Asahi City, Chiba
A melon in both hands before I head to the sea A late-June afternoon walking to the lighthouse and observatory at Gyobu Cape
I went to Gyobu Cape in late June, right in the middle of melon season in Asahi. From the observatory beside the lighthouse, take in the long sweep of Kujukuri Beach.
Read about an early-summer trip to the sea with a melon in hand.
SummerA sunny afternoon in late June
Tuck the melon in the car, then head for the view
One afternoon in late June, I arrived at Gyobu Cape. I was wearing a pale blue checked top and white shorts, with my sunglasses pushed up on my head. I pulled into a parking space and stepped out. I could see the steps leading up to the observatory and the white lighthouse beside it. Before setting off to see the sea, I cradled the Asahi melon I'd brought in both hands.
A whole melon isn't the sort of snack you can just carry around in one hand. I could feel its weight in my palms, so I cupped it carefully in both hands. Its fine netting made me look forward to cutting it open at home. I hadn't even had a bite, but I was already wondering what it would taste like—and couldn't help smiling.
I tucked the melon into the car and walked toward the observatory. When I reached the steps I'd seen from the car park, the sky opened up beyond them. The lighthouse stood apart from the observatory, so I could take in their two silhouettes side by side on the same headland. I took my time looking over the buildings as I headed toward the open view of the sea.
From the observation area, I could see the long curve of Kujukuri Beach along the coast. Nearby was Iioka Fishing Port, with more shoreline stretching beyond it. It was the same sea, but from up here I could make out the shape of the land. I'd expected to focus on the distant view, but I kept tracing the curved shoreline with my eyes.
When I got back to the car, I was already looking forward to eating the melon. I'd taken in all the sea views I wanted, and my souvenir was still whole. When I cut it open at home, I'm sure I'll think of the steps and lighthouse again. It felt like one afternoon had given me both the view I came for and a treat to look forward to at home.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local food to try on your trip
Asahi Takami melon
Asahi City's specialty melon is shipped from early June through late July and is known for its thick, fragrant flesh. I chose one whole as a souvenir and looked forward to cutting it open back home.
Highlights
A cape with a lighthouse and observatory side by side
The Iioka Lighthouse and Iioka Gyobu Cape Observatory stand side by side. Take in their silhouettes, then look out to sea from the viewing area. I enjoyed the walk toward them, too.
A melon to look forward to after the trip
Asahi City describes the Takami melon as having thick, fragrant flesh. A whole melon becomes a treat to look forward to after the trip. Before I cut mine open, I was already picturing everyone sharing it.
Getting to the cape
To the Iioka Gyobu Cape Observatory
- Driving time
- About 35 minutes (from Sosa IC)
- Walk from the bus stop
- About 10 minutes (from the Iioka Lighthouse Entrance bus stop)
By car, take the Chiba-Togane Road and Choshi Connector Road. From the bus stop, it's a walk to the site. I parked and walked to the lighthouse and observatory.
The times listed are official estimates. After visiting the observatory and lighthouse, you can round out the trip with Asahi's local food and souvenirs.
More Spot Guides
If you enjoyed this story, you might like these places too. I've gone back to each of them in different seasons, again and again.
