Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I would like to introduce Cape Obo in Chiba Prefecture, which I toured by motorcycle from central Tokyo. Cape Obo is the southernmost cape in Japan, located in Tomiura-cho, Minamiboso City, and is the border between the Pacific Ocean and Tokyo Bay. Obomisaki Natural Park has an observation deck, lighthouse, and promenade where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery. In addition, the area around Cape Obo is rich in local specialties such as seafood and fruits, and you can enjoy the local flavors to your heart’s content. Let’s take a closer look.
Cape Obo is the southernmost cape in Japan, located in Tomiura Town, Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture. At the tip of Cape Obo, there is a chalk lighthouse built in the Meiji period. From the lighthouse, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, the blue waters of Tokyo Bay, and Mt. Fuji. There is a 1.5km promenade around the lighthouse, where you can enjoy walking or jogging. A variety of plants and birds can be seen along the promenade. Especially in spring, flowers such as cherry blossoms and rape blossoms are in full bloom. In addition, Obomisaki Natural Park has facilities such as an observation deck, rest house, and campground.
This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo. The starting point is Suitengumae. Proceed along Suitengu Dori until Sumida River Ohashi Bridge, then take Shuto Expressway Route 9 Fukagawa Line. Transfer from Shuto Expressway No. 9 Fukagawa Line to Shuto Expressway Wangan Line and head toward Kisarazu. From Kisarazu JCT, take the Tateyama Expressway and exit onto National Route 127 via the Tateyama Bypass. From National Route 127, take Prefectural Route 302, and it is approximately 5 km to Obomisaki Natural Park. The whole trip took about 2 and a half hours.
At Cape Obo, we first aim for the lighthouse. You can walk along the promenade to the lighthouse or rent a bicycle. Bicycles can be rented at the rest house. From the lighthouse, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the boundary between Tokyo Bay, and Mt. Fuji. If the weather is good, you can even see the Izu Peninsula and Miura Peninsula. You can also tour the interior of the lighthouse, but advance reservations are required. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean from the observation deck located a short distance from the lighthouse.
Around Cape Obo, you can also enjoy local specialties such as seafood and fruits. Tomiura Fishing Port sells fresh seafood and dried fish. Tomiura Town is also a production area for fruits such as strawberries and mandarin oranges. You can also go strawberry picking or orange picking. Tomiura Town also has a museum that introduces the history and nature of Cape Obo, as well as tourist spots such as beaches and hot springs.
Obusaki Natural Park has a parking lot exclusively for motorcycles. Parking is available near the rest house and is free of charge. It is approximately 1.5 km from the parking lot to the lighthouse. The parking lot also has restrooms and vending machines. The parking lot is open 24 hours a day, but please be aware that there are few lights at night.
Summary
This time, I introduced Cape Obo in Chiba Prefecture, which I toured by motorcycle from central Tokyo. Cape Obo is the southernmost cape in Japan, marking the border between the Pacific Ocean and Tokyo Bay. Obomisaki Natural Park has an observation deck, lighthouse, and promenade where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery. In addition, the area around Cape Obo is rich in local specialties such as seafood and fruits, and you can enjoy the local flavors to your heart’s content. If you are traveling by motorcycle, it is convenient to use the Shuto Expressway Wangan Line or the Tateyama Expressway. There is also a dedicated parking lot for motorcycles. Cape Obo is a perfect spot for motorcycle touring. Please come and visit us at least once.
