Shirako offers a range of reasons to visit: designated cultural properties take center stage in Ushigome, while the nature park, museum, beaches, and seasonal events offer other themes for a stay in the town. When choosing accommodation in Shirako, start by deciding whether you want to focus on culture, riverside scenery, the beach, or a specific event date.

Cultural Heritage in Ushigome

The Ushigome Lion Dance is designated as a cultural property of Shirako, but is currently inactive. Its origins are said to date back to the Tenpō era, from 1830 to 1843. This places the dance within the town’s traditional culture, without suggesting that it is a current performance you can attend.

Another cultural landmark is the Spirit Memorial Tower at Ushigome 449. It is designated as a historic cultural property and is associated with Gyotokuji Temple. Visits are possible by prior arrangement; confirm a time before you go. The Manji Lantern at Ushigome 1808 offers a different kind of visit: it is a tangible cultural property related to craftsmanship, designated on March 1, 1980, and is freely accessible. The Konoue Shrine is listed as the lantern’s location. The two landmarks therefore differ both in type and in the conditions for visiting.

Museum and Stories of the Town

The Shirako Museum of History and Folklore complements the individual cultural landmarks with a broader view of the town. Its four exhibition rooms cover rural life and life by the sea, local festivals, Shirako’s history, and traditional clothing. The museum is on the second floor of the Shirako Central Community Center and serves as a learning center for the town’s cultural properties and traditional cultures. Its themes range from everyday life and festivals to history and clothing.

Riverside Scenery, Beaches and Seasonal Experiences

Shirako Nature Park covers 63.2 hectares on both banks of the Minamishirakamegawa River. Its design makes use of the river valley’s natural surroundings. Furushō Beach is one of two beaches in Shirako; the other is Nakazato. The wide sandy beaches offer opportunities for seaside activities. Seasonal beach activities may vary, so it is worth checking the relevant conditions for your planned visit.

The event calendar also features two distinct dates in spring: the Shirako Tennis Festival takes place every year in June and includes tennis and soft tennis. It attracts participants from across Japan and uses around 340 tennis courts in the town. Check dates and program details separately. In May, you can take part in an onion-harvesting experience in the fields of local onion farmers. As participating farms may vary, check in advance which farms are taking part. This comparison is useful for seasonal planning: onion harvesting is associated with May, while the festival takes place in June.

Getting There and Planning

Ushigome is listed as a stop on the Shirako–Tokyo express bus route in the timetable revised on March 18, 2024. Check departure times before you travel. When planning your trip, you can prioritize the cultural sites in Ushigome, the town’s attractions, and seasonal events according to your interests, rather than assuming that one single focus applies to all of Shirako.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Futtsu, Katori, Sanmu, Matsudo, Ibitsu, Chosei, Funabashi, Tomisato.

For the main travel overview: Chiba Prefecture.