Kujukuri Town is located in Sambu District in eastern Chiba Prefecture, along the southern part of the famous Kujukuri Beach. As part of the greater Tokyo metropolitan area, the town has long developed as a fishing community. It is particularly well known for sardine and clam fishing and has attracted many visitors, writers, and artists over the years.
During the reign of Tokugawa Yoshimune, the eighth shogun of the Edo period, the scholar and agricultural expert Aoki Konyo experimented with cultivating sweet potatoes in the Fudodo area of present-day Kujukuri Town.
This early cultivation effort contributed to the spread of sweet potato farming throughout the Kanto region. Sweet potatoes later became an important food source during the Tenmei Famine, helping save many people from starvation. Today, a monument commemorating the area as the birthplace of sweet potato cultivation in the Kanto region stands in the town.
Kujukuri Town is also known as the birthplace of Ino Tadataka, the renowned Japanese surveyor and cartographer who created highly accurate maps of Japan during the Edo period. The town has also attracted many writers and artists, including Takamura Kotaro, Takehisa Yumeji, and Tokutomi Roka, who were inspired by its coastal scenery and atmosphere.
Kujukuri Town is located in eastern Chiba Prefecture, approximately 30 kilometers from Chiba City and about 60 to 70 kilometers from central Tokyo. Facing the Pacific Ocean, the town stretches along the southern part of the Kujukuri Coast.
The area is characterized by its broad coastal landscape and abundant natural surroundings. Visitors can also find areas of naturally growing rugosa roses, known in Japanese as hamanasu, adding seasonal color to the coastal environment.
The broad, flat land around Kujukuri Town provides favorable conditions for agriculture. Rice and a variety of vegetables are widely cultivated. In particular, sweet melons and tomatoes are recognized as horticultural specialty products of Chiba Prefecture.
Fishing has traditionally been one of the most important industries in Kujukuri Town. The town’s main fishing activities include:
Shore seine fishing, in which fish are caught by pulling a large net toward the shore, is also offered as a hands-on tourism activity. It provides visitors with an opportunity to experience a traditional aspect of the local fishing culture.
Kujukuri Town produces a wide variety of processed seafood products, particularly those made from Japanese anchovies. Popular products include mirin-dried fish, grilled and skewered dried sardines, whole dried sardines, dried sardines used for making soup stock, sesame-marinated sardines, and vegetables preserved with seafood.
The area is also known for its locally harvested rock oysters. These oysters are relatively large and are prized for their rich, creamy flavor.
The coastal setting of Kujukuri Town makes it a popular destination for a variety of seaside activities, including:
Until around the 1970s, summer beach vacations were the main focus of tourism in the area. Today, Kujukuri Town is more commonly visited for day trips, allowing travelers to enjoy the ocean, local food, and coastal scenery without staying overnight.
Fresh seafood is an important part of Kujukuri Town’s local identity. Representative specialties include:
With fishing deeply rooted in the town’s history, Kujukuri has developed a distinctive food culture centered on sardines. Traditional dishes and products include:
These dishes offer visitors a chance to experience the traditional flavors of the Kujukuri coast and the area’s long-standing relationship with the sea.
There are currently no railway lines within Kujukuri Town. However, the town is served by local and highway buses, providing access to major destinations such as Tokyo Station and Chiba Station.
Historically, the area was served by the Kujukuri Railway, which once connected the coastal area with the surrounding region.
Several major roads provide access to Kujukuri Town, including:
The coastal area is also suitable for cycling. Dedicated cycling routes include:
These cycling routes allow visitors to explore the scenery of the Pacific coast at a relaxed pace.
Kujukuri Town hosts a variety of traditional festivals and community events throughout the year.
The Furusato Festival is a summer event held at Katakai Beach. It brings together local residents and visitors for a lively celebration by the sea.
Mushi Okuri is a traditional summer event held annually on the last Saturday of July. The ceremony reflects an old agricultural custom of praying for protection from insects and pests that could damage crops.
Kujukuri Tairyo Bushi, or the Kujukuri Fishermen’s Song, is a traditional folk song associated with the area’s fishing culture. It has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Property of Chiba Prefecture and remains an important part of the region’s cultural heritage.
Kujukuri Town offers a unique combination of Pacific Ocean scenery, fishing traditions, agricultural landscapes, history, local food, and cultural heritage. From fresh seafood and traditional sardine dishes to surfing, fishing, cycling, and seasonal festivals, there are many ways to experience the character of this coastal community.
Its convenient access from the Tokyo metropolitan area also makes Kujukuri Town a suitable destination for a day trip from Tokyo or Chiba. For travelers looking to experience a quieter side of Chiba Prefecture and discover a community shaped by its close relationship with the sea, Kujukuri Town provides an authentic coastal experience.