- RV: Fully Enjoying Magnificent Sunrises and Regional Charms!
- 1. Chiba Prefecture, Choshi City, Inubosaki
- 2. Ibaraki Prefecture, Oarai Town, Oarai Coast
- 3. Kanagawa Prefecture, Manazuru Town, Manazuru Cape
- 4. Chiba Prefecture, Kamogawa City, Kamogawa Matsushima (Near Kamogawa SeaWorld)
- 5. Yamanashi Prefecture, Lake Yamanaka, Panorama Dai
- Conclusion: RV Sunrise, Sightseeing and Gourmet
RV: Fully Enjoying Magnificent Sunrises and Regional Charms!
RVs are the best travel companions that balance outdoor freedom and comfort. In your own private space, you can experience sunrise emotions up close from before dawn. Even during chilly early mornings, you can feel secure inside heated vehicles. Also, since you can bring luggage and cooking equipment, you can prepare meals to your liking and create special moments. The Kanto region has numerous spots where magnificent sunrises and regional charms can be fully savored. This time, we introduce 5 carefully selected spots including precautions!
1. Chiba Prefecture, Choshi City, Inubosaki
Located at Kanto’s easternmost point, this famous spot offers Japan’s earliest sunrise. Morning sun rising from Pacific Ocean horizons is spectacular. The lighthouse’s presence enhances the scenery, while morning’s refreshing air and wave sounds heal hearts.
Parking Information
RV-compatible parking lots near Inubosaki Lighthouse (paid). The lighthouse surroundings are quiet at night, allowing comfortable overnight vehicle stays.
Precautions
Surroundings are windy, especially in winter when perceived temperature drops. Don’t forget cold weather clothing. Parking lots may congest even in early morning, so early arrival recommended.
Nearby Attractions
- Inubosaki Lighthouse: Historic lighthouse where 360-degree panoramic views can be enjoyed from observation deck. Cafes also nearby.
- Wosse 21: Market lined with seafood landed at Choshi Port. Particularly fresh horse mackerel and mackerel dried fish are popular.
- Kamenoko Shrine: Small shrine in a corner of the sandy beach where local fishermen worship turtles as sea god messengers, enshrining turtle shells as sacred objects.
- Tokai Shrine: Located near the sea, shrine enshrining Owatatsumi-no-kami, sea god, also related to dragon god faith.
2. Ibaraki Prefecture, Oarai Town, Oarai Coast
Oarai Coast has “Kamiiso Torii Gate” as its symbol. Morning sun rising through torii gates is mystical and popular with photography enthusiasts. The contrast between waterfront torii gates and sunrise is beautiful.
Parking Information
Large parking lots around “Oarai Marine Tower.” Overnight vehicle stays possible and relatively quiet at night.
Precautions
Walking access required from parking lots to coast. Prepare flashlights and watch your footing.
Nearby Attractions
- Oarai Isosaki Shrine: Main shrine of Kamiiso Torii Gate. Worshipping after sunrise provides more special time.
- Nakaminato Fish Market: Market where bowls and sushi using fresh seafood can be savored, perfect for breakfast. (※Please confirm year-end New Year holidays and operating hours in advance)
3. Kanagawa Prefecture, Manazuru Town, Manazuru Cape
At Manazuru Cape, you can enjoy powerful sunrises against backgrounds of rugged rocky areas and seas. The way sea and sky are vividly dyed is truly spectacular.
Parking Information
Tourist parking lots available where RVs can park. Relatively quiet environments at night, suitable for overnight vehicle stays.
Precautions
Many areas have unstable footing, so prepare non-slip shoes. Also, fog occurs easily in early morning, so check weather in advance.
Nearby Attractions
- Kifune Shrine: Manazuru’s guardian deity. Beautiful ocean views also enjoyable from shrine grounds.
- Manazuru Fish Market: Purchase fresh seafood landed locally. Also perfect as BBQ ingredients.
(※Please confirm year-end New Year holidays and operating hours in advance)
4. Chiba Prefecture, Kamogawa City, Kamogawa Matsushima (Near Kamogawa SeaWorld)
Kamogawa Matsushima is a beautiful coast where large and small rocky islands are scattered, an excellent spot for viewing sunrises from the Pacific Ocean. Quiet scenery spreading along the coast offers contrasts between early morning tranquility and magnificent dawn colors.
Parking Information
Public parking lots near Kamogawa SeaWorld available. RVs can park (may be paid).
Precautions
Roads descending to coast have slippery areas, so comfortable walking shoes recommended. Also, pre-sunrise chills require thorough cold weather preparation.
Nearby Attractions
- Kamogawa SeaWorld: Popular aquarium spot where dolphin and orca shows can be enjoyed. Perfect for post-sunrise sightseeing. (※Please confirm year-end New Year holidays and operating hours in advance)
- Tanjoji Temple: Historic temple considered Nichiren Saint’s birthplace. Recommended to visit after sunrise for spiritual cleansing.
- Michi-no-Eki Kamogawa Ocean Park: Market where local fresh seafood, specialty hijiki, and seaweed can be purchased. (※Please confirm year-end New Year holidays and operating hours in advance)
- Rice Terrace Illumination: LED light illumination event staged at Oyama Senmaida rice terraces
5. Yamanashi Prefecture, Lake Yamanaka, Panorama Dai
Luxurious spot where Mount Fuji, Lake Yamanaka, and sunrise can be enjoyed simultaneously. Winter sunrises viewed in clear air provide overwhelming emotions.
Parking Information
“Lake Yamanaka Exchange Plaza Kirara” parking lots available. Toilets and rest facilities also equipped.
Precautions
Winter roads may be frozen, so don’t forget studded tire installation. Also, parking lots may congest from early morning.
Nearby Attractions
- Yamanaka Suwa Shrine: Lakeside shrine where seasonal scenery can be enjoyed.
- Michi-no-Eki Fujiyoshida: Gourmet spot where local ingredients and specialty “Yoshida Udon” can be savored. (※Please confirm year-end New Year holidays and operating hours in advance)
Conclusion: RV Sunrise, Sightseeing and Gourmet
Utilizing RVs allows comfortable enjoyment of spectacular sunrises. Please also see advance knowledge for fully enjoying sunrises! Kanto has uniquely charming spots scattered throughout, attractive for enjoying not only sunrises but surrounding sightseeing and gourmet. Prepare thoroughly in advance and definitely savor unforgettable morning experiences!
※Please confirm in advance the year-end New Year closure days and operating hours of the nearby attractions introduced in each location. Also, those planning to visit especially during year-end and New Year should definitely check local snow accumulation and road traffic conditions in advance.
