Kujikuri is a stretch of beaches along the East Coast of Chiba Prefecture. With long beaches that meet the shore gently, this area is popular with Japanese surfers and bodyboarders as well as families just out to enjoy a swim in the ocean. Less than two hours from Tokyo, many Tokyoites have vacation homes in the area where they can escape from the rush of the city on weekends. The town of Ichinomiya contains most of the best surfing beaches, including Shidashita, which hosts a world champion surfing tour when it comes through. If you want to enjoy the beach but not the crowds, December through March is the off-season.