2025 Shakotan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

Looking to explore the lesser-known coastal treasures of Hokkaido? This route from Shakotan Peninsula to Otaru takes you through the "Shakotan Blue" sea, volcanic cliffs, and ends with the aroma of whiskey and the romantic charm of canals! 🌅 First Stop: Cape Kamui 📍 Address: 380-6 Funamimachi, Shakotan-cho, Shakotan-gun, Hokkaido 🚇 Transportation: ① Start at JR Yoichi Station 🚉 ② Take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus 🚌 heading to Cape Kamui, approximately 2 hours ③ Get off at the final stop 🚏 ④ Walk 770m from the parking lot 🚶 to the cape summit, about 20 minutes 🌊 Highlights: ✅ 360° Observation Deck: Witness the collision of "Shakotan Blue" waters and volcanic cliffs ✅ Legend of Kamui Rock: Ainu folklore of a maiden's tragic love story adds a mysterious aura to the giant rock ✅ Formerly a "No-Women Zone," now a romantic photo spot 🍴 Food: Try the sea urchin rice bowl (freshly cut sea urchin + rice) at nearby seafood stalls Tips: 👟 Wear a windproof jacket and hiking shoes; the coastal winds are strong, and the trail is rocky. Closed during winter (late October to late April). 🌋 Second Stop: Shimamui Coast 📍 Address: About 1 km east of Cape Kamui summit 🚇 Transportation: About 30 minutes by car from Cape Kamui, or take a local bus (limited service, check schedules in advance) 📸 Experiences: ✅ Mysterious Tunnel Adventure: Pass through a 50-meter tunnel from darkness to light, reaching an observation deck 83 meters above sea level with views of the "Glass Sea" ✅ High Water Transparency: Selected as one of "Japan's 100 Beautiful Seas," with exceptionally clear waters in summer ✅ Volcanic Rock Wonders: Sea caves, wave-cut platforms, and jagged reefs—a must-visit for geology enthusiasts! 🍎 Third Stop: Yoichi NITORI Tourist Orchard 📍 Address: Yoichi Town, Hokkaido 🚗 Transportation: About 1 hour by car from Shimamui Coast, or take a taxi from JR Yoichi Station 🍉 Seasonal Fruit Calendar: ✅ June-July: Cherries, Strawberries ✅ August-September: Apples, Plums, Pears, Peaches, Grapes, Blueberries ✅ October: Persimmons, Apples 🎫 Picking Fees: All-you-can-eat: Adults (middle school and above) 2,000 yen / Elementary school students 1,500 yen / Children (3-5 years old) 700 yen 🏮 Fourth Stop: Otaru ✅ Otaru Canal: A symbolic landmark of Otaru and Hokkaido, featuring oil lamps and retro warehouses. Also a filming location for the drama "Love Letter." 🍣 Food: ✅ Kita no Gyoba: Fresh sea urchin, botan shrimp sashimi, snow crab sashimi, and live abalone sashimi 💡 Tips: The interior is simple, but the ingredients and flavors are top-notch, perfect for those seeking authentic tastes. ✅ Otaru Canal Food Court: A collection of 10 diverse restaurants offering everything from Hokkaido miso ramen and crab dishes to Genghis Khan BBQ 💡 Tips: The seafood rice bowls here are hearty and delicious, ideal for a satisfying meal.

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Cape Kamui is what I am most looking forward to during this Hokkaido trip, and it is actually the most breathtaking itinerary. Cape Kamui is located at the tip of the Shakotan Peninsula, 70 km northwest of Otaru. Due to inconvenient public transportation, it is still a niche secret place. Since we were traveling with our family, including parents and children, we chose to charter a car for a day trip to Cape Kamui. 💙One-day tour itinerary: ①Otaru - Shimabui Coast Before arriving at the Shimabuyi Coast Observation Deck, you need to walk through a narrow and short tunnel, as if entering the enchantment of Spirited Away. The moment you exit the tunnel, you will be moved by the beautiful blue sea view. We could have gone down to the beach to play, but the boardwalk was damaged recently and is under repair, so we can only watch the sea from the observation deck. At noon, I had seafood rice at the Linhuang Canteen next to the parking lot. It was very delicious. ②Shimabui Coast - Cape Kamui Walking along the trail on the undulating ridges, it feels like you can walk to the end of the world. At the end of the trail is the heart-breakingly blue Sea of ​​Japan, with the sacred Kamui Rock standing in the waves. Regardless of whether humans exist or not, and regardless of how much time has passed, you can see the Earth as it really is and be amazed by it. ⚠️Note: The wind at Cape Kamui is very strong! It is not recommended to travel on rainy days, it will be very dangerous! Be sure to apply sunscreen on sunny days and don’t wear thin short skirts, as your hat will be blown away and you won’t be able to wear it at all. Most of the trail is steps, and strollers cannot be pushed. Children must eat and drink enough before setting off. Children who don’t like to walk should be careful when choosing. My son is 3 and a half years old. He was amazed by the beautiful scenery while climbing the mountain. He also thought the sea breeze that almost blew him away was very fun. He walked the entire round trip by himself (about 40 minutes one way) and fell asleep as soon as he got in the car. ③ Cape Kamui — Check in to hotel in Lake Toya 💙About chartering The cost of chartering a car is not cheap. For our family of six, it is definitely more expensive per person than public transportation. However, the advantage is that the itinerary is flexible and it is easy to communicate with the Chinese driver. If you take the bus to Cape Kamui, you can only go to and from Otaru on the same day. We chartered a car and went directly to the next stop, Lake Toya, saving a night's accommodation in Otaru and not having to carry the luggage to catch the JR. If a group of people are traveling to such remote and niche attractions, it is highly recommended to charter a car.

Cape Kamui, which juts out into the Sea of ​​Japan, is a spectacular cape that you should visit at least once. It takes about 20 minutes one way to walk along the impressive promenade while watching the beautiful contrast of blue, known as Shakotan Blue. There is no obstruction and the wind is strong, so parasols and skirts are not suitable. Be careful as hats are easily blown away. Sandals also tend to get your feet dirty, so sneakers are recommended! ! It was a hard walk, but I'm glad I went! It was a wonderful view that made me think that. ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Facility name📍Cape Kamui Address📍Oaza Kamimisaki-cho, Shakotan-cho, Hokkaido Access📍About 2 hours from Otaru Station Admission fee📍Free Opening hours📍Varies depending on the season *It takes about 40 to 60 minutes to go round trip. ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ #Domestic travel#Girls trip #Family trip #Couples trip #Japan #Sea photo #Cape Kamui #Shakotan Blue #Shakotan Peninsula #Hokkaido #Hokkaido trip

To celebrate our mother's 80th birthday in advance, my brother and I came to Sapporo. Besides Sapporo, Otaru in Hokkaido is very famous, so we definitely wanted to visit! A few days before coming to Japan, we purchased a day tour package from 'Travel Bowl' on Naver. The itinerary for the day was: (1) Shakotan Shimamui Beach (2) Shakotan Cape Kamui (3) Shakotan Misakino-yu (Hot Spring) (4) Otaru We had a great time~~~ This is the day tour package we chose~

#capekamui #hokkaido One of the best locations to visit in Hokkaido ! Worth the 15 mins walk to the lighthouse and enjoying the view all the way. It truly felt like an adventure going up and down the steps just to get to the lighthouse. Had to catch my breath once I reached but the view instantly made me forget the tiredness. Will i do it again ? YES just to enjoy the breeze and admire the view while walking.

Getting There - Taking the tour bus or local bus ride around 2.5hrs from Hotaru train station Attractions - sea, mountain Food & Restaurants - restaurants and stalls nearby the cape kamui Shopping - Japanese snacks, food and drinks Entrance fee - free Time to clime the mountain - 20 mins from bus station Cape kamui is located within the region of Shakotan. The transportation is quite long for 2.5hrs riding bus, but it is worth for it’s view of Japan sea and mountain. #japan #hokkaido

I came to see the Shimamui Coast, Shakotan Coast, and Ogontan Coast. The highlight of a summer trip to Hokkaido is right here. Over there, in the Tsugaru Strait, you can see islands lined up like dinosaur ridges like Cape Tapi. It's a spectacular sight to see them in person... I highly recommend a tour of the Shimamui Coast, Shakotan Coast, and Ogontan Coast as viewpoints for your summer trip to Hokkaido... Is that Russian land across the sea? The Siberian wind is still blowing in Russia across the Tokai Sea. #HokkaidoTravel #CapturingSummer #ShimamuineCoast

#2023travelwish Cape Kamui is located at the western end of Shakotan Peninsula in Hokkaido. It is a steep area surrounded by sea that extends out from the coast into the Sea of Japan. It has an amazing view of the Kamui Cape and it’s waters are uniquely known as the ‘Shakotan Blue’. The drive there itself was breathtaking with coastal views. After parking at the base, we took a hike up the cape. There are plenty of beautiful nature trails to walk around but we chose to walk up and along the ridge of the cape. Most part of the trail is easy with well constructed boardwalks but some of the areas could be a little challenging as it was narrow and rocky. At the tip of the peninsular, we were greeted with a bird’s eye view of the capes and the bluest water we’ve ever seen in our lives. It was an amazing feeling to be surrounded by such beautiful scenery. This is a place I would come back a hundred times over, because it is just that majestic. I hope I’ll have the chance to visit Hokkaido again.

Cape Shakotan is the northernmost cape on the Shakotan Peninsula✨ From the tip, you can see the dynamic coastline that continues to Cape Kamui, as well as Mount Shakotan✨Shimamui Beach, with its clear waters known as Shakotan Blue, is the northernmost of Japan's "100 Best Beaches," and is a breathtakingly beautiful sight✨✨ In summer, the cliffs are a different world, decorated with Shakotan's town flower, the Ezo Daylily✨ From Cape Kamui, you can see that the earth is round, and the Kamui Blue is so impressive that you can see the ocean and horizon as far as the eye can see✨✨✨ #Hokkaido Trip #Summer Weekend Trip

Sunset at Kamuimisaki Strait, Hokkaido. One of the most beautiful straits in Hokkaido, when viewed from above it looks like a dinosaur's tail waving out to the ocean 😄 Address: 92 Kozakicho, Shakotan, Shakotan District, Hokkaido 046-0321 #travelhokkaido #hokkaido

Cape Kamui and Cape Shakotan on the Shakotan Peninsula ✨ The clear blue sea, known as Shakotan Blue, is a distinctive feature...! Shakotan, with its beautiful contrast between the rugged hills and the calm blue sea, also has another specialty: sea urchin ♪ I saw a restaurant where you can eat sea urchin rice bowls near Cape Kamui and Cape Shakotan 🤤 Access: Approximately 200 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport. Approximately 150 minutes by car from Sapporo city. Approximately 110 minutes by car from Otaru city. Approximately 50 minutes by car from Yoichi Station. There are also buses from Sapporo Station and Otaru Station (the travel time is about the same as by car), but there are few buses, so I recommend going by car. #HokkaidoTrip #FreeSpots #MountainClimbing #AmazingViews #SummerShortTrip

Cape Kamui on the Shakotan Peninsula in Hokkaido ⛰ The Shakotan Peninsula was once a place where women were not allowed to enter. Even now, a gate remains that shows this history. I went there at the end of September, and I felt autumn had come a little early ✨ It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the parking lot, and there are some places where the footing is rough, so I recommend wearing shoes 👌 #Hokkaido #Free Spot #Autumn #Cape Kamui #Amazing View

I rented a car from Otaru Station and headed to Shakotan. Cape Shakotan✨ The clear blue sea, known as "Shakotan Blue," and the rugged rocks...it was simply a spectacular sight... One of the capes of the Shakotan Peninsula in western Hokkaido, Cape Shakotan has a clear, beautiful sea below the cliffs where you can see the rock surface✨ There are souvenir shops and restaurants where you can eat Shakotan sea urchin near the parking lot. Access: 200 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport. 110 minutes by bus (also available from Sapporo Station) from Otaru Station (get off at Shimamui Beach Entrance) 20 minutes walk from Shimamui Beach Entrance bus stop. About 40 minutes by car from Yoichi Station. Public transportation is limited, so I recommend accessing by car♪ #Hokkaido Trip #Sapporo #Japan Genki Project #Summer Trip#Amazing View

CAFE STAND Mado recently opened in Mikuni, Shakotan, Hokkaido. The shop is made of gel that was handmade by the female owner. All the dishes served are takeaway, but they include coffee, curry, and soft serve ice cream. They all use local ingredients and are very delicious! As you can see in the photo, there is a place to sit, so you can eat on the spot. Location: 38-4 Funama, Mikuni-cho, Shakotan Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 every day (closed on Wednesdays) #cafe #Hokkaido #couples trip#cafe hopping#gourmet trip

It takes about 6 hours round trip from the mountain hut (accessible by car). There is almost no view until the summit, but when you arrive, you will be surprised to see a panoramic view from Cape Shakotan to Cape Kamui, with the Niseko mountain range in front and Hokkaido's largest isolated peak, Mt. Yotei, in the distance. (If the weather is good, you can even see Otaru.) If you are going to climb, it is recommended to go now, when the wind is relatively weak, from July to early August. This is also an area where brown bears appear, so be careful when climbing. Don't forget to bring a bear bell, and limit your activities to around 8am to 3pm. #Hokkaido #Amazing nature#Support tourism#Breathtaking views

The walking path continues from Shimamui Beach... but as you'd expect from Shakotan, there are quite a few ups and downs. If you walk along the cliffs for an hour, listening to the birds and taking in the spectacular views, you'll see the Tateiwa rock below you. This is Joro-koiwa. There's a sign at the site explaining the origin of the name, but whether it's fiction or not, it's quite a sad story. [Access] Shimamu Beach is just under two hours by car from Sapporo Station. There are also buses from Sapporo and Otaru. From the beach, you can walk along the walking path, which takes about an hour round trip. #Hokkaido #Hokkaido Trip #Seaside Scenery #Amazing Nature#Supporting Tourism#Spectacular Scenery

It is pronounced "Shimamu Kaigan." Once you leave the tunnel, the Shakotan blue will spread out before your eyes! There is a walkway along the cliffs, and you can go down to the bottom. Cape Kamui has limited admission times, but you can enter this place any time. #Hokkaido #Hokkaido Tourism #Seaside Scenery #Beach Scenery #Enjoy Nature #Amazing Nature#Breathtaking Scenery

Speaking of Shakotan, Hokkaido, this is the place to be! It's such a representative place. Although it's difficult to access, it is well managed and maintained, and the visit itself is very comfortable. You can experience the dynamic nature that can only be found in this place in Japan. Be sure to visit along with the Shakotan fisherman's gourmet food that can be eaten in the surrounding area. In addition, it is magnificent in any season, from spring when the whole area is covered with blooming day lilies, to summer when the Shakotan blue peaks, autumn when the rugged terrain stands out, to the majestic scenery in the coldest season. The opening hours are strictly determined, and it is often closed due to strong winds, but you can be sure to enjoy the unique natural scenery. *The photo is an aerial shot, but it was taken with permission. #Japanese scenery #Seaside scenery #Hokkaido #Hokkaido tourism #Aerial photography #Amazing nature#Breathtaking scenery

It was a really nice day with a lovely strong sea breeze. We had driven for almost two hours from Niseko along the coast and arrived at around 10am. There were not many people on the walk. The panoramic coastal views were magnificent. The path although undulating, was not difficult. We could not complete the entire route because about 15 to 20 minutes later a guy came up and said the path was closed to all visitors because of strong winds. We then returned the way we came. The guy went on towards the tip of the cape (most likely to get the other visitors on the path to go back). Despite not being able to walk towards the tip of the cape, we felt lucky to have seen some of the views along the walk. Certainly it is the place that you cannot miss it if you drive a long way from Sapporo. The scenic is breath taking. #givethanks #givethanks

2025/8/7 Cape Kamui/The Gate to Women's Forbidden Zone, the scenery is beautiful and worth visiting again.

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck A rocky promontory jutting into the Sea of Japan, covered with grass and no large trees, with a well-maintained wooden walkway and stairs leading up to the top for a 360-degree view. The distance is approximately 700 meters. The view is stunning: the crystal-clear blue water is accented by shallow, green water and white foam that laps against the mysterious rocks. At the tip of the promontory is a shrine and a lighthouse, but the day we visited, it was closed. Getting there: It's about a two-hour drive from Sapporo. The route follows the seaside through a tunnel, which is very enjoyable. Parking is spacious and free. Admission is free. Opens at 8:00 AM. Average closing time is 5:30 PM, but be sure to check the time of day (December-March, it closes at 3:00 PM). There's only one shop in the parking lot. There are restrooms, snacks, and souvenirs. There's no restaurant. Tip: Go early in the morning or evening, as the sun is very strong during the day. Bring water. Be careful with an umbrella, as the wind can be strong. There aren't many tourists, making it ideal for taking beautiful photos. #DrivingHokkaido

when you go to Hokkaido, you really should visit cap Kamui in summer it is amazing !

Does Kamui Misaki only go as far as Otaru? If you drive about an hour northwest from Otaru, you'll find one of the most beautiful capes in Hokkaido. It's a walking trail that takes about an hour round trip, offering breathtaking scenery—a true blessing to experience. Just walking along this path and taking in the view is enough to bring happiness. I look forward to the next time, hoping to catch the sunset here.

#Hokkaido #Shakotan #Sea Urchin ❣️Recommended: This time....Raw sea urchin bowl from "Oshokudokoro Misaki"‼️Enjoy Shakotan sea urchin🤣💕 📍Location: 236, Nijicho, Shakotan-cho, Shakotan-gun, Hokkaido 🚗Access: A little over 2 hours from New Chitose Airport via the toll road, parking for up to 20 cars 🕰️Opening hours: 9:00-15:00 💰Price per person: About 5,000 JPY for a raw sea urchin bowl ❣️Recommended points: Feeling great while driving with the blue sky and beautiful sea in your eyes🤤❣️Nearby are the Shakotan blue sea, famous capes, beaches, and hot springs‼️ Next time I'd like to stay overnight😊 😵Sea urchin and seafood are seasonal and natural, so there are days when there are few or no sea urchins

Summer in Hokkaido (July 2025) Take a walk where the sky meets the sea at Cape Kamui. There’s a 700-meter-long trail called Charenka's Path that winds along the cliffs, leading to a scenic viewpoint at the cape’s tip. (The round trip takes about 1 hour.) At the tip of the cape, you’ll find a rock formation resembling a woman, inspired by an Ainu legend. The weather is great, sunny, but very windy—be prepared! 😂 Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and UV-protective clothing. At the entrance, there’s free parking, restrooms, and even a shop selling souvenirs and snacks. 💗 📍Address: Cape Kamui, Shakotan, Hokkaido

🌊Shakotan Peninsula·Cap Shiri Blue 💙The ocean here is unrealistically blue! Like someone spilled a whole bottle of Tiffany ink💎 💚The mountain trails are wrapped in greenery, every snapshot looks like a scene from a Miyazaki anime 📸At the end of the trail, you can photograph the surreal rock formations - the sound of waves crashing is incredibly soothing~ ⏰Best time You must wake up early! 7-9am has fewer crowds and perfect light (Noon sun is brutally strong☀️don't ask how I know) 🚶‍♀️Hiking tips ▫️20 minutes one way? Not a chance! We spent a full hour taking photos😂 ▫️Wear comfortable shoes! Some sections are quite steep ▫️Apply sunscreen like your life depends on it! The coastal UV will teach you a lesson 💔Dark legend This place actually had a "no women allowed on boats" taboo?! (Ancient people were masters of passing blame😅) 🌟Hidden surprise You might spot adorable seals on the rocks if you're lucky... 💡Tips: Bring a waterproof phone case! Waves can surprise you Hokkaido off-the-beaten-path experiences

Gorgeous landscape at Cape Kamui in Hokkaido, . Windy and stunning views of the lighthouse and cape. Enjoy the view and finish with an onsen while watching the sunset!

If you go to Hokkaido, be sure to visit the Shakotan Peninsula. Cape Kamui is a great viewpoint. I recommend going to the lighthouse at the tip. The color of the sea you can see from there is called Shakotan Blue, and it is mysterious and truly beautiful. Also, when you think of Shakotan, you think of sea urchin. The melt-in-your-mouth sea urchin, which is made without alum, is so delicious that once you try it, you won't be able to eat regular sea urchin again. Even Hokkaido people who are picky about seafood admire Shakotan sea urchin. Sea urchin rice bowls and tuna rice bowls are all really delicious 💓 #Hokkaido #Shakotan Peninsula