（click on map to enlarge）
Northeastern Coast of Chiba
The Northeastern coast of Chiba is known for its long, sandy beaches and big surf. You probably have flown over it, perhaps without realizing it as it is on the flight path into Narita Airport. The most famous beach is Kujukuri Beach which is over 60 km long, making it the second longest beach in Japan. In contrast to the Southeastern coast, the Northeastern coast is relatively straight. It’s one long arc from Cape Taito in the south to Cape Gyobumi in the north. The tides and ocean currents create sand dunes that reach 4 meters high.
If you want to start your ride from Kujukurihama you can take the JR Sobu Line to Naruto Station in Sammu City, about 9 km from the beach. If you travel south along the beach be careful not to get on the Kujukuri Toll Road as bicycles are not allowed. You’ll have to travel on a parallel road slightly inland till you get to Ichinomiya and then you’ll be free to ride along the beach.
Heading north you can ride Sangyo Rd. and Hwy 30 giving you a nice ride along the coast. Be sure to pull over and check out the beaches along the way. They are beautiful. In a few spots there are asphalt paths along the beach.
At the north end of Kujukuri Beach is Cape Gyobumi. Sitting on the white sandstone cliffs above the Cape is Iioka Lighthouse, overlooking Iioka Fishing Port down below. It is well worth a climb up there as it gives you a superb view. You can see all the way down the coast.
The city of Choshi sits 10 km further on right at the end of the coast where the Tone River empties into the ocean. Arriving here feels as if you have left the laid-back beach atmosphere and entered into civilization. There is a huge red bridge there that crosses the Tone River into Ibaraki.
Northeastern Coast of Chiba Gallery
