Boso driving guide: Tateyama, Shirahama and Kamogawa

This drive covers the southern Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, from Kanaya and Mount Nokogiri in Futtsu through Kyonan, Minamiboso, Tateyama and Kamogawa. Follow the coast from Uchibo on Tokyo Bay, around Tateyama and Shirahama at the peninsula's tip, to Sotobo on the Pacific.

Below is a one-day route from Hota in Kyonan through Tateyama and Shirahama to Kamogawa, with roads, stops and parking along the way.

Map of the Boso area

The line follows the route described under “A first visit: Hota to Kamogawa via Tateyama and Shirahama.” Numbered markers show the stops: green for sights and nature, blue for roadside stations. Tap a number to see its name.

Recommended drives

A first visit: Hota to Kamogawa via Tateyama and Shirahama

Start at Hota Shogakko roadside station and head south on National Route 127. Visit Tomiura Biwa Club roadside station and Gake Kannon before Shiroyama Park in Tateyama. Continue past Okinoshima and Sunosaki Lighthouse, then take the Boso Flower Line to Nojimasaki Lighthouse at the southern tip. Stop at the roadside stations in Chikura and Wadaura, then follow National Route 128 along the Pacific coast to Niemonjima Island and Kamogawa Sea World.

The route is about 100km, with around 2 hours 20 minutes of driving. Distance and time are calculated from map data and exclude traffic delays.

From Umihotaru Parking Area, Kamogawa Sea World is about 1 hour 10 minutes away via Kimitsu IC, the Boso Skyline and Prefectural Route 24.

Use Futtsu-Kanaya or Kyonan-Hota IC for Mount Nokogiri

National Route 127 is closed between Kanaya and Motona following a cliff collapse caused by Typhoon 25. Until it reopens, the Futtsu-Tateyama Road is toll-free between Futtsu-Takeoka or Futtsu-Kanaya IC and Kyonan-Hota IC.

For the Mount Nokogiri Ropeway, leave at Futtsu-Kanaya IC and drive about 5 minutes. For the vehicle entrance to Nihonji Temple, leave at Kyonan-Hota IC and head back towards Tokyo.

Sunset at Okinoshima or Nojimasaki

At Okinoshima, Mount Fuji and the sunset can be seen across Tateyama Bay. You can drive as far as the beach that connects the island to the mainland. There are sunset-viewing benches around Nojimasaki Lighthouse.

Sunset in Chiba is at 16:46 on October 31 and 16:33 on November 15.

Roads you can drive

Places to stop

Views and nature

Numbers match the map.

Nihonji's Omotesando walking path is closed because of rockfall. At Shiroyama Park, the path from Shiki no Oka to the castle is closed following a landslide.

Roadside stations

Best seasons and crowds

Where and when it gets busy

• On weekends and holidays, Kawasaki-bound Aqua-Line traffic from Kisarazu peaks around 17:00. The return journey is quieter after 20:00.
• The Shiramazu flower fields in Chikura get very busy on holidays.
• There may be a wait for parking at Kamogawa Sea World on weekends and holidays.
• Oyama Senmaida parking is sometimes unavailable because owners use it for work on weekends and schools use it for activities on weekdays.

Road closures and restrictions as of October 26

• The roughly 1.5km section of National Route 127 between Kanaya and Motona has been closed since September 21. A reopening date has not been set.
• The Futtsu-Tateyama Road is toll-free between Futtsu-Takeoka or Futtsu-Kanaya IC and Kyonan-Hota IC until National Route 127 reopens.
• Prefectural Route 34, Nagasa Kaido, is fully closed at Ichibara in Kyonan. As of October 25, repairs were expected to take around 2 weeks.
• Prefectural Route 185 is closed at Otsu, Tomiura, Minamiboso.

Getting there and fuel

Fill up in central Kisarazu, Kimitsu or Tateyama before setting out. EV charging is available at Hota Shogakko and Tomiura Biwa Club roadside stations.

If you don't have a car

Find pickup locations in the Chiba car-rental directory. Check the driving licence and IDP guide and airport car-rental pickup guide before booking.

Frequently asked questions

Which route works for a day in Boso?

Drive from Hota to Tateyama on National Route 127, pass Okinoshima and Sunosaki Lighthouse, then take the Boso Flower Line to Nojimasaki Lighthouse. Continue through Chikura and Wadaura to Kamogawa. The route is about 100km, with around 2 hours 20 minutes of driving.

Is National Route 127 open?

The Kanaya–Motona section has been closed since September 21. Until it reopens, the Futtsu-Tateyama Road is toll-free between Futtsu-Takeoka or Futtsu-Kanaya IC and Kyonan-Hota IC.

How much is the Aqua-Line?

Standard cars with ETC pay ¥800 on weekdays. Weekend and holiday rates vary by time: Kawasaki-bound travel costs ¥1,600 from 13:00 to 19:00 and ¥400 from 20:00 to 24:00. Without ETC, the fare is ¥3,140.

How do I drive to Mount Nokogiri?

For the ropeway, leave at Futtsu-Kanaya IC and drive about 5 minutes. For Nihonji's vehicle entrance, leave at Kyonan-Hota IC and head back towards Tokyo.

Can I buy petrol in Boso?

Fill up in central Kisarazu, Kimitsu or Tateyama before setting out.

Nearby areas and guides

• Chiba driving and travel guide