Things to Do in Choshi, Chiba: Seafood, Trains, Ocean Views

Located near Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture, Choshi City faces the Pacific Ocean and enjoys rich, abundant seafood catches. Home to the nostalgic Choshi Electric Railway and the earliest mainland sunrise in Japan, it is a perfect rural getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Where is Choshi, Chiba?

Located on the easternmost edge of the Kanto region, Choshi City is about a two-hour drive from Tokyo. Every New Year, large crowds of visitors gather here to see the very first sunrise of the year.

Choshi Fishing Port: A Paradise for Seafood Lovers

The waters off Choshi City sit right where cold and warm ocean currents meet, facing the Pacific Ocean, creating a diverse marine ecosystem. Choshi Fishing Port ranks among the top in Japan for total catch volume. Along the pier, you can watch fresh fish being unloaded straight from the boats or witness intense bidding action during morning fish market auctions. Local eateries next to the market serve ultra-fresh seafood bowls and sashimi made with carefully selected ingredients, making this area a must-visit destination for seafood enthusiasts.

In addition to tasting delicious seafood, you can book a boat tour out to sea. With a bit of luck, you might spot wild dolphins or whales surfacing to say hello. Even if you do not spot any marine life, relaxing on the open water is a delightful experience on its own.

Inubosaki Lighthouse: A Century of History on the Coast

Located at the easternmost tip of the Kanto region, Inubosaki Lighthouse was selected as one of the 100 Historic Lighthouses of the World. Built from white brick, this coastal beacon has stood guard over the ocean for over a century.

Climb the 99 steps of the spiral staircase inside to reach the top, where panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean await.

Next to the lighthouse stands a foghorn station. In earlier times, when heavy fog made it difficult for ships to navigate, the station sounded a deep horn to help sailors pinpoint the location of Inubosaki Lighthouse. Although the station is no longer in active service, visitors can still press a button on a simulator machine to hear the nostalgic foghorn sound.

Outside, you will find a rare white postbox that perfectly matches the color of the lighthouse. It is a great spot to send a postcard sharing your travel memories with family or friends.

Nostalgic Choshi Electric Railway: Operating for Over a Century

Affectionately nicknamed Choden by local residents, the Choshi Electric Railway features vintage train interiors and European-style stations. Its charming atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for railway enthusiasts.

The entire Choden line stretches 4.0 miles (6.4 kilometers). You can transfer from JR Choshi Station to the line, which terminates at Tokawa Station, a peaceful fishing town. With lush green countryside passing outside your window, it is the perfect place to slow down your pace and relax as you travel to your next destination.

Choden Trivia

Operating for nearly a century, Choden faced severe financial hardship and line closure risks over the years. It survived solely through the generous support of local residents and businesses.

Photo by pixta
Several station signs along the Choden line feature secondary names listed in parentheses beneath the official station name. For example, Tokawa Station includes Arigatou (Thank you), while Kasagami-Kurosei Station reads Hair Growth Kurosei.
When Choden faced severe financial distress in 2016, the railway decided to sell naming rights for all stations except Choshi Station, which is shared with JR. Rights were offered to companies for around one million yen each, granting buyers the authority to rename a station for one year. A wide variety of businesses stepped in, including resort developers, construction companies, and IT investors. Hair Growth Kurosei was purchased by a hair tonic company that highlighted kelp as its main ingredient. The company even sold limited-edition commemorative tickets made from kelp, causing a nationwide sensation among fans.

During another financial crisis when funds for track repairs were depleted, employees posted an urgent call for help online. Internet users launched a campaign to purchase rice crackers to save the railway. As a result, wet rice crackers (nure-senbei) became a famous product nationwide, remaining a signature local specialty today.
In Japanese, Choshi is pronounced the same as a word meaning physical condition or health. Because of this wordplay, a round-trip ticket between Choshi Station and Moto-Choshi Station carries the symbolic meaning of improving health and luck. This makes these tickets popular souvenirs for tourists seeking good fortune and students preparing for entrance exams.

End Your Choshi Trip with a Stunning Pacific Sunrise

Plan a getaway to Choshi City and stay overnight at Inubosaki Hotel on the easternmost edge of the peninsula. Soak in hot springs while gazing out at sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, check the sunrise time for the next morning, and welcome the first rays of dawn at Inubosaki.