![[Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture] A great motorcycle touring spot | The annual Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival)](https://motopeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/3509-1760871875049.jpg)
This sight may be quite famous. The “Tosaki Stone Steps” at Tomisaki Shrine are the main attraction of the Big Hinamatsuri.
Our destination, the Tomisaki Stone Steps, is located inside Tomisaki Shrine. Between the entrance to the shrine and the torii gates above, the stone steps are densely packed with Hina dolls—a truly spectacular sight. Approximately 1,800 Hina dolls are displayed on the 60 stone steps that make up the platform. Witnessing such a large Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day) is sure to leave you overwhelmed. The exhibit is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and the lights are turned on from 5:00 PM, so we recommend taking your time to enjoy the view from before dusk until dark.
The address and coordinates below are for the Tomisaki Stone Steps, which serve as the altar. The “Big Hinamatsuri” (Girl’s Day) will also be held at other venues, including the Katsuura City Arts and Culture Exchange Center Kuste, Sumina Intersection, and in front of the Kakuojisan Gate. Katsuura City has many attractions, so be sure to check the official website below for information on motorcycle and car parking in advance. Traffic restrictions will also be in effect. During the festival, food trucks will be set up in the outdoor space at Kyuste on weekends and holidays, and eating and drinking areas will also be available. While there are no toilets at the Tomisaki Stone Steps indicated by the coordinate point, there are many public restrooms scattered throughout the city, so you don’t have to worry. Katsuura is
also well-known for its morning market, which has been running for over 400 years since the Tensho period. It ranks alongside Wajima and Takayama as one of Japan’s three largest morning markets. The first half of each month is held on Shimohonmachi Morning Market Street, and the second half is held on Nakahonmachi Street from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM (closed on Wednesdays). Staying overnight and enjoying an early morning stroll is also recommended.
Located in the outer Boso Peninsula, Katsuura may seem a bit remote, but it’s only about 105 km from Tokyo via the Aqua Line, a drive of less than two hours. To the north is Isumi City and the Kujukuri Coast, and if you head southwest on National Route 128, you’ll travel to Kamogawa City and Tateyama City, and you’ll also find several hot spring resorts, including inland.
If you stay along the coast on National Route 410, the warm climate will allow you to experience the early arrival of spring as you admire the flowers blooming along the road. Since both spots are quite far from leaving the highway, I rated them three stars for accessibility, but they’re still a very enjoyable route for touring, enjoying the sea air and delicious seafood.
The Hinamatsuri festival is held all over the city.
Hinamatsuri events are held in many places throughout Katsuura city.
1 Hamakatsuura, Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture (approximately 12 minutes’ walk/approximately 800m from Katsuura Station on the JR Sotobo Line)
The big Hinamatsuri festival began in 2001 when the Hina dolls were acquired from Katsuura Town in Tokushima Prefecture.
The contrast between the yellow rape blossoms and the red carpet is beautiful.
The sea view from Hachiman Misaki Park is also beautiful.
From the Tomisaki Stone Steps, drive south for about 6 minutes, or about 2km, to reach Hachiman Misaki Park. From there, you can see the “Sea Torii” gate of the former Tomi Misaki Shrine.
Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture official website
URL: https://www.city.katsuura.lg.jp/site/hinamatsuri/
The view from the observation deck at Hachiman Misaki Park.
Public toilets and parking lots are scattered throughout the area.
