Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta.
This time, I toured on a Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide from central Tokyo to Susaki Shrine in Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture.
Susaki Shrine is located at the southernmost tip of the Boso Peninsula and is known as a scenic spot overlooking the entrance to Tokyo Bay.
In this article, we will introduce the route to Susaki Shrine, highlights, motorcycle parking, etc.
Route to Susaki Shrine
The departure point is central Tokyo.
From here, cross the Sumida River Ohashi Bridge into Koto Ward and take the Shuto Expressway No. 9 Fukagawa Line.
After entering the Shuto Expressway Wangan Line, head to Kisarazu via the Tokyo Bay Aqua Line.
The Aqua Line is an expressway that crosses Tokyo Bay, consisting of a 15km bridge over the ocean and a 10km tunnel under the sea. Along the way, there is an artificial island called Umihotaru Parking Area, from which you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji and the Sky Tree.
From Kisarazu, take the Tateyama Expressway and enter the Boso Flower Line via the Tateyama Bypass.
The Boso Flower Line is a road that runs along the coastline near the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula, and flowers such as rape blossoms and poppies bloom along the road from January to early summer.
There are also sections that have been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 roads. If you drive west along this road, you will come to Susaki Lighthouse and Susaki Shrine.
Our destination this time is Susaki Shrine, but the Susaki Lighthouse is also worth a stop.
Suzaki Lighthouse is a 15m high lighthouse completed in 1919, and overlooks the ocean near the entrance to Tokyo Bay. You can also see the Jogashima Lighthouse on the Miura Peninsula on the opposite shore.
It is a popular photo spot, especially at sunset.
Highlights of Susaki Shrine
Susaki Shrine has been a shrine to protect the safety of fishermen and sailors since ancient times, and is said to be Shikinaisha (Taisha) Ronsha.
During the Edo period, it was also known as Awa Province Ichinomiya.
The enshrined deity is Amanohirinome no Mikoto, who is the second deity of the Awa Shrine enshrined deity Tentadama no Mikoto. It was originally called “Susaki no Kami”.
Susaki Shrine is located halfway up Mt. Mitarai, and when you pass through the torii gate and go to the Zuishinmon gate, you will find a staircase that stretches in a straight line. There aren’t that many steps, and each step is low, but it’s still quite a climb.
When you reach the top of the stairs, you will find a simple shrine.
From the worship hall, you can see the ocean and the stairs that descend in a straight line towards Tokyo Bay.
This view is spectacular.
If you walk from the worship hall down a walking path that is separate from the stairs, you will come to a torii gate called Hamatorii, which is said to offer a view of Mt. Fuji.
If the weather is nice, you can take photos with Mt. Fuji in the background.
Susaki Shrine is also enshrined with the god of matchmaking and the god who is said to have blessings on financial luck, health, academics, and entertainment. Dosojin, the guiding god, will fulfill your wishes if you pass through the small torii gate.
Susaki Shrine also has many legends related to Kozumi Yaku, the founder of Shugendo.
For example, there is a story that Yaku Ozumi placed one sacred stone on the coast in front of Hamatori Gate and at Awaguchi Shrine in Yokosuka for maritime safety, and that Yaku Ozumi protected the underground bell at Kanegaike Pond, which was buried in the Great Earthquake. There is a story about him killing a huge snake.
Motorcycle parking lot at Susaki Shrine
There is a motorcycle parking lot along the approach to Susaki Shrine.
It is free to use, but since it is shared with four-wheelers, there may be limited space.
In that case, you can use the paid parking lot around Susaki Lighthouse or the public toilet and free parking lot 300 meters away.
The paid parking lot around Suzaki Lighthouse costs around 200 yen even for a motorcycle, but it is close to the lighthouse.
The public toilet and free parking lot can only accommodate a few four-wheelers, but there is no problem if you park here for a short time.
Summary
This time, I toured on a Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide from central Tokyo to Susaki Shrine in Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture.
Susaki Shrine is recommended as a scenic spot overlooking the entrance to Tokyo Bay.
Along the way, you can enjoy views of Tokyo Bay Aqua Line and Boso Flower Line.
At Susaki Shrine, you can expect blessings such as matchmaking and financial luck, and the legends related to Shugendo and Yakusozumi are also interesting.
Motorcycle parking is also available for free.
