A Day in Onjuku

A Day in Onjuku

The main reason to make the trek over to Onjuku is for its beach. The long stretch of sandy beach is shared between the fishing villages of Hama on the south and Iwawada on the north. During the summer, the beach fills up with visitors as it plays host to several sporting events including beach volleyball, swim races, and of course, surfing. If you want a dip in these pristine waters, anytime from June until the end of September is recommended. However to feel the local beach vibe to its fullest, then the official Japanese “summer” season - August is the best time to go. There will be crowds during the hot months but the beach is big enough and it never feels crammed.

A Day in Onjuku

For the traveler looking to have fun in the water, then we recommend you give surfing a try. Flying Sumo is the best place both for beginners looking for a surfing lesson and for the seasoned surfers in search of a rental board while in Japan. Run by surfers Del and Kelly, this spot is the surfing hub of Onjujuku (especially for foreigners) from April to January. The amazing team offers surfing lessons for all levels, board rentals, accommodation, and a delicious food menu, hamburgers and pizza being their most popular dishes. During the summer season the surfing session can be complemented with weekend live music shows, a bbq, and a cold beer out on the front patio.

A Day in Onjuku

After burning your energy in the surf line up, an excellent way to recover is to treat yourself to Onjuku’s signature dish, Ise ebi, or the Japanese lobster. It can be enjoyed all year round at restaurants around the area. We recommend Shiratorimaru where you can pick the lobster of your preference and have it prepared on the spot, but a great time to try them is at the Ise ebi festival, held every year at the beginning of September right by the beach where you can savor the barbecued lobster under the sun, but if lobster is not your thing, no problem. In Onjuku you can make your own soba and eat it too.

A Day in Onjuku

Kiwami Soba specializes in botan buckwheat soba, which is a rarity nowadays as Kitawase buckwheat has now become the main soba wheat produced in Japan. Here you can make the noodles yourself with the help of the owner and can enjoy soon after.

A Day in Onjuku

To add some history to your trip to Onjuku, head to the hills behind Iwawada village and visit the Mexican memorial at the top. Back in 1609, the Spanish Galleon San Francisco sank due to a strong typhoon and the surviving crew was rescued by the village’s “Ama-san”, or shell divers. This was the beginning of a long-lasting relationship between Onjuku and Mexico, and the memorial is not only of historical significance but it is also the perfect location to take in the beautiful scenery of the ocean and the town below.

A Day in Onjuku

To round up a visit to this gem of a beach town, a coffee break at Jordaan Cafe Leucadia is a must. This cafe gallery is courtesy of Kacciu-san, a free-spirited surfer who happens to love art as well. The cozy joint does not follow regular business hours so a call prior to heading there is a good idea. If you are spending the night in Onjuku, the setting is perfect for a mellow drink at night.

Onjuku

Chiba Pref

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Flying Sumo(フライング スモウ)

千葉県夷隅郡御宿町浜2140-2

0470603011

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白鳥丸

千葉県夷隅郡御宿町浜2163

0470-68-3031

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