A drive trip to Chiba to enjoy the natural scenery of the sea and mountains! Enjoy popular spots recommended for a day trip

A rewarding sea course where you can enjoy gourmet food and spectacular views

Chiba is full of places that will make you want to stop the car and visit, such as delicious gourmet food to enjoy while gazing at the sea, and scenic spots that will make you want to take photos. First, we have selected a "sea course" in Chiba that is perfect for a drive.

1. Boso Flower Line: Relax with seasonal flowers and the sparkling sea

It takes about an hour and a half by car from Tokyo via Umihotaru. The Boso Flower Line is a 46km long coastal driving road that stretches from Tateyama City in Chiba Prefecture to Minamiboso City. As its name suggests, flowers bloom in every season along the road, and the scenery from the car window is gorgeous. From January to late February, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery unique to Minamiboso, where the bright yellow of the rapeseed flowers and the blue of the sea intertwine.

On a clear day, you may be able to see Mount Fuji and the Izu Islands (Oshima, Toshima, etc.) in the distance, creating a landscape perfect for a reward drive.

The Boso Flower Line shows different faces with each season. It's a special route that will lift your spirits just by driving along it.

Boso Flower Line

Approximately 40 minutes by car

2. A unique spot that will make you feel like a child again: Roadside Station Hota Elementary School

Enjoy an unusual lunch at the "Roadside Station Hota Elementary School." This roadside station in Kyonan Town, Chiba Prefecture, is a rare "school-style" roadside station in Japan, renovated from the town-run Hota Elementary School, which closed in 2014.

Since opening in 2015, it has been gaining popularity as a nostalgic and cozy space. The first floor of the school building is a tourist information center and a restaurant that uses local ingredients, the gymnasium is a "Kyonan Rakuichi" market where fresh vegetables and flowers are lined up. And the classrooms on the second floor have been transformed into accommodation facilities.

We recommend the Satoyama Shokudo located in the old school building. You can enjoy school lunch-style menus such as curry, udon, and fried foods. Remnants of the nostalgic school building, such as elementary school desks and blackboards, remain everywhere, and you'll find yourself reminiscing about your school days.

It is also conveniently located just off the Kyonan Hota IC. Why not stop by during your drive to enjoy a little nostalgia and a little something new?

Roadside Station Hota Elementary School

Approximately 8 minutes by car

3. Experience thrills and relaxation at the same time at Kanto's oldest imperial temple, "Nokogiriyama Nihonji Temple"

A recommended spot where you can experience both nature and history is Nokogiriyama Nihonji Temple, which spreads out on the middle slope of Mt. Nokogiri. It is the oldest imperial prayer site in the Kanto region, said to have been opened approximately 1,300 years ago as a result of the prayers of Emperor Shomu. The temple grounds cover the entire mountain, and are an astounding 330,000 square meters in size. Just visiting the temple will envelop you in a solemn atmosphere that makes you feel like time has flown by.

One of the highlights is the Yakushi Ruriko Nyorai, one of the largest stone Buddha statues in Japan, boasting a height of 31.05m. This large Buddha statue was carved out of a single rock and is popular as a Buddha that heals illnesses. He holds a medicine jar in his left hand and welcomes visitors with a gentle gaze.

Another must-see spot is the popular scenic spot near the summit, "Hell's View." From the observation deck at the tip of the steep rock face, you can see a magnificent panorama of Tokyo Bay, the Boso Peninsula, and even Mt. Fuji if the weather is good.

Although the grounds are well maintained, there are many mountain paths and stairs, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Take a little walk and enjoy a space where nature and history, thrills and relaxation come together.

Nokogiriyama Nihonji Temple

Approximately 30 minutes by car

4. Visit the "Nagisa Museum" to experience the sea and people's lives

Located on the seafront overlooking Tateyama Bay, "Nagisa no Eki" Tateyama is a convenient complex for resting during a drive. The "Nagisa Museum" inside the facility displays various exhibits on the theme of "Boso fishing culture and the lives of fishermen."

In the permanent exhibition room on the second floor, you can experience precious culture that is rarely seen these days, such as nets, tools used for fishing, and items related to the faith and lifestyle of fishermen, among other things, from the "Boso Peninsula Fishing Equipment," which has been designated an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property.

On the first floor, there is also the "Sakanakun Gallery" by Sakana-kun, a Tateyama resident and "Tateyama Fish Ambassador." There are unique exhibits that even non-fans can enjoy, such as illustrations of sea creatures drawn by Sakana-kun, picture books and musical instruments that he used since childhood. Be sure to check out the sales of Sakana-kun goods that can only be purchased here.

From the wooden deck inside the building, you can see Tateyama Bay, the seaside townscape, and even the castle-like mountain of Shiroyama in the distance. In May and mid-July, you may also be able to see the "Diamond Fuji" where the sun sets behind the peak of Mt. Fuji.

Located on the grounds of "Nagisa no Eki" Tateyama, "Umi no Marche Tateyama" offers a wide selection of fresh seafood, Chiba specialties such as loquats and peanuts, and original sweets from the Boso Peninsula made with locally produced milk and eggs. You can also enjoy choosing souvenirs.

Nagisa Museum (within the grounds of "Nagisa Station" Tateyama)

Approximately 3 minutes walk

5. "Tateyama Sunset Pier" - a spectacular spot to see the sunset

Located right next to "Nagisa no Eki" Tateyama, "Tateyama Sunset Pier" is known as the longest pier in Japan, with a total length of 500m, which is rare even in Japan. Various boats come and go depending on the season, and it is a popular spot where you can take a leisurely stroll while feeling the sea breeze.

At dusk, when the sky and sea take on a gradated color scheme, the romantic atmosphere is heightened and it is sure to become a memorable scene from your trip.

During the day, you can see sightseeing boats leaving the port and ships docking, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the ocean. At dusk, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery that can only be found at the "Sunset Pier," as its name suggests.

Tateyama Sunset Pier

Approximately 30 minutes by car

6. Enjoy the spectacular view and local delicacies at Fisherman's Cuisine Kanaya

Kanaya, a restaurant with a spectacular view of the Uchibo Sea, is a recommended gourmet spot for a Boso drive. The restaurant has 350 seats and is very spacious. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji peeking out from the other side of Tokyo Bay, which will add to the delicious food and the feast mood.

The menu features a variety of set meals and rice bowls using red snapper and local fish. You can experience the bounty of Boso that can only be tasted here. Of particular note is the "Luxurious! Hamayaki Set" which includes abalone, scallops, turban shells, clams, and more. The experience of grilling your own Hamayaki is sure to liven up any group trip.

After your meal, you can take a break at the adjacent "Natural Hot Spring Umibe no Yu." You can also enjoy the sunset from the open-air bath, or shop at the "Souvenir Market" where you can find local delicacies. It's also great that you can experience the best parts of traveling all in one spot.

Fisherman's Cuisine Kanaya

In search of tranquility and spectacular views: A relaxing mountain course

Chiba has many spots that will make you stop in your tracks, such as healing spots where you can relax surrounded by greenery and scenic spots that will lighten your mind. Please also take a look at the "mountain course" where you can explore freely while being healed by nature.

1. The Boso Skyline, running through a green tunnel

About an hour's drive from central Tokyo, the Boso Skyline runs through the mountains of Minamiboso from Kimitsu City in Chiba Prefecture towards Kamogawa City, and is an exhilarating route where you can enjoy a drive while feeling like you're bathing in the forest. The 10km section between Nishiawakura and Katakura in Kimitsu City is particularly easy to drive on, with relatively gentle curves and ups and downs, and it has been open to the public for free since 2019, making it an increasingly popular driving road.

At Mineyama Parking, located on the Boso Skyline, hydrangeas bloom in the parking lot in early summer, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal colors. Also, on sunny mornings, fog hangs over the mountains, creating a fantastical landscape. As time passes and the fog clears, the outlines of the mountains of the Boso Hills, which look like ink paintings, emerge clearly, and you will be captivated by the changing expressions of nature.

Enjoy the quiet and beautiful moments that will make you want to take a deep breath during your drive.

Boso Skyline

Approximately 16 minutes by car

2. "Shimizu Stream Square (Nomizo Falls and Kameiwa Cave)" - a fantastic sight created by light and water

As you make your way through the quiet mountain valley, you will come across Noumizonotaki Falls at Shimizu Keiryu Hiroba. As you walk along the riverside promenade, you will be greeted by the light filtering through the trees and the clear water.

The moment the morning sun shines into the cave, a heart-shaped light appears on the water's surface, and the scene has become a hot topic, with people saying it's "like the world of Ghibli," and it has now become one of Chiba's most relaxing spots. Early in the morning (around 6:30 a.m.) on the spring and autumn equinoxes is a particularly good chance to encounter this fantastical sight.

On the way to Nomizo Falls, there are some sights that will make you want to stop and take a look, such as the heart-shaped hollow of Shinai Falls and the Bell of Good Fortune, which can be rung with a wish. Spend some time surrounded by nature and take a deep, quiet breath.

Shimizu Stream Square (Nomizo Falls and Kameiwa Cave)

Approximately 5 minutes by car

3. Experience the rich flavor of handmade soba at "SOBA ABIRU"

"SOBA ABIRU" is a specialty hand-made soba restaurant located in a quiet place surrounded by nature, with an impressive log cabin-style building. The interior of the store is a relaxing space where you can feel the warmth of wood, making it the perfect place to take a break during a drive.

The soba noodles are made from carefully selected domestic organic buckwheat flour, and the aroma and firmness that can only be achieved by hand-making are appealing. You can choose either cold or hot soba noodles, but the most popular is the "Maitake Tempura Seiro." The thick and juicy Maitake mushrooms are known for staying crispy even when cooled, and are very satisfying to eat.

The "Ebi Ten" (Shrimp Tempura) is also popular, with its plump texture and large shrimp that go perfectly with soba noodles. Combined with the deliciousness of the carefully prepared soba broth, this is a bowl that you'll want to savor until the last bite.

Please come and enjoy some handmade soba noodles that will warm your body and soul while surrounded by nature.

SOBA ABIRU

Approximately 22 minutes by car

4. Be soothed by the dynamic nature of the waterfalls and valleys at "Yoro Valley"

Located exactly in the center of the Boso Peninsula, Yoro Valley is one of the prefecture's most powerful spots, with untouched nature still remaining to this day. Surrounded by lush forests, the valley is filled with the sounds of clear streams and the chirping of birds.

The highlight of the tour is Awamata Falls, located upstream of the Yoro Valley. The waterfall, which flows down the rock face with a drop of about 30m and a total length of about 100m, is dynamic and beautiful, and will take your breath away with its power. There are plenty of negative ions floating around, and just looking at the waterfall will make you feel like your soul has been cleansed.

In addition, the Nakase Promenade, which runs along the valley, is a 1.2 km long walking path that is especially recommended during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves. Walking along the gentle stream, you can forget about the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a relaxing time.

There is a parking lot around Yoro Valley that can accommodate 50 cars, so no need to worry for those traveling by car. Why not refresh your body and mind in the fresh air and scenery that makes you feel like you are surrounded by nature?

Yoro Valley

Approximately 1 minute by car

⑤ An exquisite experience in harmony with the nature of Yoro Valley: "℃HILL VALLEY"

At the end of your drive, treat yourself to a luxurious relaxation space where you can become one with nature at the outdoor sauna facility "℃HILL VALLEY," which requires a reservation.

About an hour from the city center, Yoro Valley, located in the center of the Boso Peninsula, is a hot spring resort where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. This facility, built in the midst of this rich nature, offers a relaxing experience with the sounds of the river and birds singing in the background, along with the retro scenery of the Kominato Railway.

The sauna can be used while wearing a swimsuit, so couples, friends, and families can enjoy it without hesitation. The cold bath uses free-flowing black hot spring water at 17-18℃, so you can experience the "natural relaxation" that is also expected to have skin-beautifying effects.

After the sauna, enjoy an outdoor bath surrounded by the rustling trees and clear air. Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, icicles in winter... Just relaxing quietly while feeling the change of seasons is truly an extraordinary experience.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some quality time to rejuvenate your mind and body.

℃HILL VALLEY

Approximately 20 minutes by car

⑥Ichihara Lakeside Museum: A lakeside getaway surrounded by art and nature

The Ichihara Lakeside Museum, quietly located on the shores of Lake Takataki, is a spot where you can enjoy an art experience that blends in with nature. It was formerly known as the Water and Sculpture Hill, which opened in 1995, and since its reopening in 2013, it has become a popular cultural hub that connects the local area with the world.

Unique exhibitions, mainly of contemporary art, are held here, and there are also plenty of workshops and events that make use of the lawn plaza and the lakeside scenery. When you enter the building, you are greeted by a mysterious tree-like object called "Heigh-Ho" with round fruit. The unique worldview of the museum is also appealing, as it is based on the image of human breathing, in which visitors and the artwork exchange "frustration" and "refreshment."

At the on-site restaurant, Pizzeria Bosso, you can enjoy a luxurious dinner while gazing at the lake, savoring oven-baked pizza made with ingredients from the Boso region.

It's conveniently located for a rest stop during a drive, and is easily accessible, just a 5-minute drive from the Ichihara Tsurumai IC on the Ken-O Expressway. Experience art in nature and relax your mind. Why not spend a special time here?

Ichihara Lakeside Art Museum

Enjoy a driving trip while watching the ever-changing scenery

A drive trip in Chiba where you can enjoy nature at your own pace. Memorable scenery and relaxing moments await on each route, whether it's the sea or the mountains. Since it's within easy reach, why not choose a route that suits your mood that day and spend some time just to pamper yourself?

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