Winter’s clouds evoke powerful images we don’t usually associate with beaches. Charcoal skies over a slate gray ocean. Sand windswept freely, without footprints to mat it down. Solo figures slowly wandering the shore. In the same place we moan about overcrowding in August, we now feel alone and connected with the sea, skies and sand. Chiba’s Makuhari Beach, part of the Makuhari Seaside Park, transforms to its desolate winter state, but it is still very much alive. Will you be there to feel it?
- 1 min read
Makuhari Beach in Winter
The beach is alive in its desolate winter state
Community writer
Silhouettes against a gray world
Uncrunched shells free of August's stampeding feet
Alone together in the world
Father and daughter exploring the world together
A nautical scene
Facing forward
A busy December day at the beach
Land's arm reaching into Tokyo Bay
Underfoot
Concrete steps to the water
The clouds roll in
This is kite flying weather
The narrow entrance to the wide sea
Join the discussion
Cathy Cawood
11 years ago
That first photo is so beautiful
Anonymous
12 years ago
Todd: Never would have equated Makuhari beach with a being a great place to go, unless you lived in the area. However, your photos are wonderfully evocative, and really bring the place to life. Would be interesting to get some contrasting shots in the middle of summer to show just how popular that beach is. I take there were no stalls selling takoyaki that day?
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1Three Charms to Experience in Fukui: Zen, Taste & Adventure
Fukui - Sponsored -
2How to Handle Illness Or Injury While Traveling in Japan
Planning - Sponsored -
3Experience Oarai: A Quiet Fishing Town Blessed by the Bounty of the Sea
Ibaraki -
4Adventure Travel For All In Chitose
Hokkaido -
5A Snowy Retreat at Kamenoi Hotel Tazawako, Akita
Akita - Sponsored -
6Visiting Scenic Yanagawa On the Water’s Edge
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
7Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture -
8A Relaxed Mix of Sightseeing, Dining, and Shopping in Kanonji
Kagawa - Sponsored -
9I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
10See Southern Japan with Kirishima As Your Gateway
Kagoshima - Sponsored
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
3January Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
4The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
5Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour
Tokyo -
6Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
7Happy New Year Tokyo
Tokyo -
8Guide to Suica Cards
Transportation -
9Winter in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide
Planning -
10Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture