Futtsu, Chiba
The little crack of a peanut shell by the sea A winter pause before the walk to the tower
On a clear winter day, head to the tip of Futtsu Cape. Take a break by the sea, then enjoy the walk to the observation tower shaped like a five-needle pine.
Read the story of my winter visit to Futtsu Cape, where I took a break by the sea.
WinterA clear winter day
Park the red sedan and take a seaside snack break
I drove to Futtsu Cape in my red sedan with my friend on a clear winter day. I wore a warm turtleneck under my navy coat. After parking in Car Park 3 and turning off the engine, I stepped outside and found the sea right there. The observation tower's shape caught my eye; I was already admiring it before I'd taken a step.
Before setting off, it was time for a snack break with the peanuts I'd brought. I cracked one open over a little paper bag; the shell split with a sharp crack. Even with the wind and waves around me, I could hear it clearly as I held it. I took out the peanut and tasted its toasty flavor. I wanted to pick another one from the bag.
I offered the bag to my friend and cracked open another shell. Light shimmered on the water, but I kept my gaze on my hands as I ate. When I finished and looked up, the tower's tiered shape caught my eye again. A moment ago it had been just a building in the distance; now I wanted to get closer and look at the stairs.
After tucking the bag away, I followed the seaside path toward the observation tower. I pulled my coat closed, and the wind stirred my long skirt a little. I'd gone from relaxing beside the car to taking in the scenery on foot. As I got closer, I could make out each tier and support separately, so I stopped along the way to take them in.
After taking in the sea, my friend and I walked back to the car and showed each other what was left of the peanuts. I told my friend the tower was shaped like a five-needle pine, and immediately wanted to turn around for one more look. That wide-open view of the sea and the little crack of a peanut shell in my hands—I'm glad to have both moments to remember from this winter break.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
A treat for the trip
Roasted peanuts from Chiba
I'd pair a trip to Chiba with a peanut snack. I brought roasted peanuts and cracked their shells over a paper bag while looking out at the sea. I love taking my time, eating the toasty peanuts one by one.
Highlights
The Meiji Hyakunen Kinen Observation Tower
The tower was built to mark the 100th anniversary of the Meiji era. From the ground, you can see its tiered outer shape; from the top, you can take in the view across Tokyo Bay. I loved watching its shape come into focus as I got closer.
Pick a snack before heading to the sea
Peanuts are grown in Chiba. I brought roasted peanuts to snack on after parking the car. Crack the shells one by one in the sea breeze, and there's no need to rush your break.
Getting to the observation tower
To Futtsu Park and the Meiji Hyakunen Kinen Observation Tower
- Drive time
- About 20 minutes from Kisarazu-Minami Interchange
- Walk from the bus stop
- About 20 minutes on foot from the terminus of the bus to Futtsu Park
Park at Car Park 3 and walk out to the tip of the cape. I stopped for a seaside snack before heading to the observation tower.
The drive and walking times are estimates from the prefectural tourism guide. Car Park 3 is listed as a free car park with space for 100 cars.
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