Just 90 Minutes from Tokyo! 7 Must-Do Activities in Onjuku Town, Chiba – A Seaside Getaway

• Table of Contents
• What kind of place is Onjuku Town in Chiba Prefecture?
• 1. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Onjuku
• 2. Take a photo at the ONJUKU monument
• 3. Immerse yourself in the exotic atmosphere at the Moon Desert Memorial Museum
• 4. Explore hidden beaches by renting a bicycle
• 5. Enjoy fresh seafood!
• 6. Feel the history at Mexico Memorial Park
• 7. Beginners welcome! Experience surfing in the beautiful sea of Onjuku
• Access to Onjuku from Tokyo

What kind of place is Onjuku Town in Chiba Prefecture?

Onjuku Town is located in the southeast of Chiba Prefecture. Facing the Pacific Ocean, the town has a 2km stretch of pure white sand beach, which is crowded with many beachgoers every year.

It takes about an hour and a half to get there from Ukishima IC, the entrance to the Aqua-Line, making it a perfect spot for a day trip.

Onjuku is also famous for its spiny lobsters, and is garnering attention as a gourmet town where you can eat fresh spiny lobster dishes and other seafood.

In this article, we will introduce in detail the fun spots in Onjuku Town and the tourist attractions that you absolutely cannot miss.

1. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Onjuku

Onjuku is famous for its 2km long white sand beach. The peak swimming season is in the summer, but you can enjoy it in other seasons too.

In the pleasant spring and fall weather, you can take a walk on the beach or enjoy a picnic with some takeout food or a packed lunch.

There are as many ways to enjoy it as there are people, such as taking photos with the white sandy beach in the background or dozing off until the sun goes down.

The white sandy beach, which is synonymous with Onjuku, is a must-see spot for any tourist.

Central Beach

299-5106 Suga, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba Prefecture

The beach where you can find the symbol of Onjuku Town, the Moon Desert Statue. This beach is known for the beautiful coastline created by the fine white sand and blue sea. Located in the center of the coastline, it is a calm cove with shallow waters. The ONJUKU Monument is also an Instagrammable spot. Nearby, there is the Onjuku Town Water Park, which is popular with families. Come and have fun with your friends and family.

2. Take a photo at the ONJUKU monument

If you come to Onjuku, you should definitely check out the photogenic ONJUKU Monument. It is located on the central coast of Onjuku, and you can take commemorative photos with the white sand and blue sea in the background.

Although it is prohibited to stand on the monument, you can take a variety of photos by leaning on it or peeking out from it.

The best time to take photos is when the sun is facing you. Shadows tend to fall on your face around noon, so try to take photos in the morning or evening.

ONJUKU Monument

299-5106 2208 Suga, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba Prefecture

Onjuku Monument located on the central coast of Onjuku Why not commemorate your visit to Onjuku with the ocean and the monument? Standing on it is prohibited, but you can take photos in various ways. *Please note that the sun is directly overhead around noon, casting a shadow on your face. It is best to take the photo when the sun is facing you.

3. Immerse yourself in the exotic atmosphere at the Moon Desert Memorial Museum

About a five-minute walk from the Onjuku Monument is the Tsuki no Sabaku Memorial Museum. It displays works related to the children's song "Tsuki no Sabaku," which was modeled after the coast of Onjuku, as well as works by the song's lyricist, Masao Kato.

The second floor displays Kato's works and belongings, while the first floor hosts special exhibitions of painters and writers with ties to Onjuku.

There is also a souvenir corner on the first floor that sells Onjuku souvenirs! You can use this for free without paying the admission fee.

In front of the Tsuki no Sabaku Memorial Museum, there is the "Tsuki no Sabaku Memorial Statue," which is also a great photo spot. This is near the ONJUKU Monument, so it's a good idea to take a commemorative photo together.

Desert of the Moon Memorial Museum

299-5104 505-1 Rokkencho, Onjuku-cho, Isumi-gun, Chiba Prefecture

Exhibition of works and materials related to Masao Kato, the lyricist of the nursery rhyme ``Moon Desert.'' The Lunar Desert Memorial Museum opened on July 8, 1990. There is a special exhibition room and a shop on the 1st floor, and a ``Masao Kato'' exhibition room on the 2nd floor. The exhibition room displays various works and belongings of Masao Kato, including the nursery rhyme ``Moon Desert,'' which is based on the Onjuku coast.

Moon Desert Memorial Park

299-5106 Suka, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba Prefecture

The nursery rhyme "Tsuki no Sabaku" (Desert of the Moon) was modeled on the coast of Onjuku. A statue of a prince and princess riding a camel, which appears in the nursery rhyme "Tsuki no Sabaku" (Desert of the Moon), written by Masao Kato, a poet and lyric painter who was active from the mid-Taisho period to the early Showa period, has been installed in the park.

4. Explore hidden beaches by renting a bicycle

With a warm climate all year round, Onjuku is also popular for bicycle rentals, allowing you to cycle around the city. You can enjoy a leisurely ride along the white sand beaches, Shimizu River, and around JR Onjuku Station.

The rental location is the Tourist Information Center in front of JR Onjuku Station. It is available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and costs 1,200 yen per day, or 800 yen for up to 4 hours.

When you rent, you will also receive a local map. Be sure to ask for information on hidden spots that only locals know about, and hidden beaches that are hard to reach by car!

5. Enjoy fresh seafood!

If you're looking for something to eat at lunchtime, be sure to add the seafood dishes of Onjuku Town to your list! In Onjuku, you can easily enjoy seafood that you normally don't get to see, such as spiny lobster, alfonsino, turban shell, and Sotobo abalone.

As you walk from JR Onjuku Station towards the sea, you will find a plethora of seafood gourmet restaurants, from reasonably priced lunch sets to restaurants serving sashimi platters that go perfectly with alcohol.

"Sotobo abalone," "Sotobo spiny lobster," and "Sotobo fishing alfonsino" are also designated as Chiba brand fishery certified products. Please enjoy the fresh seafood that has just been landed to your heart's content.

6. Feel the history at Mexico Memorial Park

The Monument Commemorating the Origin of Transportation Between Japan, Spain, and Mexico, also known as Mexico Memorial Park, is a scenic spot known only to those in the know, offering a panoramic view of Onjuku Coast. It is located on a hilltop, up a slope heading east along the coast.

In 1609, the Spanish ship San Francisco, carrying then Governor Don Rodrigo of the Philippine Islands, sank on the reefs of Iwawada (present-day Tajirihama). It was the female divers of Onjuku who rescued the crew of the sunken ship and warmed their frozen bodies.

This incident marked the start of exchanges between Japan, Spain, and Mexico, which was a Spanish colony at the time. In 1928, a 17-meter-tall monument was erected to commemorate this series of events.

You can feel the history that has been woven in Onjuku, and check it out as a photo spot overlooking the coast of Onjuku. If you come to Onjuku, this is one spot you should drop by.

Monument commemorating the origin of transportation between Japan...

299-5105 702 Iwawada, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba Prefecture

The birthplace of transportation between Japan, Mexico, and Spain In 1609 (Keicho 14), the San Francis, en route from the Philippines to Mexico, sank at Tajiri Beach in Onjuku Town, and local people offered aid. This marked the beginning of exchanges between Japan, Mexico, and Spain in Onjuku Town. To commemorate this, the Monument Commemorating the Origin of Transportation Between Japan, Spain, and Mexico (commonly known as the Mexico Monument) was built. The Mexico Monument is an open space that is a recommended spot for a panoramic view of the sea and townscape of Onjuku. As you walk up the stairs to the monument, which is shining white with the flags of Japan, Mexico, and Spain, you will be greeted by a breathtaking view of the beautiful blue scenery, so blue that it is difficult to tell where the sky and sea meet.

7. Beginners welcome! Experience surfing in the beautiful sea of Onjuku

If you're visiting Onjuku during the summer, when it's at its most lively, you might want to consider surfing as an option.

Compared to the north side of Chiba, Onjuku has warmer water and calmer waves. In addition, the surfing and swimming areas are separated, and it is easily accessible from the city center, making it an easy environment for beginners to try.

Also, there is a surf shop nearby, so you can come empty-handed and participate in a surfing experience. The area where the ONJUKU Monument is located is an area with waves that are recommended for beginners, so please check it out.

Access to Onjuku from Tokyo

From here, we will introduce two ways to get from Tokyo to Onjuku using public transportation. We will also explain in detail the budget and travel time required.

Access by bus

The first way is to take a direct bus from Tokyo. From the Tokyo Yaesu bus terminal, it takes about 2 hours 15 to 30 minutes to get there. The fare is reasonable, about 2,100 to 2,500 yen for one adult one way.

Access by train

The second way is to travel by JR's "Wakashio Limited Express".

The Wakashio Limited Express is a limited express train that can be boarded from Shinjuku, Tokyo, Chiba Station, etc. The starting point is the Keiyo Line platform at Tokyo Station, and it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get from Tokyo Station to Onjuku Station.

The one-way fare from Tokyo to Onjuku Station is 3,560 yen. As of March 2024, all seats on the Wakashio Express have been reserved, so be sure to purchase a reserved seat ticket before boarding.