Fishing and Local Cuisine
Fishing has been an important part of Katsuura’s economy for centuries. The city is particularly well known as one of the leading bonito fishing ports in the Kanto region. Fresh bonito landed at Katsuura is an important local specialty, and the city continues to have a strong connection with the fishing industry.
Another famous local specialty is Katsuura Tantanmen, a spicy noodle dish featuring a rich, chili-based soup. It has become one of the city’s best-known examples of regional Japanese cuisine.
Areas of Katsuura
Katsuura City is broadly divided into four areas:
- Katsuura Area: The southeastern coastal area around the city center and fishing port.
- Okitsu Area: The southwestern coastal area, characterized by a ria-style coastline.
- Ueno Area: The inland western part of the city.
- Fusano Area: The northern inland area.
Geography and Climate
Coastal Landscape
Katsuura faces the Pacific Ocean along the Sotobo coast and is approximately 75 kilometers from central Tokyo. The northwestern part of the city extends into the Boso Hills, while the southwestern coastline features deeply indented bays and rocky headlands.
This varied geography creates a landscape of sandy beaches, rocky shores, forests, and fishing ports. The meeting of mountains and ocean is one of Katsuura’s defining characteristics.
A Mild Oceanic Climate
Katsuura has a mild oceanic climate influenced by the Kuroshio Current. Winters are relatively warm, while summers tend to be cooler than many inland areas of Japan.
The city’s moderate climate has long made the area attractive as a place to escape both severe winter cold and intense summer heat.
History of Katsuura
Origins of the Name
One theory holds that the name Katsuura is connected with the Imbe clan, who are believed to have migrated from Awa Province, an area corresponding roughly to present-day southern Chiba. Place names with a similar origin are also found on the Kii Peninsula.
From the Warring States Period to the Modern City
- Sengoku period: Warriors associated with the Satomi clan of Awa Province established their influence in the area, including Katsuura Castle.
- Edo period: Okitsu developed as an important port serving maritime transportation between Edo and northeastern Japan.
- 1958: Katsuura became a city following the implementation of the municipal city system.
Fishing: A Tradition at the Heart of Katsuura
Katsuura has developed around fishing for centuries. The city’s fishing ports are particularly famous for bonito, and Katsuura remains one of the major bonito landing ports in the Kanto region. The city’s official information describes bonito as one of Katsuura’s signature products and highlights the freshness of fish landed on the same day they are caught.
The ria-style coastline also provides a variety of rocky fishing grounds, supporting a wide range of marine products.
Main Seafood Landed at Katsuura
- Bonito
- Tuna
- Splendid alfonsino (kinmedai)
- Billfish
- Squid
- Abalone
- Spiny lobster
- Turban shell
Main Fishing Ports
- Katsuura Fishing Port – A Class 3 fishing port
- Katsuura Tobu Fishing Port
- Ubara Fishing Port – A Class 1 fishing port
- Kushihama Fishing Port
- Moriya Fishing Port
Katsuura’s Processed Seafood
Fresh seafood landed locally is also processed into traditional products that can be enjoyed long after the fishing season.
- Dried horse mackerel
- Simmered bonito and namabushi (lightly dried and smoked bonito)
- Overnight-dried squid
- Dried sardines
Agriculture and Local Produce
Although Katsuura is strongly associated with the sea, agriculture is also an important part of the local economy. The area’s fertile land and mild climate support the cultivation of rice, fruit, vegetables, and other agricultural products.
Main Agricultural Products
- Ueno rice, particularly Koshihikari
- Blueberries
- Kiwi fruit
- Shiitake mushrooms
Katsuura’s Famous Local Food
Katsuura Tantanmen
Katsuura Tantanmen is one of the city’s most recognizable local dishes. Unlike the sesame-rich Sichuan-style noodles that inspired the general name “tantanmen,” the Katsuura version is known for its spicy chili-based soup and rich, warming flavor.
The dish developed as a local meal associated with the fishing community and has since become a popular regional specialty served at restaurants throughout Katsuura.
Festivals and Events
Katsuura hosts festivals and community events throughout the year, reflecting the city’s maritime traditions and local culture.
Main Events
- Katsuura Big Hina Matsuri: Late February to early March
- Katsuura Port Bonito Festival: Usually the last Saturday of May or the first Saturday of June
- Ubara Daimyo Procession: Fourth Saturday of July
- Katsuura Wakashio Festival: August 12
- Katsuura Tairyo Festival: Four-day festival ending on the third Monday of September
Katsuura Morning Market
The Katsuura Morning Market has a history of more than 430 years. It is traditionally said to have begun during the Tensho era in the late 16th century and is counted among the three major traditional morning markets of Japan, alongside the markets of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture and Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture.
The market is closely connected with everyday life in Katsuura. Vendors sell fresh local vegetables and fruit, freshly landed seafood, homemade pickles, rice cakes, dried and preserved seafood, and traditional handicrafts. Seasonal products change throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience the character of each season.
Market Hours
- Regular closing day: Wednesdays, except during the Bon holiday period and at the end of the year
- Typical hours: Around 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The market has become one of Katsuura’s signature attractions and is visited by both local residents and travelers from Japan and overseas.
Historic Sites and Cultural Attractions
Shrines
- Tomisaki Shrine: A historic shrine associated with the local community and its traditional faith.
- Kawazu Shrine: A shrine with a long history of local worship.
- Kumano Kifune Shrine: Known for its torii gate standing near Katsuura Central Beach.
- Underwater Torii at Cape Hachiman: A scenic coastal attraction associated with Tomisaki Shrine.
Temples
- Chofukuji Temple: A historic temple familiar to local residents.
- Honkyoji Temple: A peaceful temple visited by worshippers.
- Myokakuji Temple: An old temple integrated into the landscape and history of Katsuura.
- Shikeiji Temple: One of the historic Buddhist temples in the city.
Historic Sites and Monuments
- Shuntaro Tansho Memorial Statue: A monument honoring a local figure.
- Okitsu Castle Ruins: A historic site of interest to visitors interested in the region’s past.
- Katsuura Castle Ruins and Hachimanmisaki Park: A scenic historic park associated with Katsuura Castle. It also features a statue of Yoshuin, also known as Oman-no-kata, a concubine of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Kangun-zuka
Kangun-zuka is a historic memorial site dedicated to approximately 130 sailors from Kumamoto Domain who died when their ship sank in a storm during the Boshin War in the late 19th century.
The site also features a monument bearing a poem by the famous poet Saito Mokichi and a haiku monument associated with Nakamura Teijo.
Things to See and Do in Katsuura
Hot Springs and Nature
- Katsuura Onsen: A relaxing hot spring destination.
- Katsuura Underwater Park: A marine attraction where visitors can observe life beneath the sea.
- Ubara Risokyo and Myojingaki: A scenic coastal area with hiking trails and dramatic views.
History and Scenic Landmarks
- Katsuura Lighthouse: One of the city’s recognizable coastal landmarks.
- Katsuura Dam: A waterside area where visitors can enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Animal Experiences
- Katsuura Elephant Paradise: A facility where visitors can have close-up experiences with elephants.
Future Tourism Development
The former site of Namiki Island is associated with plans for the development of a new resort project tentatively known as Katsuura Seaside Park Resort.
Osencorogashi
Osencorogashi is a scenic and historic location along the former coastal road. A monument commemorating Osen, remembered in local tradition as a filial daughter, stands on a cliff overlooking the sea.
Katsuura’s Beaches
Katsuura is known for its many beautiful beaches and clear coastal waters. Its combination of sheltered coves, sandy shores, and ria-style coastline creates a wide variety of seaside landscapes.
Main Beaches
- Katsuura Central Beach: A convenient beach near the city center, popular with families and visitors.
- Okitsu Beach: A calm beach suitable for swimming and seaside recreation. It has also received the international Blue Flag environmental certification.
- Ubara Beach: A clear-water beach set among a classic ria coastline and selected as one of the “100 Best Beaches in Japan.”
- Moriya Beach: One of Katsuura’s most popular beaches, recognized among the “100 Best Beaches in Japan” and other Japanese beach selections. A red torii gate stands on Watarashima Island offshore.
- Hebara Coast: A well-known surfing area that has hosted international competitions.
Transportation
Railway
The JR Sotobo Line runs through Katsuura City. The main stations are Katsuura Station, Ubara Station, and Kazusa-Okitsu Station.
Roads
National Routes 128 and 297 provide important road connections through the city and to surrounding areas of the Boso Peninsula.
Katsuura: Where the Sea, History, and Local Life Meet
Katsuura City brings together beautiful coastal scenery, a centuries-old fishing tradition, historic temples and shrines, local festivals, and distinctive food culture.
A visit to the Katsuura Morning Market offers a particularly authentic way to experience the city, with fresh seafood, agricultural products, traditional foods, and interaction with local vendors.
From the clear waters of Ubara and Moriya to the historic streets around the fishing port and the spicy flavors of Katsuura Tantanmen, the city offers many ways to experience the distinctive character of the Sotobo coast.