Why not explore the capes of Hokkaido? Here are 8 captivating capes.

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: Last updated: September 10, 2018

Table of contents

5. Cape Chikyu (Cape Chikyu)

6. Tachimachi Cape

7. Cape Notoro

8. Shiretoko Cape

Final thoughts

Photo by Wikipedia/ 663highland

Hokkaido is surrounded by the sea on all sides. Therefore, there are many capes in Hokkaido that jut out into the surrounding sea.

Among them are many diverse capes, including Japan's northernmost cape, a cape made famous by being sung about in enka (Japanese ballad) songs, and a cape located in a World Heritage site.

Many capes on Honshu are developed as tourist destinations, making it difficult to experience nature, but Hokkaido still has many capes that remain largely untouched by human hands.

This time, we've carefully selected eight capes from among Hokkaido's many famous capes to introduce to you! We'll explain not only their locations, but also their highlights, characteristics, and the best seasons to visit them.

<Table of Contents>
1. 襟裳岬
 2. 宗谷岬
 3. Cape Kamui
4. Cape Nosappu
5. Cape Chikyu (Cape Chikyu)
6. Tachimachi Cape
7. Cape Notoro
8. Shiretoko Cape
Final thoughts

1. 襟裳岬

Photo by Wikipedia/Captain76

The first place I'd like to introduce is Cape Erimo, located at the tip of the Hidaka area, which has a shape that juts out straight down on the map of Hokkaido.

Many place names in Hokkaido are difficult to pronounce, and I'm sure many people would find this one particularly hard to understand if they didn't know how to pronounce it.

However, since it's the title of a song by Shinichi Mori released in 1974, I think many people would recognize it if they heard the name "Erimo Cape."

Photo by Wikipedia/Kireinakokoro

Cape Erimo is a geographical feature where the Hidaka Mountains, often called the "backbone of Hokkaido," connect directly to the sea. This geological formation doesn't end where it meets the ocean; it continues as a rocky reef for about 2 kilometers.

It's amazing to think that even after the reef has sunk into the sea and disappeared from view, the same topography continues for about 6 kilometers.

This reef is also famous as a place where many seals visit. Be sure to bring binoculars and observe them from the cape!

<Cape Erimo>
Address: Cape Erimo, Erimo-cho, Horozumi-gun, Hokkaido

2. 宗谷岬

Photo by Wikipedia/RSAPhoto by Wikipedia/RSA

Located directly north of Cape Erimo, which I mentioned earlier, is Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Japan.

This monument is said to be modeled after the North Star, in honor of the northernmost cape.

On a clear day, you can see Sakhalin, about 43 kilometers away, from directly in front of this monument.

Photo by Wikipedia/Fluffy_nns

If you're visiting Cape Soya, I highly recommend going on New Year's Day. You can enjoy a beautiful sunrise from the Peace Bell located in Cape Soya Park, where a memorial monument stands.

Many people, including residents of Wakkanai, visit this place from early in the New Year to pray for peace. Also, the Soya Cape Shrine is nearby, so you can visit both places for your first shrine visit of the year.

<Cape Soya>
Address: Cape Soya, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido

3. Cape Kamui

Photo by Wikipedia/663highland

Next, we'll introduce Cape Kamui, located at the tip of the Shakotan Peninsula in western Hokkaido. Like Cape Erimo, it's another cape with a difficult-to-pronounce name, but it's pronounced "Kamui."

Kamui is an Ainu word meaning "god," and if we were to translate it into Japanese, it would be something like "Cape of the Gods." The landscape, with its rolling hills seemingly piercing the Sea of Japan, truly has the atmosphere of something created by the gods themselves.

Photo by Wikipedia/ 663highland

What you see at the tip of Cape Kamui is Kamui Rock. The rock's shape, which is said to be the embodiment of a maiden, is quite striking, isn't it?

Cape Kamui offers a variety of scenery depending on the season, but if you had to choose one season, summer is highly recommended!

The sea visible from Shakotan is a beautiful color and is famously known as "Shakotan Blue."

In the summer, the blue is particularly beautiful, and you can also see the yellow flowers of the Ezo daylily blooming on the cape (the best time to see them is mid-June), so please do go and check it out.

Cape Kamui
Address: Hokkaido Shiretoko-gun Shikkotan-cho Kamisucho

4. Cape Nosappu

Photo by Wikipedia/FoxyStranger Kawasaki

This is another place name that's difficult to pronounce, just like Cape Kamui we just saw. It's called Cape Nosappu, and it's the easternmost cape on the Japanese mainland. Beyond Cape Nosappu, the deep blue sea stretches out, and you can see the Northern Territories in the distance. The color of the sea here is also a deep blue and very beautiful.

Photo by Wikipedia/Captain76

This monument is called "Shima no Kakehashi" (Bridge of the Four Islands). From the Northern Territories Pavilion near the monument, you can use binoculars to see the Russian watchtower on Suisho Island in the Habomai Islands, and you can also see the median line between Japan and Russia, which serves as the de facto border between the Habomai Islands and Japan. This is a place where you can clearly see the existence of the Northern Territories and the relationship with Russia.

I recommend visiting this cape on New Year's Day. That's because, being the easternmost point of mainland Japan, it's the place in Hokkaido where you can see the sunrise earliest.

<Nosappu Cape>
Address: Nosappu, Nemuro City, Hokkaido

5. Cape Chikyu (Cape Chikyu)

Photo by Wikipedia/TF

Cape Chikyu, where the vast Pacific Ocean stretches out at its tip, was originally written as "Chikyu" Cape.

The name Chikiu originates from the Ainu word "chikep," meaning cliff, and true to its name, it is a cliff that stretches for 14 kilometers, reaching an elevation of approximately 100 meters above sea level. This "Chikiu" eventually evolved into the current spelling of Cape Chikyu.

The horizon visible from here has a curved shape, making it a spot where you can truly "experience the roundness of the Earth," so it's a perfectly fitting name.

There are green spaces and well-maintained walking trails around Cape Chikyu. In spring, dogtooth violets and Ezo river pinks bloom in abundance, making it a great place for a stroll.
Cape Chikyu
Address: 4-77 Bokoi Minami-cho, Muroran City, Hokkaido

6. Tachimachi Cape

Photo by Wikipedia/Ozizo

Tachimachi Cape is located in Hakodate, a popular tourist destination. While Hakodate's scenery often brings to mind historical townscapes and buildings, Tachimachi Cape is a cliff where you can enjoy natural scenery.

This cape juts out from the southeast of Mount Hakodate and faces the Tsugaru Strait, so on a clear day you can see the Shimokita Peninsula.

There's a beach rose park at the cape's plaza, where many beach roses bloom in the summer. You can enjoy the scenery while breathing in their sweet fragrance.

<Tachimachi Cape>
Address: Hakodateyama, Sumiyoshi-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido

7. Cape Notoro

This cape in Abashiri also has a place name that's a little difficult to pronounce, but it's read as "Notoro" Cape. It's recently become known as the location where a commercial for an airline featuring a popular idol group was filmed.

The sight of the lighthouse standing there is quite picturesque, isn't it? Since the Shiretoko Peninsula lies southeast of Cape Notoro, you can enjoy the scenery of both the Sea of Okhotsk and the Shiretoko Peninsula.

From mid-May to mid-October, horses are released into the adjacent pasture, making it a spot where you can see scenery typical of Hokkaido.

<Notoro Cape>
Address: Misaki, Abashiri City, Hokkaido

8. Shiretoko Cape

Finally, let me introduce Shiretoko Cape, located at the tip of the Shiretoko Peninsula, which can be seen from the previously mentioned Notoro Cape. The Shiretoko Peninsula is a World Natural Heritage site, so it attracts many tourists.

However, there are no paths that people can walk on to Cape Shiretoko, so it's a spot that can only be seen from the sea (landing from tourist boats is not permitted).

Because the scenery can only be seen from the sea, cruising tours are offered throughout the year. In the summer, you can see dolphins, and in the spring and autumn, you can spot brown bears from the boat. In winter, you can even cruise through the sea where drift ice floats.

<Shiretoko Cape>
Address: Iwaobetsu, Tonebetsu Village, Shari Town, Shari District, Hokkaido

Final thoughts

We've introduced eight fascinating capes in Hokkaido. Hokkaido has unique capes in each of its four cardinal directions. Besides those we've introduced, there are many other capes where you can enjoy various scenery. If you ever have the opportunity to travel around Hokkaido at a leisurely pace, try planning a trip to visit many of its capes.

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