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Inubosaki, Chiba – Sunrise Views, Inubosaki Lighthouse & Coastal Walks

Inubosaki, Chiba – Sunrise Views, Inubosaki Lighthouse & Coastal Walks
Inubosaki in Choshi, Chiba is famous for seeing one of the earliest sunrises on Honshu. Climb the white Inubosaki Lighthouse for sweeping Pacific views, then explore the rugged coastline, hot springs, and fresh seafood spots nearby. This guide highlights what to do, when to go, and how to get there.

Highlights

Inubosaki Cape Overview

Inubosaki Cape in Choshi, Chiba is known for one of the earliest sunrises on Honshu and sweeping views from the white Inubosaki Lighthouse.

Inubosaki Lighthouse Highlights

Built in 1874, this historic lighthouse is listed among “Japan’s 50 Best Lighthouses.” Climb the 99-step spiral staircase for views over the Pacific Ocean and Kujukuri Beach.

First Sunrise and Morning Views

New Year’s Day sunrise is typically around 6:40–6:50 a.m. (varies by year), and the moment when sea and sky begin to glow is a highlight.

Nearby Scenic Spots

You can also visit the rough-wave scenery of Nagasaki-bana, the cliff-lined Byobugaura (“the Dover of the East”), and Kimigahama with its 2 km stretch of sand.

Ocean-View Hot Springs

Inubosaki Onsen is a salty hot spring, and places like Inubosaki Kanko Hotel and Inubosaki Hotel offer bathing with ocean views.

Choshi Local Foods

Seafood rice bowls made with Choshi Port catches, Choshi-style datemaki, and Choshi Electric Railway’s nure-senbei are well-known specialties.

Access and Crowds

Take the JR Sobu Main Line to Choshi Station → Choshi Electric Railway to Inubo Station (about 2 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo). There is free parking near the lighthouse, and it can get crowded during the first-sunrise season.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is Inubōsaki? Chōshi Cape & Lighthouse Guide

Inubōsaki Cape (Inubōsaki) in Chōshi City, Chiba Prefecture, is located at the easternmost edge of the Kanto Plain and is known as a spot where you can see one of Japan's earliest first sunrises of the year (excluding mountaintops and remote islands).

The cape jutting out into the Pacific Ocean features the historic Inubōsaki Lighthouse, built in 1874 (Meiji 7), and a beautiful coastline, making it an ideal place to enjoy magnificent ocean views.

There are also many gourmet spots where you can enjoy fresh seafood, making it a great area for drives and sightseeing.

In this article, we will introduce the highlights and best things to do in Inubōsaki!


Best Things to Do in Inubōsaki

1. Inubōsaki Lighthouse – A white lighthouse designated as an Important Cultural Property

The symbol of Inubōsaki is the "Inubōsaki Lighthouse," completed in 1874 (Meiji 7).

Designed by British engineer R. H. Brunton, it is a Western-style brick lighthouse about 31 m tall.

It has been selected as one of the "100 World Lighthouses" and "50 Lighthouses of Japan", and on December 23, 2020, it was designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

Highlight points:

  • Climb the 99-step spiral staircase (named after Kujūkuri Beach) for a grand panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean
  • One of the few "climbable lighthouses" in Japan
  • The scenery is especially beautiful at sunset and sunrise

Next to the lighthouse is the Inubōsaki Lighthouse Museum, where you can view a valuable first-order lens and historical materials about the lighthouse free of charge.

The viewing donation is 300 yen for junior high school students and older (free for elementary school students and younger).

2. First sunrise of the year – A spectacular New Year viewing spot

Inubōsaki is known as a place where you can see one of the earliest first sunrises of the year (excluding mountaintops and remote islands).

Especially on New Year's Day, many people visit from all over Japan to enjoy the magical moment of sunrise.

Recommended times and points:

  • New Year's Day first sunrise: Time varies depending on weather and year
  • Summer dawn glow: Early-morning scenery is also beautiful
  • Sunset and moonlit nights: The ocean scenery is magical not only during the day but also at night

The moment of sunrise is breathtakingly beautiful, allowing you to spend a truly mystical time.

3. Beautiful coastline and scenic viewpoints

There are many view spots around Inubōsaki where you can enjoy the sea.

Recommended spots:

  • Nagasakibana – A unique landscape shaped by powerful natural waves
  • Byōbugaura – A roughly 10 km stretch of cliffs known as the "Dover of the East"
  • Kimigahama – A beach with beautiful white sand

All of these are excellent photo spots, so be sure to bring a camera or smartphone!

4. Inubōsaki Onsen – Ultimate relaxation with ocean views

Inubōsaki has hot spring facilities with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Inubōsaki Onsen is popular because its salt-rich water is believed to have skin-beautifying effects.

Recommended hot spring facilities:

  • Inubōsaki Kankō Hotel (with open-air baths) – A luxurious soak while looking out at the sea
  • Zekkei no Yado Inubōsaki Hotel – Enjoy spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean

Bathing while listening to the sound of the waves will surely relax both body and mind.

5. Inubōsaki gourmet – Enjoy fresh seafood

Chōshi is also famous for Chōshi Fishing Port, one of Japan's top ports by catch volume.

There are many places where you can enjoy excellent dishes made with fresh seafood, making it something you should definitely try when you visit.

Recommended food:

  • Kaisendon with seafood delivered directly from Chōshi Port – A generous bowl topped with fresh tuna, splendid alfonsino, and more
  • Chōshi specialty "Datemaki" – Fluffy rolled omelet that is delicious
  • Chōshi Dentetsu wet rice crackers – A famous Chōshi Electric Railway souvenir with a soft, moist texture

Enjoying fresh seafood at local eateries and markets is one of the best parts of sightseeing in Inubōsaki.

6. Ride the Chōshi Electric Railway to Inubōsaki

From JR Chōshi Station, you can access Inubōsaki via the nostalgic and popular Chōshi Electric Railway.

Although it is a short local line of about 6.4 km, the scenery from the windows and the unique decorations at each station enhance the travel experience.

Inubō Station is known for its unique exterior inspired by a Portuguese palace, and it is also popular as a photo spot.


How to Get to Inubōsaki

Access by Train (Public Transportation)

  • From Tokyo Station:
  • JR Sōbu Main Line to Chōshi Station → Chōshi Electric Railway to Inubō Station (about 2 hours 30 minutes)
  • Highway bus "Inubō-go" runs direct from Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit to Inubōsaki (about 2 hours 30 minutes)
  • From Chiba Station:
  • JR Sōbu Main Line to Chōshi Station → Chōshi Electric Railway to Inubō Station (about 2 hours)

Access by Car (Recommended!)

  • From Tokyo area:
  • Higashi-Kantō Expressway "Sawara-Katori IC" → via National Route 356 (about 2 hours)
  • From Chiba area:
  • Chiba-Tōgane Road "Matsuo-Yokoshiba IC" → via National Route 126 (about 1 hour 30 minutes)

Parking information:

  • Free parking available (around Inubōsaki Lighthouse)
  • The first sunrise season gets very crowded, so arriving early (late night to pre-dawn) is recommended!


Useful Information for Travelers

Wi-Fi and Facility Information

  • Free Wi-Fi is available around Inubōsaki
  • English and Chinese pamphlets are available at the tourist information center
  • Restrooms are available around Inubōsaki Lighthouse and Inubō Station

Language Support

  • A tourist information center with English support is available
  • Some accommodations can provide multilingual support


Summary

Inubōsaki is a great destination where you can enjoy a first-sunrise spot, a lighthouse designated as an Important Cultural Property, hot springs, and fresh seafood.

It is easy to access from the Kanto region and perfect for day trips and weekend getaways!

Traveling there on the nostalgic Chōshi Electric Railway also has a wonderful atmosphere and is highly recommended.


Frequently Asked Questions

A. Inubosaki Lighthouse stands on the Choshi cape and has a history dating back to its first lighting in Meiji 7 (1874). Sea winds can be strong, so a hood is easier than a hat, and gloves can help reduce camera shake. Salt spray can fog lenses easily, so bringing a small cloth for wiping is reassuring.
A. The admission donation is 300 yen for adults, and elementary school age and younger are free when accompanied by a guardian. Having coins ready helps you avoid stopping at the entrance. Right after climbing the stairs your breathing may be heavy, so taking a deep breath before enjoying the view lets you savor it more. In crowded times, letting people coming down go first helps keep things smooth.
A. The lighthouse is 31.3 m tall, and the spiral staircase inside has 99 steps. The stairs are narrow, so a backpack carried on your back is safer than bulky hand-held luggage. In crowds, avoid overtaking and yield at landings to reduce stress. On the way down, use the handrail and don’t stare only at your feet to stay steady.
A. It’s within walking distance from Inubo Station on the Choshi Electric Railway, and the path toward the sea changes scenery as you go, making it a pleasant stroll. Service frequency is limited, so deciding your return time first helps you plan meals and shopping. Mornings and evenings can feel cold in the wind, so putting on an extra layer before reaching the coast keeps you comfortable.
A. Inubosaki Lighthouse is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. For a close-up, shooting the white tower from a slightly low, diagonal angle adds depth. Coastal air can fog lenses with salt, so having a cloth to wipe after shooting helps. Rocks can be slippery, so rather than pushing to the very tip, it’s best to enjoy from a safe spot.
A. Because it’s a cape, there are many days when you can see sunrise, and winter air is often clear, making outlines look crisp. To start shooting quickly after arrival, testing your phone’s night mode in advance helps reduce mistakes. It’s dark underfoot, so a small keychain light adds safety.
A. The inside of the lighthouse is stairs only, so some people may not be able to climb, but the surrounding walkways and viewpoints are easy to enjoy. On windy days, sand can blow around, so if you wear contacts, having glasses can feel more comfortable. Taking breaks on benches and enjoying the sound of the sea is also a nice way to spend time here.
A. On-site posted rules should always be your top priority. In crowds, don’t stop and block walkways, and it’s safer to avoid tripods because they can obstruct traffic. When it’s backlit, shooting people as silhouettes can look atmospheric. On sandy, windy days, avoid lens changes, and protecting your phone with a case can reduce the risk of damage.

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