About
Historic Inubosaki Lighthouse (1874) standing on Cape Inubo, the easternmost point of Kanto region. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cape Inubo (Inubosaki) is the easternmost point of the Kanto region and one of the earliest places in mainland Honshu to witness sunrise, featuring a 150-year-old lighthouse designed by Richard Henry Brunton. The adjacent Byobugaura Cliffs stretch 10 kilometers along the Pacific coast, earning the nickname "Dover of the Orient" for their dramatic white stratified sea cliffs rising up to 60 meters above the ocean. 🔗 🔗
Cape Inubo's name derives from a legend involving Minamoto no Yoshitsune's abandoned dog, which howled for seven days before turning to stone—"Inubo" literally means "dog-howling cape." 🔗 The cape's position as the easternmost point of mainland Kanto makes it one of the earliest places in Japan to witness sunrise, particularly celebrated during hatsuhinode (first sunrise of the New Year). The cape's dramatic scenery features prominently in the iconic opening logo of Toei Company film studio. 🔗
Cultural & Religious Significance
Inubosaki Lighthouse:
The centerpiece is the Inubosaki Lighthouse, completed on November 15, 1874, and designed by Scottish engineer Richard Henry Brunton, who supervised construction using Japan's first domestically-produced red bricks—193,000 in total, manufactured specifically for this project in Tomioka Village. 🔗
The 31.3-meter cylindrical brick tower features double-wall construction due to concerns about brick strength and houses one of Japan's few remaining original first-order Fresnel lenses still in operation, producing 2,000,000 candela visible for 19.5 nautical miles. It ranks as Japan's second-tallest brick lighthouse and holds status as a National Important Cultural Property. 🔗
The lighthouse's construction was motivated by the tragic wreck of the Tokugawa navy warship Mikaho on October 6, 1868, during a typhoon at Cape Inubo, which resulted in 13 deaths and highlighted the critical need for navigational infrastructure along this treacherous coastline. 🔗
Byobugaura Cliffs Geological Significance:
The Byobugaura Cliffs extend approximately 10 kilometers from Choshi to Cape Gyobumi in Asahi City, rising 40-60 meters above the Pacific Ocean. The cliffs' resemblance to England's White Cliffs of Dover earned them the nickname "Dover of the Orient" (Toyo no Dover). In March 2016, the Japanese government designated Byobugaura as both a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument in recognition of its magnificent scenery and geological significance. 🔗 🔗
The cliffs display four distinct geological strata that tell the story of Earth's history: the uppermost reddish Kanto Loam Stratum contains volcanic material from ancient Mount Fuji and Mount Hakone eruptions; the middle sections comprise the Katori Stratum and chalky-white Iioka Stratum; and the base consists of the Naarai Stratum. These easily eroded clay formations have retreated approximately 3.7 miles over the past 700 years due to relentless Pacific wave erosion. The cliffs are part of the Choshi Geopark and the southernmost section of Suigo-Tsukuba Quasi-National Park. 🔗 🔗
Historically, Sanuki Castle was constructed during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) by Tsuneharu Kataoka, positioned 100 meters from the present Iioka Lighthouse location, though the castle remains have been lost to marine erosion—a testament to the cliffs' ongoing transformation. 🔗
Visiting Information
Access from Tokyo/Shibuya:
By Train (Recommended for Day Trip):
- From Tokyo Station: Take JR Sobu Line Limited Express Shiosai to Choshi Station (approximately 2 hours)
- From Choshi Station: Transfer to Choshi Electric Railway bound for Tokawa
- To Cape Inubo: Alight at Inubo Station (17 minutes from Choshi, 4th stop)
- To Byobugaura: Continue to stations between Inubo and Tokawa, or use Choshi Marina as base
- Alternative: 20-minute bus ride from Choshi Station to Inubo area
- Total journey time: Approximately 2.5-3 hours from central Tokyo
- Cost: Approximately ¥4,000 one-way by train 🔗 🔗
Choshi Electric Railway Details:
- One-day pass: ¥700 (unlimited rides, excellent value for exploring multiple stops)
- Schedule: Approximately one train per hour during daytime
- Line: 10 stops covering 6.4 km from Choshi Station to Tokawa Station (28 minutes total)
- Important: SUICA and PASMO IC cards NOT accepted—cash tickets only
- Special attraction: The railway sells famous nuresenbei (wet rice crackers) at all manned stations 🔗 🔗
By Car:
- Distance from Tokyo: Approximately 120 km (2.5-3 hours depending on traffic)
- Distance from Narita Airport: Approximately 60 km (1 hour)
- Parking: Available at Choshi Marina for Byobugaura access; parking facilities near Inubo Station and lighthouse area
- Route: Via Higashi-Kanto Expressway to Chiba, then Route 126 to Choshi 🔗
Local Transportation Between Sites:
- Walking from Inubo Station to lighthouse: 10 minutes
- Distance between Cape Inubo and Byobugaura main viewing areas: Approximately 5-8 km
- Best approach: Use Choshi Electric Railway to move between areas
- Walking path: Paved walking trail extends from Choshi Marina along the base of Byobugaura Cliffs 🔗
Cape Inubo Lighthouse:
Operating Hours:
- October-February (including November): 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Open daily (may close during stormy weather or maintenance) 🔗
Admission:
- Adults (junior high and older): ¥300
- Elementary school students and younger: Free
- Includes access to 99-step spiral staircase to observation deck and small museum at base 🔗
Facilities:
- Inubo Terrace: Multi-floor facility featuring dining space, bakery, local produce, snacks, operational white postbox for postcards, and second floor souvenir shop with special recliners with floor-to-ceiling windows for ocean viewing
- Lighthouse museum: Small exhibition space at lighthouse base displaying original first-order Fresnel lens and maritime history
- Walking paths: Multiple trails around the cape, including routes descending to the rocky coastline
- Buddhist temple: Colorful Southeast Asian-style temple at cape's rear 🔗 🔗
Byobugaura Cliffs:
Access & Viewing:
- Choshi Marina: Primary access point with parking facilities and restroom amenities
- Walking path: Well-maintained paved trail at cliff base extending from Choshi Marina
- Cliff top access: Restricted due to erosion instability, lack of safety barriers, and private property
- Free access: No admission fees for viewing cliffs or walking trails
- Viewing duration: 1-2 hours for leisurely walk along accessible sections 🔗 🔗
Best Time to Visit:
- Sunrise at Cape Inubo: Approximately 6:00-6:30 AM in November (one of earliest sunrise spots in Kanto)
- Byobugaura sunset with Mount Fuji: Late afternoon on clear days—cliffs face southwest, offering potential views of sunset behind Mount Fuji
- Crowd avoidance: November weekdays offer minimal crowds
- Photography lighting: Morning for Cape Inubo sunrise and lighthouse; late afternoon/sunset for Byobugaura cliff colors and Mount Fuji views 🔗
November Weather Conditions:
- Temperature: 14.5-17.4°C (58-63°F) average; comfortable for outdoor activities
- Atmospheric pressure: Highest of the year at 1017.7 mbar—indicates stable, clear weather patterns
- Visibility: Generally excellent with crisp autumn air; ideal for ocean views and distant mountain sightings (Mount Fuji)
- Ocean conditions: Pacific waters too cold for swimming; expect moderate waves and sea breezes
- Clothing recommendation: Layers essential; windbreaker or light jacket for coastal winds; comfortable walking shoes for cliff trails 🔗
Current Status (2025): Both sites fully operational with no reported closures or major renovations. Lighthouse may close temporarily during severe weather.
The Visitor Experience
Cape Inubo Experience:
Lighthouse Ascent: Climb the 99-step spiral staircase inside the 31.3-meter brick tower to reach the observation deck. From this vantage point, enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon on three sides, with rocky shores and reef formations visible below. On exceptionally clear November days, you may spot distant Mount Fuji to the southwest. The climb provides intimate views of the lighthouse's historic architecture, including the original first-order Fresnel lens still in operation. 🔗
Maritime History Museum: The small museum at the lighthouse base exhibits the facility's 150-year history, featuring maritime artifacts, historical photographs, and educational displays about the lighthouse's role in coastal navigation. The museum preserves the original large-sized first-order Fresnel lens alongside information about engineer Richard Henry Brunton's work across Japan. 🔗
Coastal Exploration: Multiple walking paths traverse the cape's landscape, including trails descending to the rocky coastline where powerful Pacific waves crash against reef formations and marine caves. The expansive pine forests offer picturesque, peaceful walks. Visit the colorful Buddhist temple at the cape's rear, whose Southeast Asian-inspired architecture provides unique photo opportunities. 🔗
Inubo Terrace: This modern multi-story facility combines commerce with contemplation. Browse the souvenir shop's lighthouse-themed merchandise, sample local baked goods, and purchase regional specialties. The second floor's special recliners positioned before floor-to-ceiling windows create an ideal space for extended ocean gazing and wildlife watching (seabirds are abundant). Mail a postcard from the operational white postbox at the lighthouse base—a unique memento of your visit. 🔗
Byobugaura Cliffs Experience:
Geological Wonder Walking: The paved walking path extending from Choshi Marina provides the optimal perspective for appreciating the cliffs' imposing scale and dramatic striations. Walk beneath towering walls of layered sediment—the reddish Kanto Loam, chalky-white Iioka Stratum, and darker base layers—each telling a story of volcanic eruptions, seabed accumulation, and tectonic uplift spanning millions of years. The path's length allows for extended exploration; walk as much or as little as desired. 🔗
Photography Paradise: The "Dover of the Orient" nickname reflects the cliffs' photogenic qualities. Capture the interplay of geological layers, the meeting of earth and sea, and the powerful waves sculpting these formations. The southwest-facing orientation means afternoon and sunset light illuminates the cliff faces beautifully. On exceptionally clear November days, attempt the iconic shot of Mount Fuji's silhouette framed by the cliffs during sunset—a rare and spectacular image possible primarily in winter months with high visibility. 🔗
Nature Observation: The beach and cliff base attract diverse birdlife, particularly seabirds and shorebirds. The relatively undeveloped coastline offers opportunities to experience the raw power of the Pacific Ocean in a contemplative setting. November's cooler temperatures and reduced crowds create an almost meditative atmosphere for nature appreciation. 🔗
Film Location Recognition: The cliffs' dramatic appearance has made them a favorite filming location for Japanese television, films, and commercials. Architecture and cinema enthusiasts may recognize scenes from various productions set against these distinctive white cliffs. 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
November Seasonal Advantages:
Optimal Weather Conditions: November brings Choshi's highest atmospheric pressure of the year (1017.7 mbar), translating to stable weather patterns with frequent clear skies and excellent visibility. The 14-17°C temperatures feel refreshing rather than cold during active walking, while coastal winds remain moderate rather than harsh. This combination creates ideal conditions for extended outdoor exploration and photography. 🔗
Mount Fuji Visibility: Winter months (including November) offer the best chances for clear Mount Fuji views from Byobugaura during sunset. The crisp, dry autumn air provides far superior visibility compared to humid summer months. Time your Byobugaura visit for late afternoon (3:00-4:30 PM) to maximize chances of witnessing this iconic sight. 🔗
Reduced Crowds: November represents a sweet spot between autumn foliage peak crowds (October) and winter holiday visitors. Weekdays during your visit period will be notably quiet, allowing peaceful, contemplative experiences at both locations. The only major crowd event is New Year's Day sunrise viewing, well outside your travel dates. 🔗
Photography Conditions: November's lower sun angle creates longer, more dramatic golden hour periods for photography. Sunrise occurs around 6:15-6:30 AM, while sunset happens around 4:30-4:45 PM, both offering excellent photographic lighting. The clear skies and reduced humidity enhance color saturation in photographs. 🔗
Safety & Practical Considerations:
Cliff Safety:
- Stay on marked paved paths along cliff base
- Do NOT attempt to access cliff tops (unstable, private property, no barriers)
- Be aware of coastal winds near cliff edges and lighthouse observation deck
- Watch for occasional waves reaching higher on beach during high tide
- Erosion is ongoing—maintain safe distance from cliff faces 🔗
Weather Preparedness:
- Layer clothing for temperature fluctuations between sunny and shaded areas
- Windbreaker essential for coastal exposure
- Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes (some rocky terrain near cape coastline)
- Sunglasses helpful for ocean glare even in November
- Check weather forecast before departure; lighthouse may close during storms 🔗
Facility Limitations:
- Restrooms available at Choshi Marina and Inubo Terrace; none along Byobugaura walking path
- Limited food options directly at cliffs (bring snacks/water or plan lunch in Choshi proper)
- Choshi Electric Railway has limited frequency (hourly service); note return train times
- Cash required for railway tickets (IC cards not accepted) 🔗 🔗
Photography Strategy:
Best Photo Spots:
- Lighthouse sunrise: Arrive before 6:00 AM for predawn colors; position east of lighthouse to capture building silhouette against rising sun
- Lighthouse from coastal path: Walk down to rocky shore below cape for dramatic upward angle shots
- Byobugaura cliff striations: Mid-afternoon sidelight emphasizes geological layers
- Mount Fuji sunset from Byobugaura: Position along western sections around 4:00 PM; use telephoto lens
- White postbox at lighthouse: Charming detail shot representing maritime postal tradition 🔗
Equipment Recommendations:
- Wide-angle lens for cliff scale and lighthouse interior spiral staircase
- Telephoto lens for Mount Fuji sunset and detail shots of cliff geology
- Neutral density filters for smooth water effects with Pacific waves
- Tripod permitted but not essential (November daylight sufficient for handheld)
Local Etiquette & Cultural Sensitivity:
General Behavior:
- Remove shoes if entering any temple buildings at cape
- Keep voices moderate near lighthouse observation deck (small, enclosed space)
- Stay on designated paths to prevent erosion and respect private property
- Do not litter; carry trash until reaching proper disposal facilities
- Photography of other visitors requires their consent
Maritime Respect:
- The lighthouse remains an active navigational aid; treat it as working infrastructure not just tourist attraction
- Acknowledge the historical significance and lives saved by this facility over 150 years
- Be mindful that fishing remains Choshi's primary industry; show respect for local maritime workers
Geological Conservation:
- Do not attempt to climb cliff faces or remove geological samples
- Understand that erosion is natural but human impact accelerates damage
- Appreciate that this designated National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument status reflects its importance to Japan's natural heritage 🔗
Dining Recommendations:
Between Cape Inubo and Byobugaura visits, take advantage of Choshi's reputation as one of Japan's most productive fishing ports. The city's catches have ranked largest in Japan for six consecutive years. 🔗
Wosse 21 Fish Market & Restaurants:
- Location: Directly connected to Choshi Port Tower; approximately 9 minutes by car from JR Choshi Station
- Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM daily
- Offerings: 10 seafood shops selling fresh catch, multiple restaurants serving catch of the day
- Special event: Third Sunday of each month features tuna dissection demonstration and free tastings
- Tip: Purchase fresh seafood for takeaway at market prices 🔗
Local Specialties:
- Fresh tuna: Try maguro donburi (tuna rice bowl)
- Nuresenbei: Choshi Electric Railway's famous "wet" rice crackers (soy sauce glazed)
- Choshi soy sauce: Heritage brands Yamasa and Higeta dating to Edo period 🔗
Nearby Attractions for Combined Visit:
- Kimigahama Beach: One stop from Inubo Station; offers gentle curve of sandy beach with different coastal perspective 🔗
- Enpuku-ji Temple: At Kannon Station; features stunning temple hall and five-story pagoda 🔗
- Choshi Port Tower: 57.7-meter twin tower with observation hall (¥420 admission); combine with lunch at Wosse 21 🔗
Integration with Chiba Day Trip Options:
Cape Inubo and Byobugaura Cliffs represent the northeastern coastal experience within Chiba Prefecture's diverse offerings. This day trip combines exceptionally well with:
- Maritime Heritage Theme: Complements Chiba coastal exploration; contrasts with urban Tokyo by providing raw Pacific Ocean exposure and working fishing port culture
- Photography-Focused Itinerary: Combines lighthouse architecture, geological formations, coastal landscapes, and potential Mount Fuji sunset
- Cultural History Interest: The 150-year-old Brunton-designed lighthouse represents Meiji-era modernization and Japan's adoption of Western technology
- Nature & Geology Theme: Byobugaura's visible geological strata and ongoing erosion provide accessible earth science education
Important Notes for November 9-18 Visit:
Timing Optimization: Consider visiting midweek (Wednesday-Thursday) for absolute minimal crowds and most peaceful experience.
Weather Contingency: While November generally offers stable weather, if forecasts show storms or heavy rain, the lighthouse may close for safety. Have a backup plan (Choshi fish market and Port Tower are indoor alternatives).
Transportation Timing: The Limited Express Shiosai from Tokyo Station offers the fastest route (2 hours). The Choshi Electric Railway's hourly daytime service means paying attention to return timing—missing a train adds substantial wait time.
Sunset Timing Precision: Sunset during November 9-18 occurs approximately 4:30-4:40 PM. To witness potential Mount Fuji sunset from Byobugaura, position yourself along the walking path by 4:00 PM at latest.
Combined Duration Reality: A thorough combined visit requires 5-6 hours on-site (10:00 AM arrival, 3:30-4:30 PM departure). Add 2-2.5 hours each direction for travel from central Tokyo. This makes for a full 10-11 hour day.
Alternative Consideration: If seeking a less intensive day trip, Cape Inubo alone (without Byobugaura) provides a satisfying 3-4 hour experience focused on the lighthouse, Inubo Terrace, and coastal walks.
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/chiba/cape-inubo-byobugaura-cliffs.md