Day 1: Kashima Shrine and Cape Inubosaki

It takes about 1h20 and 80 kilometers from our Funabashi office to reach the first sightseeing spot.

Believed to have been built during the 6th century B.C by Japan’s first emperor, Jimmu, Kashima-Jingu is one of the oldest shrines in eastern Japan. As it is dedicated to the god of thunder and war, Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, Kashima-Jingu was a famous place of pilgrimage for Japanese warlords. With its many ancient artifacts, including Japan’s oldest and largest straight sword, the shrine’s treasure hall is definitely worth a look. Once you’ve done visiting Kashima-Jingu, don’t hesitate to take a stroll to the nearby park. Deer, which are believed to be the messengers of the gods, roam free and visitors are welcome to get up-close and feed them.

With its three sides surrounded by ocean, Choshi city is also known as one of Japan’s leading fishing harbors, especially for its sardines, bonito, and tuna. To enjoy some fresh products, It is recommended to stop by Wosse 21, a fish market that features many restaurants and souvenir shops. One meal you should definitely try: kaisen-don (seafood bowl).

Next sightseeing spot of the day: The Yamasa soy sauce factory. It takes only 10 minutes by RV to reach the place. Made only from soybean, wheat, and salt, soy sauce is one of the most popular ingredients used in Japanese cuisine. Founded in 1645, Yamasa is one of Japan’s leading soy sauce manufacturer. The free factory tour, conducted in Japanese but with some English translation, allows you to discover all the manufacturing process: ingredients, brewing, fermentation, etc. You will receive some gifts at the end, and might even have the opportunity to try the soy sauce flavored ice-cream, a quite unique combination!

Just drive a little further south and you will reach the Cape Inubosaki and its lighthouse. You will need to climb 99 steps to reach the observation deck. From the top, you will have a beautiful panorama over the Pacific Ocean.

You will access the first auto camping ground by following the coast for about 30 kilometers.

Sleeping: Kujukurihama
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean near one of Kanto’s best beach, this camping site is perfect for those who want to enjoy sea activities. The sea is only 100 meters away. It is possible to fish or organize a barbecue. A supermarket is also located nearby.

Day 2: Yoro Ravine and Kamogawa Seaworld

The Yoro Ravine is in the center of the Boso Peninsula. From Kujukurihama, it should take about 1 hour (50 kilometers). With its waterfalls, old temples and the surrounding forest, the Yoro Ravine is a piece of old Japan. The best place to start is at the Yoro Keikoku station. From there, three gentle hiking trails are available. The recommended one is the Awamata Falls, as it follows the riverside and goes to a 30-meter high and 100 meters width waterfall. It should take about two to three hours to complete.

The next stop is Kamogawa Seaworld, about 40 minutes ride away to the South. On your way you should pass through the little city of Ichinomiya, which was selected as the official surfing venue for the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020.

Japan has dozens of aquariums, but Kamogawa Seaworld has some unique features for itself. As it is located next to the ocean, the park was thought as a natural extension of the marine life’s habitat. Over 11,000 animals from 800 different species are raised in this aquarium, which is divided into three different areas. Eco-aquarium recreates the habitats of Japanese rivers with wave generators; Tropical island displays corals and an enormous shore reef; Rocky Land is home of penguins, bottlenose dolphins and sea lions. It is also one of the few aquariums in the Asia-Pacific regions to host orcas (killer whales).

After visiting the aquarium, you can take some time to walk along the nearby Tojo Beach, another famous surfing spot.

Sleeping: Roman Forest Republic Family-owned campsite, close to the sea. There are a lot of activities available in the surrounding forest: fishing, mini-golf, tennis, trekking, sea kayak, woodcraft, labyrinth, swan boat and so on.

Day 3: Oyama Rice Terraces and Mount Nokogiri

With its 3.2 hectares and 375 terraces, the Oyama Rice Terraces are a sight that you don’t necessarily expect to find in Japan. If you visit it between October and March, the fields are lit for about three hours after sundown. Farming activities are also available, such as making mochi rice. The area is extremely well taken care of thanks to the work of local farmers, but also from people living in surrounding cities such as Tokyo. They can rent a parcel to experience farming life while helping to preserve these beautiful rice terraces.

By driving about 20 kilometers further West, you will reach one of the most popular sightseeing spots in the Boso Peninsula. Mount Nokogori is a 330 meters mountain that is home of the Nihonji Temple. Built about 1300 years ago, it is one of the oldest of its kind in the Kanto area. The must-see attraction is the 31-meter-tall Big Buddha. The peak of the mountain also features several viewpoints, including the Jigoku Nozoki (“Hell Lookout”), a little rock ledge high above the surrounding landscape.

The mountain can be reached by foot, ropeway or via a toll road (1,000 yen). Up there, the parking areas are free.

On your way back, don’t hesitate to stop by Mother Farm, only 30 minutes away. The place is very popular and provides a lot of activities: horseback riding, cow milking, fruit and veggie picking, and even some small amusement rides. Among the most popular ones is the “Farm-Zip”, a 340 meters long zipline that gives you a superb view over the Boso mountain and the Kujukutani valley. Count 1,400 yen to have a try at it. Another activity is the Farm-Bungy, with a jump height of 21 meters.

From Mother Farm, it should take you about 1h20 (80 kilometers) to go back to our Funabashi office.