Katsuura Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Katsuura in Japan? This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to make the most of your stay, including top attractions, best food and drink options, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Katsuura

Katsuura is a beautiful town located in the Chiba Prefecture in Kanto, Japan. With its beautiful coastline, lush nature, fascinating cultural attractions, and delicious cuisine, Katsuura is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the very best of Japan. In this travel guide, we’ve compiled valuable information on Katsuura’s top attractions, food and drink, where to stay, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Katsuura

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Katsuura has many culturally significant sites that offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and culture. Some of the must-visit places include:

  • Katsuura Museum of Art: The museum’s impressive collection includes artworks by renowned Japanese artists and pieces from Katsuura’s local cultural heritage.
  • Katsuura Tokyu REI Hotel: Located on a hill that overlooks the town, this hotel was constructed to commemorate the 100th-year anniversary of the Tokyu Corporation. This hotel has a fascinating museum where visitors can learn about Tokyu’s corporate history and view the state-of-the-art technologies of the future.
  • Namikiri Shrine: This stunning shrine is located on top of a hill surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of Katsuura Bay from the top.

Natural Attractions of Katsuura: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Katsuura’s natural beauty is simply breathtaking, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top natural attractions to visit:

  • Kamogawa Sea World: Be entertained and amazed by Japan’s largest marine park where guests pay a small entrance fee to see majestic whales, dolphins, penguins, and breathtaking aquascapes.
  • Mount Yawata: With an elevation of 242 meters, hiking to the summit of Mount Yawata is an ideal activity for trekking enthusiasts or those looking to take in some stunning views of Katsuura town from the top.
  • Katsuura Beach: With its sea turtles, clear waters, and white sand, Katsuura Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic sunset, lay out for a tan, surf, or any other water activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Katsuura

Katsuura offers many scenic hiking and biking routes that take you through the town’s beautiful terrain, rivers, and oceans. Here are the top hiking/biking routes to explore:

  • Saburoyama Park: Saburoyama Park is a 40-hectare park where visitors can take a leisurely stroll, hike through the park’s forest, or watch a live bird show.
  • Katsuura Wakashio Line: This 39-kilometer hiking and biking trail runs from Katsuura Station to Kamogawa City, highlighting Katsuura’s beautiful bay and surrounding forests.
  • Tako Biking Route: The Tako Biking Route is a 25-kilometer trail that runs between the Katsuura Station to the Tako Town. It is ideal for novice bikers.

Best Things to Do in Katsuura: Activities and Tours

Aside from the outdoor adventures, Katsuura offers many fun and fascinating things to do. Here are some of the best activities and tours to participate in:

  • Chiba Marine Tower: Built in 1986 to commemorate the 70th-year anniversary of Chiba city, Chiba Marine Tower offers breathtaking views of Katsuura Bay and the surrounding landscapes.
  • Coastal Walks: Stroll along Katsuura’s beautiful coastline as you take in the fresh ocean air and learn about the town’s rich history and culture.
  • Katsuura Fishing Port: Katsuura’s fishing port is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers. Here, visitors can witness fishermen unloading their daily catches while sampling freshly caught seafood dishes at the on-site restaurants.

Week-Long Itinerary for Katsuura

To make the most of your Katsuura vacation, we recommend a week-long itinerary that includes the following:

Day Activity
1 Explore Kamogawa Sea World
2 Hike to the Anmon falls, Namikiri shrine and the Katsuura Wakashio line
3 Visit Katsuura Museum of Art and the Katsuura Tokyu REI Hotel
4 Take a coastal walk and visit Mount Yawata
5 Visit Tako Town and bike the Tako Biking Trail
6 Enjoy Katsuura Beach and Saburoyama Park
7 Explore Katsuura Fishing Port and try Japan’s local seafood dishes

Food and Drink Scene of Katsuura

Must-Try Dishes

Katsuura is known for its delicious seafood dishes. Here are some of the must-try local dishes:

  • Katsuura Tantanmen: This ramen dish is made with noodles, ground pork, and a spicy broth. It’s a local favorite and can be found at most restaurants.
  • Katsuura Seafood: Katsuura fishing port is famous for its fresh seafood. Visitors can savor melt-in-your-mouth sushi, sashimi, crab, and other seafood specialities at any of the on-site restaurants.
  • Katsuura-Kama: This fish dish is made by grilling the fish’s head, tail, and fin. It’s served with soy sauce and is a perfect example of Katsuura’s authentic cuisine.

Local Beverages

Katsuura has many unique beverages that you should try during your visit. Here are some of the local drink specialties:

  • Sake: Katsuura is known for its high-quality sake. Visitors can sample a variety of sake brands at the local liquor stores and restaurants.
  • Green Tea: Katsuura is also famous for its organic green tea. Visitors can explore and learn about the process of tea-making while enjoying a cup of tea at the local tea shops.

Where to Stay in Katsuura: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Katsuura offers various accommodation options suiting every budget and preference. Here are our top picks for each category:

  • Luxury: Katsuura Tokyu REI Hotel
  • Mid-Range: Katsuura Crystalsai-A traditional Japanese Ryokan
  • Budget: Guesthouse Katsuura: A cozy and affordable guesthouse with a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean.

What to Buy in Katsuura: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Katsuura has many unique souvenirs and local products to bring back home. Here are some of the best items to consider:

  • Hakuputokan: This shop offers handwoven fabrics and traditional Japanese garments made in Katsuura by local artisans.
  • Katsuura T-shirts: These unique t-shirts come with fun designs like the iconic Kamogawa Sea World mascot, whale sharks, and other marine creatures.
  • Sake: Visitors can take home a bottle of locally-produced sake made from Niigata’s famous sake-making process.

Local Culture and Customs of Katsuura

One of Katsuura’s uniqueness is its deep-rooted history and culture. Visitors should embrace and respect the Japanese culture and customs. Here are some tips:

  • Respect other people’s personal space: Japanese people value privacy and personal space. Visitors should refrain from shouting, making noise or littering.
  • Remove your shoes: Japanese homes and some public places require guests to remove their shoes before entering.
  • Practice Japanese manners: Visitors should practice basic manners such as bowing, using chopsticks properly, and saying, “please” and “thank you.”

Best Time to Visit Katsuura

Katsuura’s weather is often mild and temperate year-round, making any season ideal for vacation. However, the best time to visit is from March to November, when temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Katsuura

Do:

  • Respect the environment: Visitors should help preserve Katsuura’s natural environment, wildlife, and cultural sites.
  • Try the local food: Katsuura’s food scene is among the best in Japan. Visitors should try the local specialty dishes and seafood that the city has to offer.
  • Learn the language: Learning a few Japanese phrases will go a long way in helping visitors communicate with the locals.

Don’t:

  • Never tip: It’s considered rude to tip in Japan. Visitors should never offer tips, and instead compliment the staff for their fantastic service.
  • Do not be too loud: Visitors should avoid being too loud in public places, especially late at night.
  • Don’t touch anyone without permission: Japanese people value privacy and personal space. Visitors should ask for permission before taking photographs and avoid touching people without mutual consent.

Safety and Health

Safety in Katsuura

Katsuura is a safe city with low crime rates, making it an ideal destination for tourists. However, visitors should always practice caution and take necessary precautions while exploring the city.

Health in Katsuura

Japan has an excellent healthcare system that’s widely accessible. Visitors should take out travel insurance to cover any healthcare costs while in Japan.

Getting to Katsuura: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Katsuura

The closest international airports to Katsuura are Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Katsuura

Katsuura town is well-connected by a bus network with most major tourist attractions within the city.

Other Options

Katsuura is a coastal city that is well-connected by rail and private taxi services. Visitors can take the JR line from Tokyo to Kamogawa station and transfer by bus to Katsuura.

How to Get Around in Katsuura

Katsuura has excellent public transport, including buses and taxis. Visitors can use the local bus network to get to most attractions within the city.

Where to Go Next from Katsuura: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Katsuura, visitors can consider taking day trips to nearby destinations such as Tokyo, Kamogawa city, and Yokohama City.

Conclusion

With its stunning natural beauty, fascinating culture, delicious cuisine, and warm and welcoming locals, Katsuura in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture is an ideal destination for visitors looking to experience the very best of Japan. We hope that our comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to make your Katsuura vacation unforgettable.

Hina Doll Festival display at Tomisaki Shrine Hina Doll Festival display at Tomisaki Shrine Katsuura tantanmen Katsuura tantanmen