Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Kujukurihama, Chiba Prefecture. Kujukuri Beach is known as one of Japan’s leading sandy beaches and a mecca for surfing, but what kind of attraction does it have when you go there by bike? Based on my experience, I would like to introduce the highlights of Kujukuri Beach and information on motorcycle parking lots.
What is Kujukurihama?
Kujukuri Beach is a 66 km long sandy beach that stretches along the Pacific coast of Chiba Prefecture. The name is said to come from an emperor who visited this area in ancient times and exclaimed, “This beach is 99 miles long.” Kujukuri Beach is also famous as one of the largest surfing spots in Japan, attracting many surfers from Japan and abroad. You can also enjoy marine sports such as swimming, fishing, and windsurfing. Additionally, there are places along the coast where you can clam and collect shells, as well as restaurants where you can enjoy seafood and local specialties. Kujukurihama, rich in nature and full of energy, is also recommended as a destination for motorcycle touring.
Route to Kujukuri Beach
I rode my bike from central Tokyo to Kujukuri Beach. The starting point is Kamei Bridge in Chuo Ward. From here, take the Shuto Expressway Inner Loop Line and transfer to the Shuto Expressway No. 7 Komatsugawa Line at Edobashi JCT. Continue driving on Shuto Expressway No. 7 Komatsugawa Line, enter Keiyo Road, and at Chiba Higashi JCT, enter Chiba Togane Road. Drive on the Chiba Togane Road and enter the Togane Kujukuri Toll Road at the Odaigata IC. Drive on the Togane Kujukuri Toll Road, exit at the Kujukuri IC, and take Prefectural Route 30 to reach your destination, Shirako Town. The entire journey is approximately 120 km and takes approximately 2 hours.
The advantage of this route is that it uses most of the expressways, so you can travel smoothly. You can also enjoy views of the ocean and mountains along the Keiyo Road and Chiba Togane Road.
Highlights of Kujukuri Beach
Shirako Town, which I visited, is a particularly popular area within Kujukuri Beach. Shirako Town has the following attractions.
- Shirako Beach: A beautiful coast with white sand and blue sea. In addition to surfing and swimming, you can also enjoy barbecues and camping on the sandy beach. There are also facilities such as showers, toilets, and changing rooms on the shore.
- Shirako Fishing Port: A fishing port filled with fresh seafood. At the morning market and direct sales shops, you can buy local specialties and processed products. There are also restaurants and cafes at the fishing port.
- Shirako Shrine: This is a shrine located in the center of Shirako Town. The shrine grounds include the main shrine, which is said to be the oldest wooden structure in Japan, and a bronze bell, which is a national treasure. Also, every July you can see a boat festival held on the sea.
Kujukuri Beach Motorcycle Parking Lot
There are several places at Kujukurihama where you can park your motorcycle. I used the “Nakazato Beach Parking Lot” near Shirako Beach. This is a free parking lot where you can park not only motorcycles but also cars and bicycles. From the parking lot, it is about a 5 minute walk to the beach.
There are also bike parking lots as follows:
- Shirako Shrine Parking Lot: This is a free parking lot near Shirako Shrine. You can park not only motorcycles but also cars. From the parking lot, it is about a 3 minute walk to the shrine.
Summary
This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Kujukurihama, Chiba Prefecture. Kujukuri Beach is a wonderful place where you can enjoy nature such as sandy beaches, the sea, and mountains. You can also enjoy activities such as surfing and swimming, as well as gourmet food such as seafood and local specialties. Going by motorcycle not only allows you to ride smoothly on the highway, but also allows you to enjoy the scenery and feel the breeze as you drive. There are several places to park your bike, so you can enjoy the ride with peace of mind. I recommend Kujukurihama as a destination for motorcycle touring.
