Choshi City: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Choshi City in Chiba Prefecture is a historic port town located at the easternmost point of the Kanto region. Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Tone River, it has prospered through fishing and soy sauce brewing since ancient times.

The city is home to the Inubosaki Lighthouse, famous as Japan’s earliest spot to view the first sunrise of the year, attracting numerous tourists annually. From the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and, on clear days, even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance.

Choshi Port is renowned as one of Japan’s leading fishing ports by catch volume. The port is particularly known for its tuna and mackerel landings, and visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at sushi restaurants and seafood establishments near the market. The local food culture continues to evolve, featuring events like the annual “Choshi Sanma-meshi” (Pacific saury rice bowl) festival.

The city is also known as the birthplace of Yamasa Soy Sauce, one of Japan’s leading soy sauce manufacturers. Factory tours offer insights into the history and production process of soy sauce making. The streets filled with the aroma of soy sauce have become a unique tourist attraction characteristic of Choshi.

The Choshi Electric Railway, cherished as Japan’s easternmost streetcar, offers a delightful local train journey along scenic coastal lines and rural landscapes. Along the railway, visitors can find numerous shops selling local specialties such as “Nure-senbei” (wet rice crackers) and fresh seafood.