2024 Chiba Summer Beach Guide: Onjuku and Katsuura

This seaside town is home to a 2-km stretch of sandy beach, drawing visitors every summer to its high-rise resorts and local inns. You’ll find numerous restaurants and shops in the town, plus a small water park that operates in the summer. It’s also a thriving fishing area and year-round surfing destination, and home to a popular photo spot: the Desert Moon, or Tsuki-no-Sabaku, statue.

2024: Open for swimming July 13 – August 25

Train Access: 10-minute walk from JR Onjuku Station

This is perhaps Katsuura’s — if not all of Chiba’s — most picturesque beach, known for its clear-blue water and a red torii gate that’s found on an island just off shore. The area surrounding Moriya Beach is mostly residential, but temporary public facilities will be set up during the beach season such as showers, changing rooms and food stalls.

2024: Open for swimming July 13 – August 18
*From July 16 – July 28, Moriya Beach will only be open for swimming on Saturdays and Sundays

Train Access: 15-minute walk from JR Kazusa-Okitsu Station

This is a popular beach for locals to gather, and many families come here to play in the shallow, usually calm waters. When the tide is low, the exposed reefs are a popular spot for kids to check out different sea creatures. There is one permanent bathroom facility here, and during the peak season local vendors will set up shop, but if you have trouble finding a place to buy beach supplies, food or drinks, there is a Daily Yamazaki convenience store between the train station and the beach. Be warned that seaweed tends to collect in the water here, so if you aren’t a fan of swimming in the slimy stuff, you may want to try another beach.

2024: Open for swimming July 13 – August 18
*From July 16 – July 28, Okitsu Beach will only be open for swimming on Saturdays and Sundays

Train Access: 5-minute walk from JR Kazusa-Okitsu Station

This beach is known for its white torii gate, the ichi-no-torii for the local Yasaka Shrine. Ubara is also a popular local surf spot, and a favorite of nature lovers who come to hike the nearby Ubara Utopia hiking course.

2024: Open for swimming July 13 – August 18
*From July 16 – July 28, Ubara Beach will only be open for swimming on Saturdays and Sundays

Train Access: 67-minute walk from JR Ubara Station

“Katsuura Water Island” obstacle course: Open from July 11 – September 1 2024

Please note that a reservation is required for the “On the Sea” course, but is not required for the “On the Beach” course. Prices will vary depending on the date, and discounts are available for guests staying at participating nearby hotels.

Reservations can be made on the following website (Japanese): https://www.katsuura-kankou.net/waterisland/

Train Access: 6-minute walk from JR Katsuura Station

With its ocean-view rooms, cafe, shop, local guides and water-sport rentals and lessons, Malibu Point is ready to help you dive right into your Japan ocean adventure. If your ocean activity of choice is surfing, SUP, kayaking, snorkeling or bodyboarding, Malibu Point is your one-stop-shop for equipment rentals, board storage, or even brand-new custom and local goods. For those who would like a surfing, SUP, or yoga lesson, Malibu Point offers those as well.

Learn more here:
Malibu Point | Surf, SUP, or Simply Savor the Japanese Seaside | Visit Chiba

You’ll find Splash Guest House located right along Katsuura’s Hebara Beach. The owner of Splash, Dane Gillett, also runs Splash Surf School, making this guest house a great place to stay if you’re looking to get out on the waves during your time in Katsuura. He also owns and operates SeafariJapan RIB boat tours, giving you another option for experiencing the stunning Katsuura coast. Customizable snorkeling, fishing, and tow tours are also available.

Learn more here:
A Pacific Getaway at Splash Guest House | Visit Chiba