During Golden Week, we brought the kids to a man-made beach at Chiba Port Park for Shiohigari (潮干狩り/clam digging). We were determined to reach the beach as early as possible because the 250 car park spaces would have been gone in a snap during this holiday period. Thankfully, we had our car slot and were there at the right time (i.e. two hours before low tide). Best of all, the weather was excellent for our family’s first clam-harvesting event.
After two hours of digging, we only managed to gather this amount, just enough for our miso soup (LOL). Since we did not have to pay a single YEN, and we had tons of fun, I am definitely not complaining.
I guessed the number of clams available on FREE beaches is less predictable than the Shiohigari-designated ones, which will definitely have more to take home, but they come at a price. For instance, the various types of payments may include entry fees charged individually based on age; the clams collected are weighed and charged accordingly; as well as car park rates.
Tips to have a great Shiohigari experience:
- The season of clam harvesting is usually in late April to the end of June. (Some Shiohigari-designated beaches are available up to August and even September.)
- 2 hours before the low tide is the best for clam harvesting, so check tide timings (干潮時刻) to know when to go.
- Go in good weather but bring items with UV and wind protection, such as sunscreens, wide-brim hats, shades, jackets, etc. Wear clothing that dries easily and sandals that are right for the beach (covered ones will provide the best protection). Stay clear of Akaei (アカエイ/Red stingray). They can be found hanging around on shores during low tides.
- Harvesting clams with small rakes, buckets or nets, and cooler boxes with ice packs. Clams need to be purged of sand before eating. So collect some sea water and soak the clams in it for at least 2 hours. If you don’t have seawater, using water mixed with 3% salt will do. Ideally, eat the clams on the same day.
- Clams tend to bury themselves vertically, with breathing holes on the top. So look for areas with lots of 1-2 mm tiny holes, and dig widely to a depth of less than 15 cm.
List of items to bring:
- Rakes
- Buckets or Nets
- A cooler box with ice packs
- Folding stools (the ones sold at ¥100-stores will do fine)
- Towels
- Wide-rimmed hats
- Sunglasses
- Beach sandals
- Sunscreen
- Leisure sheet
Park Information & Other Attractions
A tennis court and barbecue sites are available, which require a reservation.
Admission Fee
Free
Park Opening Hours:
9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Last entry at 10 p.m.)
On Mondays: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (in summers) / 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (in winters)
Car Park
250 car spaces / Free
Address
〒260-0024 千葉市中央区中央港1丁目
See access to Chiba Port Park (Japanese website).
A Stroll along the Park:
(1) The open space at Chiba Port Park is for picnics, ball games, and even concerts. (2) The nearby viewing platform is a great place to take good pictures of the Chiba Port Tower.
(3) The Water Plaza (ウォータープラザ) is a really spacious water play area, which will be filled with cool water (and kids) during the summer.
Chiba Port Tower
The Chiba Port Tower has three levels that offer a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. The main observatory room is on Level 4, a great location to watch a spectacular sunrise and sunset. Level 3 is a cafe restaurant. Level 2 is a Lover’s Sanctuary. On the ground floor where the tickets are sold, there is a store selling Chiba souvenirs. Every year, for its Christmas Illumination event, they decorate the tower with a giant Christmas Tree Display with over 3500 light bulbs. There are also flea markets on every third Sunday of the month, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
