Things To Do
in Choshi
Choshi is a working port city on the eastern tip of Chiba Prefecture, known for its long history as a fishing hub and soy sauce production center. The coastline around Cape Inubō and Kujūkuri Beach offers dramatic seascapes, lighthouses, and sunsets that attract photographers and nature lovers. The city retains a small-town feel with a famous local railway, lively fish markets, and friendly neighborhood shops.
Visitors come for fresh seafood, factory tours (soy sauce and dried fish), coastal walks and a relaxed pace away from big-city Tokyo.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Choshi City Museum, where you can discover the rich maritime history of the area. Marvel at the collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Choshi's development as a fishing hub. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets, soaking in the traditional architecture and quaint shops.
For lunch, indulge in fresh seafood at a local izakaya, savoring the flavors of Choshi's famous catches. Next, head to the nearby Inubo Cape, where you can climb to the top of the Inubo Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The sight of the waves crashing against the rocky shore will leave you in awe of nature's beauty.
As the sun sets, make your way to the Choshi Fish Market, where the vibrant atmosphere and aroma of grilled seafood fill the air. Sample various local delicacies and enjoy the lively interactions with the vendors. End your evening with a stroll along the beach, watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange.
Start your day at Kujukuri Beach, famous for its long stretch of sand and crystal-clear waters. Rent a surfboard or a paddleboard and embrace the waves, or simply relax on the beach soaking up the sun. The sound of the ocean and the salty breeze will rejuvenate your spirit.
After a morning of fun in the sun, enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach with local bento boxes filled with fresh sushi and seasonal vegetables. Spend the afternoon exploring the beachside cafés and shops, or take a leisurely walk along the shore collecting seashells. The stunning scenery will inspire you to capture the moment with photos.
As dusk approaches, watch surfers ride the last waves of the day while the sun begins to dip below the horizon. Delight in a seaside dinner at a restaurant that specializes in grilled seafood, where you can feast on the day's catch. After dinner, take a moonlit walk along the beach, feeling the sand under your feet and the gentle waves lapping at the shore.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🍣Mid-range seafood set / sushi meal | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee / cafe drink | $3-6 |
| 🚆Local train fare (short trip) | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / ryokan (per night) | $70-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Abundant fresh seafood and traditional food culture
- Scenic coastal landscapes and lighthouse views
- Authentic, small-town Japanese atmosphere with friendly locals
- Easy day-trip access from Tokyo for a quick seaside escape
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options for younger crowds
- Fewer English-speaking services and limited card acceptance in small shops
- Public transport is modest; some attractions are easier reached by car
- Weather can be windy and occasionally affected by typhoons in late summer
- "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)
- "これはいくらですか? (Kore wa ikura desu ka?)" - How much is this?
- "おいしいです (Oishii desu)" - It's delicious
- "トイレはどこですか? (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "英語を話せますか? (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?)" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Choshi
Visit one of these nice places.
Wind-swept cliffs, the historic lighthouse and roaring surf create dramatic seascapes, especially at sunrise and sunset.
A bustling, colorful working port with trawlers, nets, market stalls and seafood displays — great for candid and documentary-style shots.
A quaint local railway with retro trains and scenic coastal tracks; ideal for nostalgic, motion and rural-station photography.
A nearly 60-km stretch of sandy beach offering minimalist seascapes, surfers, and wide-open skies — good for long-exposure shots and dramatic skies.
Expansive estuary and mudflats attract birds and create interesting foregrounds for sunset and birdlife photography.
Industrial-chic textures, wooden barrels and aging warehouses provide atmospheric details and interiors for close-up and architectural photography.
Food in Choshi
Choshi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bowl piled with the day's fresh sashimi — tuna, bonito, horse mackerel and shellfish are common; best at the morning market or small seafood restaurants near the port.
Must-Try!
Tiny boiled or raw whitebait often served over rice or in salads; seasonal and very fresh on the Bōsō coast, try at local eateries and market stalls.
Locally dried and grilled fish like aji (horse mackerel) or saba, available at markets and specialty shops — great for breakfast or a simple dinner.
Yamasa and other local producers offer tasting and tours; pick up artisanal soy sauce, miso, and related condiments as souvenirs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning fish markets where vendors sell fresh catches, sashimi, and prepared seafood; ideal for sampling kaisen-don and buying dried products.
Small stalls near the port sell grilled seafood skewers, dried fish snacks and seasonal treats — casual and very local.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes when entering homes, some ryokan, and certain traditional spaces; observe signage. At temples and shrines be respectful, bow at torii gates, and follow local customs.
Keep noise low on public transport and in neighborhoods; speak softly on trains and avoid phone calls on busy carriages.
Finish food where appropriate and separate waste into designated recycling bins — follow local rules posted at public bins and facilities.
Use polite language and gestures; a simple bow and a few Japanese phrases go a long way. If you can’t communicate in Japanese, polite gestures and patience are appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Choshi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be confusing; excellent service is standard and generally included in the price. If you want to show appreciation, a small gift from your home country or a polite thank-you is appropriate; some high-end ryokan may have envelope-based gratuity customs but check first.
Cash (yen) is widely used, especially at markets, small restaurants and rural shops. Credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and shops but not everywhere; bring cash for convenience. IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo) may be accepted on trains and at some stores, but smaller vendors might be cash-only. ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices accept many foreign cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming coastal flora make it pleasant for walking and photography; cherry blossom viewing is possible in town parks in late March–April. It’s a good time for fresh seasonal seafood and fewer crowds than summer.
Warm to hot and humid, with beach season on Kujūkuri; expect crowds on sunny weekends and the occasional typhoon or heavy rain in late summer. Bring sun protection and hydrate; early mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities.
Cooler, comfortable temperatures with clearer skies and good visibility for coastal views; autumn seafood peaks and migratory birds are present at the river mouth. Ideal season for hiking and photography.
Mild but crisp winters with cool sea breezes; fewer tourists and excellent clarity for long-distance coastal shots. Sea temperatures are colder — swimming is uncommon, but winter seafood can be excellent.
Choshi at Night
Hiking in Choshi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short coastal trails around the cape and lighthouse with dramatic sea views and accessible paths for photography and sunset walks.
Long flat beach walks suitable for easy hiking, sunrise photography and observing coastal ecosystems; stretches for many kilometers.
A popular nearby hike on the Bōsō Peninsula featuring dramatic cliffs, temple sites and panoramic views of Tokyo Bay; best done as a day trip by car or train plus local transport.
Lowland trails and birdwatching routes near the river mouth — great for easy nature walks and seasonal bird migrations.
Airports
How to reach Choshi by plane.
Major international airport about 50–70 km northwest of Choshi; reachable by train and bus with onward rail connections or a 60–90 minute taxi/car ride depending on traffic.
Domestic and international airport with more domestic connections; farther from Choshi than Narita but still accessible by a combination of trains and highway buses, typically 1.5–2.5 hours.
Small local airfields and general aviation facilities exist in the region for private flights, but scheduled commercial service is via Narita or Haneda.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-established fishing families and port workers form a significant part of the town’s identity and economy.
Like many regional Japanese cities, Choshi has an older demographic with a sizeable elderly population; community life reflects traditional rhythms.
People traveling from Chiba and Tokyo for day trips or seasonal beach visits boost the local economy, especially on weekends and holidays.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is widely followed and played at school and community levels across Chiba Prefecture, including Choshi.
Recreational and sport fishing are popular given Choshi’s status as a fishing port — shore and boat fishing are common pastimes.
Kujūkuri Beach attracts surfers when conditions are right, particularly in summer and autumn swells.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Choshi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited because cuisine centers on seafood. Larger restaurants and cafes may offer vegetable tempura, rice dishes and salads; communicate restrictions in Japanese (see key phrases) and seek out soy-based dishes and simple noodle/udon shops for options.
Vegan choices are scarce; plan ahead by visiting supermarkets for fresh fruit, rice, and packaged vegan items, and use phrase cards to explain dietary needs. Tofu and some vegetable dishes can work if you confirm no fish-based broths (dashi).
Soy sauce contains wheat — cross-contamination is common. Look for tamari (can be gluten-free) or ask staff; rice-based dishes are usually safe but check for soy-sauce-based seasonings.