Isumi, Coastal city in Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Isumi is a coastal city in Chiba Prefecture on the Bōsō Peninsula, where gentle hills meet long sandy beaches along the Pacific. The city spreads across several coastal communities connected by rural roads and a local railway line.
The region supplied the imperial court during the Kofun era with seafood like abalone and pearls, giving it an early economic role. In the 20th century, the area grew as a retreat for city dwellers from Tokyo seeking simpler life by the sea.
Locals maintain a close relationship with the sea, and surfers from across Japan come here to ride the consistent waves that roll in year-round. In smaller fishing villages along the coast, families sell their fresh catch directly at the harbor, and restaurants prepare it using traditional recipes.
Head to smaller beaches outside the main areas to find calmer conditions and fewer crowds, especially on weekdays. The Isumi Railway connects rural towns with beach sections and offers views of the coastal landscape along the route.
The waves off the coast attracted international athletes during the 2020 Olympic surfing competitions, held at nearby Tsurigasaki Beach. Visitors can still experience the same waves today that led to those worldwide events.
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