Station Chikura Shiokaze Kingdom

Discover the Heart of Coastal Chiba at Chikura Shiokaze Kingdom

Nestled along the sun-drenched shores of Chikura in southern Chiba Prefecture, Chikura Shiokaze Kingdom is a vibrant roadside station that celebrates the region’s rich maritime heritage and artistic spirit. More than a stop for travelers, it’s a cultural destination where the rhythm of the sea meets local craftsmanship. Visitors are greeted by over 150 vibrant murals stretching along a 1.5-kilometer coastal promenade, transforming the seaside walkway into a living gallery crafted by fifty artists.

Beyond its artistic charm, the station offers a vibrant mix of experiences—fresh seafood from local waters, farm-to-table specialties, and seasonal events like the autumn harvest festival. With a dedicated playground, a preserved fishing vessel, and scenic views of the ocean, Chikura Shiokaze Kingdom blends nature, art, and community in a uniquely Japanese roadside station experience.

Chikura Shiokaze Kingdom stands apart as the only roadside station in the region where visitors can experience a 1.5-kilometer stretch of coastal promenade adorned with 158 original murals by over 50 artists, transforming a simple seaside walk into a vibrant art journey. Beyond the visual spectacle, the station is home to the only dedicated sea urchin-themed food experience in the area, featuring unique dishes like sazae curry and sazae kamameshi—delicacies crafted exclusively for this location and impossible to find elsewhere.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the fresh daily batch of Chikura-grown hijiki sold at the Sea Market Chikura stall, which sells out quickly due to its high demand as a local specialty
• Hidden Gem at the Sea Market: Ask for the "half-price sazae tsubo-yaki" at Hana-bou during lunch hours—this special offer is only available at the deli counter and is not advertised on the main menu
• Must-Try Limited Item: Purchase the Chikura Sazae Curry and Chikura Kama-meshi from the Shiofuku Plaza counter—they are only available at this roadside station and not sold elsewhere
• Art Walk Timing: Walk the Chikura Artistic Seaside Path starting at 10:00 AM to avoid midday heat and to catch the best natural light for photographing the 158 wall murals along the 1.5km seafront dike
• Lunchtime Savings Tip: Order the "mixed pizza N" at Sampo Café before 1:00 PM to get a 10% discount—this is a time-limited promotion listed on the daily chalkboard near the counter
• Best Time to Visit the Fish Counter: Stop by the Fish Counter between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays when the daily catch includes fresh mackerel and small sardines, often available at reduced prices
• Photography Perk: Bring your camera to the real fishing boat "Daiichi Chikura Maru" docked at the roadside station—it’s not just for display, but open for visitors to walk aboard and take photos between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM

Spring (March-May): Late March to April features the Chikura Flower Field photo contest with blooming canola flowers, ideal for scenic walks.

Summer (June-August): August sees no regular closure, with fresh sea urchins and seasonal seafood like mackerel available through early fall.

Autumn (September-November): September through November offers peak catches of mackerel, sea bream, and squid, with fresh sardines and bonito arriving in October.

Winter (December-February): December to February features dried sardines and winter fish like mackerel, with the first herring harvest beginning in November.