Minami Boso (Chiba)
Minami Boso, located on the southern tip of Chiba Prefecture in Japan, offers some of the most scenic and enjoyable cycling routes in the region. Known for its coastal roads, lush rolling hills, and charming rural villages, the area provides both beginner and experienced cyclists with diverse landscapes. Riders can enjoy panoramic ocean views along the Pacific coast, visit local flower fields, and stop by historic temples and lighthouses. The mild climate and well-maintained roads make it a year-round destination, perfect for those looking to combine outdoor adventure with a touch of Japanese countryside charm.
Riding
In particular the location near the coast, makes it an ideal place to cycle during the winter where the winter morning temperatures can be several degrees warmer than those of Tokyo.
Along the Coast
From Tateyama Station area to Chikura Station area, there is 40km of lovely coastal roads. These are made of by Chiba Prefecturial road 257 and National Route 410. Futher north than Tateyama and the coastal road is busy, same thing as for farther up the coast from Chikura in the East
Rolling Hills
A lot of the interior of the Boso Peninsula is made up of low rolling hills which can give way to lovely riding scenery without too much in terms of steepness. These make it easy to have a half-ocean, half-mountain ride in Minami-Boso and south Chiba
Rice Terraces
Chiba generally has rice terraces across the prefecture but in the south they are particularly nice as they are nestled in the mountains
Oyama Rice Terraces (大山千枚田)
Oyama Senmaida rice terraces are along some of the best active rice terraces in Japan. They are listed as one officially one of the 100 Rice Terraces of Japan and the closest ones to Tokyo.
As they are on a hillside just off one of the main refecturial roads so there is a small amount of climbing involved in getting to the terraces but it’s less than 100 vertical meters. (Google Maps Link)
Routes
Base Route
The coast from Tateyama to Chikura (the portion that has low traffic) is about 40km
Wabisabi Minami Boso Ocean and Mountain Route
The Wabisabi preferred route around Minami Boso is the route below that also adds a bit of mountain riding for balance. At under 100km, small extensions to the route here and there mean there are endless possibilities for variations.
We usually park the car at (Michi-no-eki) Road Station Furari Tomiyama (Google Map link) and ride from there however, taking the train at started at Tomiura or Tateyama stations would also be equally possible!
Things to do and see
Kawatsu sakura
Kawatsu Sakura (the early blooming variety of deep pink cherry blossoms) are most famous in South Izu, however the town of Kyonan (鋸南町) just North of Minami Boso has been putting a lot of effort into planting them around the city. According to the city, over 15,000 early blooming Kawatsu-Sakura are planted around the city
In particular, the area around Sakuma Dam (Google Map Link) has many but they are everywhere in town and start to bloom from early to mid February)
Getting there and away
Train
Tateyama Station, the gateway to the picturesque Minami Boso region, is easily accessible by train from Tokyo. From Tokyo Station, travelers can take the JR Uchibo Line on a direct journey, which takes approximately two hours. For those using the JR Sobu Line, a transfer at Chiba Station connects you to the Uchibo Line for the final leg to Tateyama. Along the way, the scenic route offers views of Tokyo Bay and the countryside, making the train ride an enjoyable part of the journey. Tateyama Station is a convenient starting point for exploring the area’s natural beauty and coastal charm.
On weekends, Tateyama Station is also served by the Shinjuku Sazanami limited express, which offers a convenient and faster option from central Tokyo. Departing from Shinjuku Station, this direct service takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Tateyama, offering a comfortable and scenic ride through the countryside and along the coastline. The Sazanami limited express is a great choice for travelers looking to save time and enjoy a more relaxing journey to the heart of Minami Boso.
Car
Getting to Minami Boso by car is a scenic and convenient option for travelers. From central Tokyo, the journey takes about 90 minutes via the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, a combination of a bridge and tunnel crossing the bay. After exiting the Aqua-Line, follow the Tateyama Expressway, which leads directly to the heart of the Minami Boso region. Driving also allows for a variety of starting locations including one of the many Michi-no-eki (road stations) littered aroud south Chiba
