Nature Spots in Shakotan / Yoichi Area

  • Cape Ogon
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    Travel / Tourism
    Shakotan-cho, Shakotan-gun, Hokkaido
    Cape Ogon protrudes out into the sea just beyond Bikuni Harbor. There is an approximately 410-meter footpath, with three entrances giving access to the observation platform. In the past, a lookout tower was located on the Cape to watch for shoals of Pacific herring out at sea, and the name “Cape Ogon” (“Golden Cape”) was given to the Cape because the shoals of herring flashed gold in the setting sun. The way in which both the sky and the sea become tinged with crimson as the sun goes down is very beautiful, and Cape Ogon has been said to have the best sunsets in Japan.

    This is probably missed by most people on the way to Cape Shakotan. Its however just a short walk from the Shakotan tourist centre. It is a hilly trail and a pretty short walk, till you reach a 2...

  • Cape Kamui
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Shakotangunshakotanchou Kouzakichou
    Located at the northwestern tip of the Shakotan Peninsula, Cape Kamui has imposing cliffs that rise up 80 meters out of the Sea of Japan. From the car park at the foot of the Cape, visitors can walk up to the top of the cliffs along “Charenka’s Path” promenade, a distance of 770 meters. It takes around 20–30 minutes to complete the walk to the edge of the cliffs; visitors can enjoy marvelous views of the sea as they walk. At the cliff edge, there is a panoramic, 300-degree view of the sea horizon, giving a real sense of how the Earth is actually round, not flat. In early summer, the Hokkaido Daylilies are in bloom, which is a beautiful sight. Please note that opening hours of the gate at the entrance to the path up to the cliffs vary depending on the time of year.
  • Cape Shakotan
    Travel / Tourism
    Shakotan-cho, Shakotan-gun, Hokkaido
    This cape is in Hokkaido's Shakotan-cho area. Located at the northernmost tip of the Shakotan peninsula, the towering cliffs exceed 100 meters. It's known for Shimamui beach, selected one of Japan's Best Beaches. The extremely clear seawater lets you see all the way to the bedrock, and the vivid color of the water is known as Shakotan Blue. The area is closed in winter due to snow.
  • Shimamui Coast
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Shakotangunshakotanchou Irikachou
    Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 most beautiful stretches of coastline, the waters off the Shimamui Coast on the Shakotan Peninsula are strikingly clear and beautiful. After passing through a tunnel, visitors reach the Shimamui Coast Observation Platform, where they can view spectacular scenery that includes precipitous cliffs, huge rocks, and an incredibly blue sea—the sea that gave rise to the name “Shakotan Blue.” From the Observation Platform, it is possible to walk down a trail to the seashore, although you need to walk carefully because the trail is quite narrow. In early summer, the Hokkaido Daylily (the official flower of Shakotan) is in bloom, which is well worth seeing too.
  • Shinsen Marsh
    Travel / Tourism
    Kowa-cho, Iwanai-gun, Hokkaido
    Shinsennuma Marsh, the largest of the marshes in the Shinsennuma Marshland, is said to be the most beautiful in the Lake Niseko mountains. It is a mysterious marsh with a memorable blue water surface, and the appearance of trees surrounding it is also beautiful. There are many visitors throughout the year and the season of autumn leaves is especially recommended.
  • Kamui Rock
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Shakotan-gun Shakotancho
    According to legend, the maiden Ainu Charenka turned into this rock after falling in love with the samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune while he lived with the local chief. The deep blue of the ocean interweaves with the distinctive rock formation to create beautiful scenery.
  • Jorokko Rock
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Shakotan-gun Shakotancho
    According to legend, Shirara, daughter of an Ainu chief, turned into this stone after she stood here watching as her sweetheart set out to sea.
  • Mt.Tengu
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido
  • Iwanai Minato
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Iwanai-gun Iwanaicho Mandai
  • Benkeinokatanakakeiwa
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Iwanaiguniwanaichou Shikishimanai
  • Narugami no Taki
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Iwanai-gun Iwanaicho Shikishimanai
  • Mt.Yobetsu
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido
  • Shishamonai Notaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Furugunkamoenaimura Sannaimura Kawashira
  • Hashigotaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Iwanai-gun Iwanaicho Shikishimanai
  • Onuma Swamp
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Iwanai-gun Kyowacho
  • Tomaru Swamp
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Furu-gun Kamoenai Mura Kamoenaimura
  • Naganuma Swamp
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Iwanai-gun Kyowacho
  • Mt.Maemekunnai
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Iwanai-gun Kyowacho
  • Mt.Shirakaba
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Isoya-gun
  • Mt.Chisenupuri
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Isoya-gun Rankoshicho

Hokkaido Areas

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Not just a prefecture but an island of its own, Hokkaido is the most northerly prefecture and island of the Japanese archipelago. Arriving in Hokkaido, which is rural and bursting with breathtaking nature, means entering a world where vast national parks, towering mountains, and natural hot springs can be found at every turn. Come December, these natural splendors freeze over and morph into a winter wonderland.

Hokkaido Photo Album

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