Most travelers know Chiba only as the home of Narita Airport or Tokyo Disneyland. But venture just a little farther, and you’ll discover a coastline lined with dramatic cliffs and small towns where a centuries-old seafood craft is still very much alive.
Chiba’s fishing towns have shaped a food culture centered on bonito and kinmedai (splendid alfonsino), with traditions that continue in places like Katsuura. Beyond the harbor, the Boso Peninsula opens into open seas, gentle walking paths, and viewpoints where the horizon feels close enough to touch.
Because it’s only a short ride from the city, Chiba works beautifully as a day trip or weekend retreat, and the best way to get started is at Katsuura. Let this be your starting point to explore a calmer, more flavorful side of Japan—just beyond the capital.
Start Your Seafood Journey at Saraya Hozaki Shoten
For travelers drawn to the Pacific coast of Chiba and eager to taste its maritime heritage, Saraya Hozaki Shoten is a name to remember. With roots stretching back more than a century in the port town of Katsuura, this long-established seafood company has grown alongside the community, refining its craft as fishing practices and tastes have evolved. Today, Saraya Hozaki Shoten is known for turning the daily catch into carefully crafted products that showcase the full flavor of the sea.
A Legacy That Began in the Edo period
The story of Saraya Hozaki Shoten begins in 1855 (the second year of the Ansei era in the late Edo period), when the first-generation Jiromatsu Hosaki was born in Katsuura. He devoted himself not only to fishing, but also to the development of the town itself, contributing to local administration and helping establish and manage a bank (credit union) and a fisheries cooperative.
Building on this foundation, the second-generation Jiromatsu Hosaki founded Hosaki Jiromatsu Shoten, a business dedicated to processing fish landed at Katsuura Port. What began as a local processing shop has, over generations, evolved into Saraya Hozaki Shoten.
Craftsmanship and Local Flavors in Every Step
Saraya Hozaki Shoten’s reputation rests on a meticulous approach that brings out the best in every fish that passes through its doors—whether bonito, kinmedai, or other seasonal catch from Katsuura Port. The processing for their signature katsuo no tataki (seared bonito) begins the moment the fish are landed: they are transported straight to the facility and seared while still at peak freshness.
This minimal time between sea and preparation preserves the clean, lively flavor and firm texture that distinguish their tataki from standard market varieties.
Their katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) reflects a similar devotion to craft. Only bonito caught using ippon-zuri (single-line fishing)—a traditional method that places no stress on the fish—are selected. The catch is then placed into ice-water tanks that preserve freshness and provide an ikejime-like effect (a quality-preserving processing method) to maintain the integrity of the flesh.
Slowly matured in ice water, the fish develops a high concentration of inosinic acid, the compound responsible for deep umami, resulting in beautifully aromatic flakes perfect for rice balls, tofu, ohitashi (a boiled, dashi-soaked side dish), or even mixed with cream cheese for an effortless, umami-rich appetizer.
The standout, of course, is the actual kinmedai, prized for its soft, rich, and naturally sweet flesh. Landed in the nutrient-rich waters of Katsuura, it embodies the premium quality that defines the region’s seafood. The company also looks beyond tradition, offering modern creations such as ajillo (garlic–olive oil seafood dish) made with bonito or striped marlin, and one of Hawaii’s high-end fish, mahi-mahi or shiira (dolphinfish), prepared as fried fillets—now featured in school lunches across Chiba Prefecture. These products reflect Saraya Hozaki Shoten’s philosophy of using every part of the fish, innovating boldly, and sharing traditional flavors in new forms.
Among all their offerings, tuna and kinmedai products, along with lightly processed bonito items that require no refrigeration, remain the top sellers. They are easy to carry and ideal as souvenirs.
Fresh from Katsuura to You
For travelers who want to explore these flavors firsthand, Saraya Hozaki Shoten welcomes visitors at their storefront, located in Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture. The main store can be reached easily from Tokyo by taking the JR Sotobo Line toward Awa-Kamogawa and getting off at Katsuura Station, the closest stop to the shop.
From there, it’s a short 5–10 minute taxi ride or about a 20–25 minute walk to the storefront. Travelers arriving by car can follow the Tateyama Expressway and coastal roads, with parking available nearby, and local buses within Katsuura also serve the area. Visitors are encouraged to check ahead or contact the shop directly to confirm the opening and closing schedule before their visit.
At the main store, you can browse their full lineup of products and purchase freshly made items directly from the source. Their goods are also available at partner souvenir shops throughout the city, mainly at the Katsuura Station Products Store. For those who prefer to shop from afar, many of their most popular products are available online at their official store.
Saraya Hozaki Shoten also remains deeply connected to the communities of Katsuura and its neighboring towns, often joining local events with their popular food truck, serving sashimi and seasonal seafood dishes made from their own products. Travelers may encounter them at spring and summer festivals, regional gatherings in Ichihara City, and especially during the annual Katsuura Big Hina Festival, when hatsu-gatsuo (first bonito) and kinmedai draw visitors eager to taste early-season specialties.
Explore the Coast at Ubara Beach and Cape Hachiman Park
After savoring the flavors of Katsuura’s coast on a visit to Saraya Hozaki Shoten, it’s only fitting to explore the landscapes that shape the region’s rich maritime culture. Just a short distance from the city’s fishing ports, you’ll find some of Chiba’s most breathtaking coastal scenery, where dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views capture the spirit of the Boso Peninsula.
Ubara Beach, An Iconic Coastal Landmark
Famous for its towering cliffs and the striking white torii gate standing at the water’s edge, Ubara Beach is one of the most scenic and photogenic spots along the Boso Peninsula. Its calm shoreline and wide-open horizon make it perfect for peaceful seaside walks, quiet reflection, and capturing the natural beauty of Chiba’s coast. The dramatic contrast between rugged rock formations and gentle waves creates a postcard-like landscape that feels serene.
Ubara Beach is easily reached on foot from Ubara Station on the JR Sotobo Line—about an 8 to 10-minute walk, with the torii gate itself serving as a clear landmark. The beach is also a popular surfing spot, so you’ll often see surfers and beachgoers flocking to the shoreline, especially on good-weather days.
Cape Hachiman Park With Its Panoramic Views of the Pacific
Cape Hachiman Park, once the site of historic Katsuura Castle, is known for its dramatic 40-meter sea cliffs and sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean. The park’s spacious 4,700 m² grounds include walking paths, lawn areas, benches, and playground-style spaces that make it accessible for families and casual strolls, with restrooms and free parking available and no admission fee required.
There are also monuments and statues tied to samurai-era legends, along with an observation deck that offers some of the region’s best sunrise and sunset vistas. Because the cape extends into the sea and remains largely free from urban light, it is also cherished by locals as a peaceful spot for stargazing or enjoying a full-moon night—revealing a different, equally beautiful side of the coast after dark.
The park is accessible by car or taxi from Katsuura Station, with signs guiding visitors to the viewing platforms, and it’s especially rewarding to visit in the morning for crisp horizon views or at sunset when the cliffs and sea glow in warm golden light. It is possible to access it on foot from Katsuura Station, but the walk takes about 30 minutes and is mostly uphill, so most visitors opt for a short taxi ride or travel by car.
Escape and Unwind at edén RESTAURANT & SPA
After taking in the sweeping ocean views from Cape Hachiman Park, the perfect next stop is a place where you can slow down, unwind, and enjoy Katsuura’s coastal elegance in comfort. Just a short drive from the cape—and approximately 20 to 30 minutes from Katsuura Station via a short train hop to Ubara Station followed by a 15-minute walk—edén RESTAURANT & SPA offers a refined, modern retreat that contrasts beautifully with the rugged cliffs and historic atmosphere of the afternoon’s sightseeing.
Inside the restaurant, edén presents a stylish dining experience with a menu that blends coastal flavors with contemporary creativity. Highlights include their paella set, fideua (Spanish pasta paella) , and tapas made with fresh Boso Peninsula seafood. Dessert is equally inviting, featuring choices like Basque cheesecake, hot apple edén pie, and a beautifully executed Kamogawa Lemon sorbet. The airy interior, open kitchen, and large windows framing the sea create an atmosphere perfect for a relaxed lunch or a slow afternoon meal.
Beyond dining, edén’s spa and sauna facilities provide a calm, rejuvenating environment perfect for easing into the slower rhythm of Katsuura. The connected spa offers a tranquil counterpoint to the dining experience, with access to an open-air onsen and indoor sauna. Guests can choose from 1-hour sessions (¥2,000 weekdays / ¥2,400 weekends), 2-hour sessions (¥3,000 / ¥4,000), or a 3-hour session (¥4,000 / ¥5,000)—all options are easy to tailor to your schedule.
edén RESTAURANT & SPA is open daily, with the restaurant operating from 11am to 6pm and the spa from 10am to 7pm. During the summer period (July 18 to September 27), extended hours apply, with the restaurant open from 11am to 7pm and the spa from 10am to 9pm. It’s an easy and flexible stop whether you’re visiting after lunch, an afternoon of sightseeing, or just looking for a perfect dinner spot. To make the most of your stay, you can also have a look at their souvenir area featuring local Katsuura products and souvenirs before you leave.
Why Katsuura, Chiba Belongs on Your Travel Map
Katsuura City brings together experiences that unfold naturally from morning to evening. You begin with the flavors of the port, meeting long-established seafood shops, discovering century-old craftsmanship, and tasting the region’s specialties fresh from the source. As the day widens, the coast takes over: Ubara Beach, Cape Hachiman Park, and the dramatic Boso scenery offer open horizons, cliffside trails, and views that slow the pace of the afternoon.
By early evening, edén RESTAURANT & SPA offers a different kind of quiet, inviting you to unwind with good food and warm saunas before the day settles into calm. Few destinations balance tradition, nature, and contemporary relaxation with such a good rhythm as Katsuura.
And Katsuura is just one example of what makes Chiba such an appealing coastal prefecture for travelers coming from Tokyo. Less than two hours from the capital, Chiba offers some of the region’s freshest seafood, scenic walking routes, historic viewpoints, and calm beaches—all within easy reach. Katsuura and the wider Chiba coastline offer a restorative seaside experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned to the city.
