Winter 2-Day Motorcycle Touring: Enjoying Breathtaking Sunsets and Sunrises in Chiba

A Solo Two-Day Winter Touring Adventure in the Boso Peninsula. My plan for an early morning departure took an unexpected turn when rain disrupted my schedule. As I waited for the rain clouds to clear, my departure was delayed—but thanks to that, I had the chance to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Boso Peninsula.

Sunset at the southernmost point of the Boso Peninsula, Nojimazaki

The next morning, I rode to Kujukuri Beach, a famous sunrise spot. Witnessing the breathtaking sunrise all to myself was the perfect way to start the day.

In this blog, I’ll share my lucky winter touring experience, including my actual route and must-visit spots. After crossing the Aqua-Line, I took a scenic, leisurely ride along local roads—feel free to use this as a reference for your own trip!

Sunrise at Shiroko Beach, Kujukuri Coast
Touring route

Futtsu Cape – Meiji Centennial Observation Tower (13:30)

My first stop after crossing the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line was Futtsu Cape, a classic touring destination. Here stands the unique Meiji Centennial Observation Tower, offering a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay. On clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance. Designed to resemble a five-needle pine tree, its distinctive architecture looks photogenic from every angle.

Futtsu Cape extends narrowly into Tokyo Bay, creating a breathtaking sense of openness, surrounded by the sea on three sides. It’s a perfect spot to take photos with your bike while enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze.

Historically, this area held strategic military significance since the Edo period. Matsudaira Sadanobu of the Shirakawa Domain built a battery here, and it remained a fortified area until the end of World War II. Today, it’s been transformed into Futtsu Park, a popular leisure destination with various facilities for visitors.

Meiji Centennial Memorial Observatory Tower

With its spacious parking area, Futtsu Cape is also a rider-friendly spot, accommodating group tours without parking concerns.

Futtsu Park, 3rd Parking Lot

Unfortunately, Mount Fuji wasn’t visible on this day, but on a clear day, the 360° panoramic view from the observation tower is truly spectacular!

View of Futtsu Cape from the observatory
Futtsu Cape – Meiji Centennial Observation Tower

Address: 2280 Futtsu, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture, 293-0021

Chiba Tourism Navi:https://maruchiba.jp/spot/detail_10337.html

Tōrōzaka Daishi Kiritoshi Tunnel (14:30)

Next, I headed to the mystical Tōrōzaka Daishi Kiritoshi Tunnel, a place that feels like stepping into another world. Surrounded by moss-covered rock walls, the tunnel creates an enchanting atmosphere. Stretching approximately 100 meters, it is flanked by towering rock formations, blending nature and human craftsmanship into a stunning landscape.

This tunnel was once a steep mountain path leading to Tōrōzaka Daishi Hall, a temple where Kōbō Daishi is said to have rested during his travels. In the Meiji and Taishō eras, the path was manually carved through the rock, and during the early Shōwa era, additional excavation was done using stone-cutting techniques from Nokogiri-yama, resulting in the tunnel’s current form.

To get there, take Route 127 south toward Tateyama. Just before Shiroyama Tunnel, turn towards the large red gate of Tōrōzaka Daishi.

Shiroyama Tunnel
Entrance to Tōrōzakadaishi

After passing through the gate and the first tunnel, you’ll arrive at the Kiritoshi Tunnel, a well-known Instagram spot. While I couldn’t take my time with photos due to passing visitors, I still managed to capture a shot of this incredible location!

Tōrōzaka Daishi Kiritoshi Tunnel

Address: 8-2 Hagiu, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture, 299-1622

Futtsu City Website:https://maruchiba.jp/spot/detail_10337.html

Bōsō Flower Line

Flower Line, selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Roads (Photo taken in February)

After capturing some photos at the Kiritoshi Tunnel, I continued south on Route 127 toward Tateyama, eventually merging onto the Bōsō Flower Line (Route 410).

The Bōsō Flower Line is a 46 km coastal route stretching from Shitamachi Intersection in Tateyama City to Wada Town in Minamibōsō City. With light traffic even on weekends, it is a popular touring road known for its smooth and comfortable ride. The climate remains relatively warm even in winter, and from January to March, the roadside comes alive with vibrant yellow nanohana (canola flowers) in full bloom.

Normally, this scenic road offers a refreshing ride along the Pacific Ocean, with the sea breeze adding to the experience. However, on this particular day, strong winds were shaking the palm trees along the roadside, making for a challenging ride. Despite this, the road’s gentle curves and minimal traffic lights ensured a pleasant journey.

Although it was still early January and a bit too soon for the nanohana season, the landscape looked surprisingly warm and bright for winter. One of the highlights of the route is the 6 km section from Ito to Aihama, which has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Roads for its stunning coastal scenery.

The Bōsō Flower Line is a must-ride touring route, offering breathtaking views and a taste of Minamibōsō’s mild winter charm.

Nojimazaki – The Southernmost Point of the Bōsō Peninsula (16:30)

In the late afternoon, I arrived at Nojimazaki, the southernmost point of the Bōsō Peninsula. This area is home to the Nojimazaki Lighthouse, affectionately known as the “Swan Lighthouse.” Surrounding the lighthouse is a well-maintained walking trail, offering stunning ocean views.

Cars and motorcycles can park in the Nojimazaki rotary
Entrance to the promenade
Nojimazaki Lighthouse

I made it just in time for sunset, witnessing the sun sink into the vast Pacific Ocean. Although the strong winds made it difficult to even stand straight, the breathtaking scenery unfolding before me made it all worthwhile. The open, expansive feel unique to the southernmost tip of Bōsō, combined with the ever-changing gradations of the sunset, was mesmerizing.

If you’re planning a two-day touring trip, visiting Nojimazaki in the evening is highly recommended for an unforgettable sunset experience.

Monument marking the southernmost point of the Boso Peninsula
Popular photo spot, “Lovers’ Bench”

Sushiro Kamogawa (18:00)

After leaving Nojimazaki, I continued north toward Kujūkuri. During the day, this route offers stunning views of the Sotobō coastline, but after sunset, it turned into a night ride through the darkness.

For dinner, I made a stop at Sushiro Kamogawa, a budget-friendly sushi chain. They even had Chiba-exclusive menu items, allowing me to enjoy some local specialties.

Limited-edition Chiba menu: 3 pieces of sardines

When solo touring, I prefer a meal that’s quick, tasty, and hassle-freeSushiro is a great choice, offering spacious parkingcounter seating for solo diners, and an easygoing atmosphere—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Spa & Resort Kujukuri Taiyō no Sato (20:00)

After a long day of riding in the cold, nothing beats a relaxing soak in a hot spring! Taiyō no Sato, a spa resort in Kujukuri, offers a variety of facilities, including spacious open-air baths, carbonated hot springs, and even a ganbanyoku (hot stone spa), making it the perfect place to rejuvenate after a ride.

This time, I opted for a day-use bath instead of an overnight stay. While some parts of the facility showed signs of aging, it still provided everything needed to warm up and unwind after a winter ride. Soaking in the open-air bath, feeling the warmth slowly spread through my chilled body, was pure bliss.

Ending a day of touring with a hot spring? Absolutely unbeatable!

Spa & Resort Kujukuri Taiyō no Sato

3445 Ichimatsu, Chosei-mura, Chosei-gun, Chiba Prefecture, 299-4327

Day-use Onsen: Weekdays – 1,400 yen for adults, Weekends & Holidays – 1,700 yen for adults

Website:https://www.taiyounosato.co.jp

Kaikatsu CLUB Mobara Tōbudai Branch (22:30)

After warming up in the hot spring, all that was left to do was get some rest. For the night, I stayed at Kaikatsu CLUB, using their private, lockable room night pack (8 hours, ¥2,570 on weekdays). These private rooms provide a quiet space to relax, and the all-you-can-drink beverage bar is a nice bonus. It’s an affordable yet comfortable overnight option for riders.

Another great feature is the shower rooms, which come in handy if you don’t have the chance to stop by a hot spring. With its great value and convenience, Kaikatsu CLUB is a fantastic choice for a hassle-free stay.

Flat seat, lockable private room
All-you-can-eat ice cream and all-you-can-drink beverages
Kaikatsu CLUB Mobara Tōbudai Branch

Address: 2274-1 Kizaki Mobara city Chiba prefecture 〒297-0016

Website:https://www.kaikatsu.jp/shop/detail/20279.html

Shirako Beach (Furutokoro Beach) (6:00 the next day)

The next morning, I woke up early to catch the sunrise at Shirako Beach (Kosho Beach), one of the best sunrise spots along Kujukuri Beach. It’s conveniently located near Kaikatsu CLUB, making it a perfect destination for an early morning ride. In winter, the crisp morning air makes the sunrise shine even brighter. Watching the sun emerge from the vast horizon is a breathtaking sight—a moment straight out of a movie.

On weekdays, the beach is quiet, allowing you to enjoy the sunrise in peace. Plus, since motorcycles are allowed on the beach, it’s a great chance to capture stunning shots of your bike against the morning glow.

Be cautious—some areas have deep sand, which can be tricky for larger bikes.

Since early winter mornings can be freezing, proper cold-weather gear is essential. But braving the cold is well worth it—welcoming the sunrise in the clear, tranquil air is one of the true joys of an early morning ride.

Shirako Beach (Furutokoro Beach)

Address:Furutokoro Shirako town Choseigun Chiba prefecture 〒299-4212

Boso Skyline (9:30 the next day)

To enjoy the coastal scenery of the Outer Boso region, which I couldn’t see during the previous night’s ride, I chose a route that took me back to Kamogawa in the morning. Then, to end the tour, I rode the Boso Skyline.

The Boso Skyline is a perfect winding road that cuts through the mountain areas of Southern Boso, connecting the Inner Boso and Outer Boso regions. With moderate curves and open views, it offers a pleasant ride. Even in winter, the daytime temperatures are relatively warm, making it comfortable to ride. Additionally, on weekends, there is little traffic, allowing for a stress-free riding experience, and I was able to enjoy a refreshing ride all the way to the end!

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Summary

This time, I enjoyed a winter touring trip around the Boso Peninsula. In the warm Southern Boso, you can ride comfortably even in winter, fully experiencing beautiful coastlines, historic spots, and scenic winding roads.

Winter touring in Boso offers the advantages of fewer crowds at tourist spots and easier riding conditions that are unique to the off-season, making it especially recommended for solo riders. Be sure to bundle up and take on the winter Boso for yourself!

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