Kyonan(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Sugisaki Town, the top family-friendly option is Chiba Prefectural Natural Park Resort, a nature-integrated lodging nestled near Ogura Forest. The resort offers wooden cottages with kids’ activity zones and easy access to local farms. Families can participate in seasonal farm experiences like strawberry picking or making tofu at the Sugisaki Farm Experience Center. Morning walks along Shirakawa Stream and evening soaks at Higashiya Onsen provide relaxing routines. Located just 20 minutes by bus from Sakura Station on Keisei Line, it’s ideal for a peaceful rural getaway with authentic Japanese countryside charm.

The best area for tranquil and scenic stays in Sugisaki Town is Higashiya District, located near Higashiya Onsen and Chiba Prefectural Natural Park. This low-density residential zone features serene landscapes, lush greenery, and minimal noise pollution. Most guesthouses and small inns here adopt traditional Japanese architecture with tatami rooms, sliding paper doors, and private gardens. Guests can explore the Sugisaki Cultural Hall nearby to learn about local crafts like bamboo weaving and pottery. Accessible via a 20-minute bus ride from Sakura Station, it offers both peace and convenience for nature lovers.

Visitors to Sugisaki Town can immerse themselves in authentic rural traditions such as traditional rice farming and handmade pottery. During spring, the annual Planting Festival (Tanematsuri) invites guests to try rice transplanting using ancient methods. At Ogura Pottery Workshop, travelers can take a one-day class crafting ceramics from local clay—each piece is uniquely yours to keep. There’s also a bamboo weaving workshop led by master artisans, teaching techniques used for generations. These hands-on experiences reflect Sugisaki’s deep respect for heritage and offer meaningful, lasting memories of Japanese rural life.

The most photogenic spots in Sugisaki Town are Shirakawa Stream Valley and Ogura Forest Trail. The former boasts crystal-clear waters framed by vibrant seasonal foliage—especially stunning during autumn when maple trees blaze red and orange. The latter is a protected primeval forest with towering trees, ferns, and dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, creating dreamlike visuals. Visit early morning to avoid crowds and capture serene moments. Don’t miss Higashiya Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the town’s rice fields and distant hills—perfect for sunrise shots and long-exposure photography.

Yes, Higashiya Onsen: Yurinokaku Inn is a secluded, intimate ryokan with only six rooms, each featuring a private outdoor hot spring bath and a tranquil garden. Originally a traditional farmhouse, the inn preserves original woodwork, shoji screens, and minimalist design. Personalized services include private dinners with local dishes like Sugisaki crab rice, and stargazing sessions after soaking under the night sky. Surrounded by forest and silence, it’s perfect for couples seeking romance, relaxation, and a deep connection with nature.

Sugisaki Town’s hot springs are renowned for their sodium bicarbonate-rich water (known as "Beauty Spring"), known for its soft texture and skin-nourishing properties. The main source, Higashiya Onsen, draws water from 1,200 meters underground, rich in minerals that help relieve fatigue and improve circulation. Some inns feature forest open-air baths, where guests soak surrounded by trees under the stars. Additionally, Ogura Onsen offers optional treatments like herbal steam saunas and foot baths using local plants. Pair your soak with a bowl of buckwheat noodles afterward for a complete wellness experience.

Must-try foods in Sugisaki Town include Sugisaki Crab Rice, made with fresh Choshi Bay crabs, seasoned rice, and dashi broth—fragrant and savory. Another highlight is Ogura Vegetable Tempura, featuring seasonal produce lightly battered and fried to perfection, served with a light soy-based sauce. Weekly Higashiya Farmers Market offers handmade tofu, honey, and plum wine. For deeper immersion, join a family cooking class where you’ll prepare a full meal using ingredients sourced directly from local farms—experience the journey from field to table in authentic Japanese style.

From Tokyo, the easiest way to reach Sugisaki Town is by taking the Keisei Electric Railway to Sakura Station, then transferring to a Chiba Prefectural Bus (25 minutes). Total travel time is about 1 hour 10 minutes. Alternatively, drive via the Keiyo Expressway, exiting at Sakura Exit, then follow National Route 463 for approximately 15 km. Use GPS with destination set to "Sugisaki Town Hall" or "Higashiya Onsen" for accurate routing. The route passes through scenic farmland and forests, enhancing the journey with rural charm.

The best times to visit Sugisaki Town are spring (late March to May) and autumn (October to November). Spring brings cherry blossoms in Ogura Forest and fresh greenery along Shirakawa Stream, ideal for hiking and photography. Autumn transforms the landscape into a fiery tapestry—perfect for viewing at Higashiya Viewpoint. Special events include the Planting Festival in March and the Harvest Festival in November, offering hands-on cultural activities. Summer is warm but pleasant in the forests; winter brings occasional snow, adding quiet beauty. Avoid peak holidays for a more peaceful stay.

Yes, Sugisaki Town is highly suitable for elderly travelers. The town features flat, well-maintained paths at Ogura Forest Trail and Shirakawa Stream, with benches and rest areas. Higashiya Onsen inns provide wheelchair-accessible facilities and staff assistance for bathing. Local cuisine emphasizes fresh, light ingredients like vegetables, seafood, and rice—ideal for seniors’ dietary needs. Cultural venues like the Sugisaki Cultural Hall host gentle activities such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy workshops. With clean air, slow pace, and natural beauty, it’s an excellent choice for a restorative, low-stress vacation.