Things To Do
in Kujūkuri
Kujūkuri is a long, gently curving beach and coastal district on the eastern side of Chiba Prefecture, Japan, known for its uninterrupted 60-kilometre sandy shoreline facing the Pacific. The area is a low-rise, largely rural coastal plain where fishing, surf culture and seasonal tourism shape daily life. Kujūkuri’s appeal is its wide open skies, sunrise views, and relaxed small-town atmosphere rather than concentrated tourist infrastructure.
Visitors come for surf, fresh seafood, quiet long walks on the sand, and easy access to nearby Bōsō Peninsula nature areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along the Kujūkuri coastline, breathing in the salty sea air as the sun rises. Visit the beautiful Kujūkuri Beach, where the golden sands stretch endlessly and are perfect for beachcombing or morning yoga. Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh seafood and seasonal produce.
Spend your afternoon at the Kujūkuri-hama Beach, known for its surfing spots and inviting waves. Engage in water sports or simply unwind by the shore while enjoying a bento lunch packed with local delicacies. As the sun begins to set, explore nearby shops selling local crafts and souvenirs, allowing you to take a piece of Kujūkuri home.
As the evening approaches, have dinner at a seaside izakaya where you can enjoy fresh catches of the day, grilled to perfection. After your meal, take a relaxing stroll along the beach listening to the soothing sounds of the waves. End your day by admiring the starlit sky, perhaps even catching a glimpse of the Milky Way.
Travel to Shirako and start your day by visiting Shirako Onsen, where you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs while taking in scenic views. After your rejuvenating bath, indulge in a hearty breakfast at a nearby local diner featuring regional specialties. Stroll through the quaint streets of Shirako to soak up the local culture and architecture.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Shirako fishing harbor, where you can observe the local fishermen at work and even participate in boat rides. Experience the vibrant local market by sampling fresh seafood and other culinary delights on offer. Immerse yourself in the artistry of traditional crafts at a workshop where you can create your own piece to take home.
As nighttime falls, treat yourself to a traditional kaiseki dinner, where each dish is a work of art prepared with seasonal ingredients. After dinner, attend a cultural performance showcasing local music and dance, allowing you to appreciate the region's traditions. Wind down your evening with a peaceful walk along the coastal path, listening to the calming sounds of the ocean.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $3-6 |
| 🚇Local train/bus fare (one-way) | $1.50-4.00 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / business hotel (per night) | $50-90 |
| 🍺Beer at izakaya (glass) | $4-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Long, uncrowded sandy beach ideal for sunrises and long walks
- Fresh local seafood and relaxed coastal atmosphere
- Good surfing and outdoor activity options
- Close access to Bōsō Peninsula nature and birdwatching sites
- Limited public transport and seasonal closures of services
- Fewer nightlife and cultural attractions compared with bigger cities
- Vulnerable to rough seas, rip currents and typhoon weather
- Fewer vegetarian/vegan-specific dining options
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとう (Arigatō)" - Thank you
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (to get attention)
- "お願いします (Onegaishimasu)" - Please (requesting something politely)
- "トイレはどこですか? (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Kujūkuri
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic wide, uninterrupted beach perfect for sunrise shots, long perspective lines, minimal human-made clutter and dramatic skies on windy days.
Capture local fishing boats, nets and market activity around dawn for authentic coastal life scenes and colorful vessels.
East-facing coast delivers excellent sunrise photography; use low tide to include reflective wet sand and foreground textures.
Drive or cycle along the coastal road to find viewpoints over sand dunes and wind-swept grasses for atmospheric landscape photos, especially in the golden hour.
Food in Kujūkuri
Kujūkuri Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bowl of rice topped with locally caught sashimi, often including tuna, mackerel, squid or seasonal fish — commonly found at fish markets and seaside restaurants.
Must-Try!
A simple salt-grilled mackerel or other local fish served with rice and pickles; a common everyday coastal meal in local eateries.
Light broth ramen that may include clams or fish-based broth, available at roadside shops popular with surfers and travelers.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small-scale morning markets near fishing ports where you can buy fresh fish, try ready-to-eat seafood rice bowls, and sample grilled fish skewers or seafood croquettes.
During summer weekends there are often seasonal stalls selling yakisoba, takoyaki, and festival-style snacks near beach access points; availability is variable and concentrated on holiday periods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing is the traditional greeting; a simple nod or 'konnichiwa' (hello) is appreciated. Use polite language and avoid loud conversation in public spaces.
Remove shoes where indicated (homes, some ryokans, small restaurants) and wear provided slippers if offered.
Keep noise low on trains, buses and in residential areas; phone calls on public transport are generally avoided.
Take your trash with you if bins are scarce on the beach; follow local rules for campfires or beach activities and respect wildlife and private property.
Safety
Tipping in Kujūkuri
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even cause confusion; excellent service is included in the price. For tour guides or exceptional service, a polite thank-you or small gift is more appropriate than cash tipping.
Cash (Japanese yen) remains widely used, especially in small shops and rural areas; many restaurants and small businesses may be cash-only. Major cards are accepted at larger hotels, chain restaurants and tourist shops, and IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo) are useful for transport and convenience stores.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoming countryside make spring pleasant for walks and low-season beach visits; migratory birds return and nearby inland areas display cherry blossoms and early flowers.
Warm to hot and humid with peak beach season from July to August; expect crowds on weekends and national holidays, good surfing conditions and seasonal vendors, but also the risk of typhoons later in the season.
Cooling temperatures, lower humidity and calmer seas; autumn is good for fresh seafood, clear skies and comfortable outdoor activities with fewer beach crowds.
Cool to mild winters with occasional strong winds; the beach is quiet and great for dramatic seascapes, though swimming is generally not recommended and many seasonal vendors are closed.
Kujūkuri at Night
Hiking in Kujūkuri
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of coastal walking routes across the Bōsō Peninsula offering seaside cliffs, farmland views and varied coastal scenery; sections suitable for day hikes and photography.
A more substantial hike on the western side of the Bōsō Peninsula (accessible by a short drive from Kujūkuri); popular for panoramic views, cliff faces and historical stone carvings — a good day trip for hikers.
Flexible low-elevation walks along the beach itself that can be short or extended; ideal for easy walking, birdwatching and photographing shoreline ecosystems.
Airports
How to reach Kujūkuri by plane.
Major international gateway located northeast of Kujūkuri (about a 60–90 minute drive depending on route); offers numerous domestic and international connections and car rental options, plus bus services toward Chiba Prefecture.
Closer to central Tokyo and often convenient for domestic connections; reaching Kujūkuri from Haneda usually requires a combination of train and bus or a longer drive (roughly 90–120 minutes by car depending on traffic).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents who work in fisheries, agriculture and small businesses that support coastal life.
Like many rural Japanese areas, Kujūkuri and surrounding towns have a relatively high proportion of elderly residents.
Domestic tourists, weekend visitors from Tokyo/Tokai area and an active surf community that swells numbers in summer and on good surf days.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of the most popular sports along Kujūkuri Beach due to consistent beach breaks; local surf communities and schools are active, especially in summer and autumn.
Both recreational and commercial fishing are important locally; anglers fish from shore, piers and small boats for seasonal catches.
Beach volleyball, jogging and other casual beach sports are common among visitors and locals during warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kujūkuri.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in small coastal towns; many restaurants focus on seafood. Look for vegetable tempura, rice dishes, natto, and tofu options, and communicate restrictions clearly (vegetarian: 'bejitarian', but better to use Japanese phrases). Larger towns and cafés may offer more plant-based choices.
Vegan dining can be challenging — carry snacks, learn key phrases to explain no fish/seafood/dashi, and try to eat at vegetarian-friendly cafés in bigger nearby cities if possible.
Shellfish and seafood are prominent; always notify staff if you have allergies and ask about dashi (fish stock) being used in soups and sauces.