This time, I would like to introduce my experience when I went on a motorcycle tour from Chuo Ward, Tokyo to Cape Gyobu in Asahi City, Chiba Prefecture.
Cape Gyobu is a cliff approximately 60 meters high at the southern end of Byobugaura, and is the border with Kujukuri Beach. From the cape, you can see the endless arc of Kujukuri Beach to the west, and the panoramic view of Byobugaura, known as the “Dover of the East,” to the east.
There is Iioka Lighthouse, a park, and an observation deck here. In particular, the observation deck Iioka Gyobu Misaki Observation Hall ~Light and Wind~'' is a facility that can be used for a wide range of purposes, as it functions as a place for learning about the natural environment and for nature observation sessions. The view from Cape Gyobu has been selected as one ofJapan’s Top 100 Sunsets”, Japan's Top 100 Sunrises'',Japan’s Top 100 Night Views”, Japan's Night View Heritage'', andChiba 100 Views”.
In addition, on clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji floating on the horizon and the silhouette of Mt. Fuji reflected in the setting sun, so it has been selected as one of the 100 Views of Fuji in Kanto''. If the weather conditions are good, you can witness the phenomenon known asDiamond Fuji” in late February, when the sun sets over the summit of Mt. Fuji, creating a scene that looks like a sparkling diamond.
Now, let’s introduce the specific route, required time, parking information, etc.
Route from Chuo Ward, Tokyo to Cape Gyobu, Chiba Prefecture
This time, I used the following route to Cape Gyobu starting from Chuo Ward, Tokyo.
- From Chuo-ku, Tokyo via the Metropolitan Expressway Wangan Route to the Higashi-Kanto Expressway
- From Higashi-Kanto Expressway to Chiba Togane Road
- From Chiba Togane Road to National Route 126
- From National Route 126 to Prefectural Route 93
- From Prefectural Route 93 to Cape Gyobu
This route covers approximately 130km and takes about 2.5 hours. There are service areas and parking areas along the way, but please take breaks and refuel as appropriate.
As a touring route, I think it can be said to be an easy one-day trip route from central Tokyo.
Highlights of Cape Gyobu: Recommended points
When you arrive at Cape Gyobu, let’s first go to the observation deck “Iioka Gyobu Misaki Observatory ~Light and Wind~.”
This is an observation pavilion developed as part of the Kaminagai Natural Park facility in the Chiba Prefectural Kujukuri Natural Park.The first floor has a multipurpose room and restrooms, the second floor has a panoramic exhibition room, the third floor has a light and wind deck, and the top floor (rooftop ) There is an observation deck.
You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from the observation deck, and there are binoculars that you can view for free on the Hikari and Kaze deck. The observatory is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (February only: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), and is closed every Monday (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) and during the year-end and New Year holidays. We also provide a 15-30 minute guide service as an environmental learning program for study tour groups and school children using the observation hall. It takes about 30 minutes to tour the observation hall.
After the observation hall, take a walk around the Iioka Lighthouse, the park, and the Bell of Hope. Iioka Lighthouse was built in 1874 (Meiji 7) and is a historic building that has been designated as a registered tangible cultural property. The interior of the lighthouse is a 99-step spiral staircase, and if you pay the entrance fee, you can see the vast Pacific Ocean from the top of the lighthouse. At the park, you can relax on the lawn or play on the playground equipment. The Bell of Hope was installed in hopes of recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, and there is a legend that if you ring the bell, happiness will come to you.
What is the stone statue of “Ashita no Joe” that is enshrined at Cape Gyobu?
Cape Gyobu not only has beautiful nature, but also some surprising things. It is a stone statue of Joe Yabuki (Joe), the main character of the manga “Ashita no Joe”, and Toru Chikaraishi (Rikishi), his rival.
The stone statue of Ashita no Joe'' at Cape Gyobu was erected on November 3, 1990. This stone statue has a connection to the fact that Tetsuya Chiba, the author of "Ashita no Joe", lived in Iioka City (currently Asahi City). Chiba lived in Iioka City from 1968 to 1970, during which time he serialized Ashita no Joe. Chiba apparently opened a boxing gym in Iioka City and trained himself. In addition, events and exhibitions based onAshita no Joe” are held in Iioka City, and Chiba often participates.
To commemorate the relationship between Chiba and Iioka City, a stone statue created by Masao Kobayashi, a sculptor from Iioka City, was installed at Cape Gyobu. The stone statue is approximately 2 meters high and weighs approximately 5 tons. The stone statue shows deformed Joe and Chikaraishi standing facing each other, with Iioka fishing port and Kujukuri Beach spreading out in the background. The stone statue harmonizes with the sunset and night view seen from Cape Gyobu, impressing visitors.
Enjoy gourmet food at Cape Gyobu
There are also shops and restaurants selling local specialties around Cape Gyobu. For lunch, we recommend Kimitsu Market, which has a wide selection of fresh seafood, and Kaisen Shokudo Maruyoshi, where you can enjoy seafood bowls and sushi. Souvenirs include Gyobu senbei'' andGyobu manju” which are famous products of Cape Gyobu.
The above is about the plan and experience that I enjoyed touring to Cape Gyobu. It will take about 2 and a half hours in total, but it is a recommended spot in Chiba Prefecture that is irresistible for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Parking
There is a free parking lot at Cape Gyobu, which can accommodate 60 regular cars and 6 large buses. Motorcycles can also be parked, but there is no dedicated space. Also, street parking is prohibited, so we recommend parking in the corner of the free parking lot. There is plenty of room for Harley Ultras and other cars, so please be sure to park with good manners.
Summary
This time, I introduced my experience of touring by motorcycle from Chuo Ward, Tokyo to Cape Gyobu in Asahi City, Chiba Prefecture. Cape Gyobu is a place that can be said to be one of the most recommended spots for touring in Chiba, where you can enjoy beautiful nature and a variety of facilities.
