel.
These tunnels retain much of the road design from the 1950s. They have no dedicated sidewalks, and the roadway is relatively narrow, so pedestrians and cyclists should take particular care when passing through the area.
Push-button warning devices are installed at the tunnels so that pedestrians and cyclists can alert approaching vehicles to their presence. Visitors should use these safety facilities when necessary and remain especially cautious around traffic.
The area around Cape Myogane is also an important gateway for sightseeing at Mount Nokogiri. After passing through Myogane Tunnel on National Route 127, visitors can find the entrance to the Nokogiriyama Climbing Motor Road.
From there, visitors can travel toward Mount Nokogiri and enjoy its spectacular mountain scenery and distinctive rocky landscape.
Cape Myogane is also associated with Japanese literature and cinema. It is known as one of the settings of Akio Morisawa’s novel Niji no Misaki no Kissaten, which tells a story centered on a small café at a scenic cape.
The novel was adapted into the 2014 film Fushigi na Misaki no Monogatari. Produced by actress Sayuri Yoshinaga, the movie was filmed in locations around Cape Myogane.
The film received the Jury Special Grand Prix at the 38th Montreal World Film Festival, further connecting this scenic corner of the Boso Peninsula with Japanese popular culture and international cinema.
Cape Myogane is located at approximately 35°09′17″N, 139°49′05″E. Checking a map in advance is recommended when planning a visit, particularly because the surrounding coastline includes narrow roads and tunnels.
The cape can be reached via National Route 127 from the Hota area of Kyonan Town. Because the roads around the cape include narrow sections and tunnels, drivers should proceed carefully.
Cape Myogane is particularly convenient to visit as part of a sightseeing trip to Mount Nokogiri and the surrounding Boso Peninsula.
Cape Myogane is a fascinating destination where spectacular coastal scenery, local legends, transportation history, literature, and cinema come together.
The views across the Uraga Channel and the dramatic cliffs of Mount Nokogiri create an impressive natural setting, while the story of the mysterious bell and the history of the old coastal roads provide insight into the area’s past.
For travelers exploring southern Chiba, Cape Myogane is well worth combining with a visit to Mount Nokogiri and the surrounding attractions. Its scenery is especially memorable at sunset, when the rugged coastline and waters of the Uraga Channel take on a beautiful glow.