Station Kirakuri Asahi

Discover the Heart of Chiba’s Coastal Life at Kirakuri Asahi

Nestled along the sweeping shores of Chiba Prefecture’s Nokonari Beach, Kirakuri Asahi is more than a roadside station—it’s a gateway to the vibrant rhythm of daily life in Asahi City. Surrounded by golden sunrises, serene rice paddies, and the steady pulse of coastal communities, this station blends natural beauty with local culture. Visitors are welcomed by fresh, regionally sourced produce, artisanal crafts, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that captures the spirit of "Asahi Time."

Home to bustling markets, seasonal festivals, and a thriving network of entrepreneurs and artists, Kirakuri Asahi celebrates sustainability, community, and the simple joys of rural life. Whether sampling local seafood, exploring eco-friendly initiatives, or enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific, every visit offers a genuine connection to a place where tradition and innovation coexist.

Kirakuri Asahi roadside station stands out as the only place in the region where visitors can experience the unique "Asahi Time" philosophy through its signature seasonal harvest events. Here, you can savor the rare Kirakuri Asahi Milk Ice Cream, crafted exclusively from Jersey cows raised in the local pastures, and witness the daily ritual of fishermen hauling in the day’s catch at the adjacent fish market. The station’s open-air food hall offers a rotating lineup of dishes made from ingredients harvested just hours before, including the famed "Asa-Pi Yaki" grilled fish and seasonal vegetables from the nearby nine-mile rice fields.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the Guchokipang counter, where fresh handmade rice cakes are served only during this window and often sell out by midday.
• Hidden Gems: Head to the Home of Mothers deli counter to find seasonal, locally made bento boxes that change weekly—check the chalkboard sign near the entrance for the day’s special.
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the AsaPee Bake stand between 8:30 and 9:30 AM to purchase the limited-edition Sunrise Milk Bread, baked fresh from 7:00 AM and sold out by 10:00 AM.
• Local Product Hack: Pick up a Fresh Fish Market catch of the day—such as local mackerel or sea bream—before 11:00 AM and ask the vendor to prepare it grilled with local salt; it’s available for immediate on-site grilling at the outdoor barbecue area.
• Seasonal Experience: Participate in the Local Fishermen’s Net Pull Experience on the first Sunday of each month between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the Yashiki-gaura Sea Bathing Beach, where visitors can help haul the net and receive a free sample of the day’s catch.
• Dining Tip: Order the Seasonal Vegetable and Seafood Rice Bowl at the Restaurant Shiki Shouzai Kan during the Asahi Warm Food & Sweets Festival (October 1 – January 15), as it features ingredients sourced from the Asahi Vegetable Market and is only available during this event.
• Best Photo Spot: Position yourself at the west-facing edge of the Grass Field Area at 5:45 PM on clear days to capture the sun setting over the Choshi Bay, where the reflection in the wet ground creates a perfect mirror effect—best for photos between late September and early November.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; seasonal canola flowers bloom in late March to April.

Summer (June–August): Annual summer fishing experience at Yatashi-gaura Beach in July; fireworks festival draws large crowds.

Autumn (September–November): Autumn food and sweets festival runs from October 1 to January 15; local harvest products on display.

Winter (December–February): Warm food and dessert festival highlights seasonal specialties; roadside station hosts cozy seasonal events.