Cape Nosappu 納沙布岬

The island of Hokkaido includes both the northernmost point of Japan (Cape Soya) and the easternmost, Cape Nosappu. Less well known than its northern cousin, this cape is 20 kilometers from the nearest town, Nemuro . It is possible to get there by train and bus, but the easiest way is to rent a car on site.

Faithful to the wild and preserved landscapes of Hokkaido, the cape offers a breath of fresh, iodized air to its visitors. On a clear day, it is possible to see the islands of Kunashiri, Shikotan and Habomai on the horizon . These islands are also the source of a dispute between Japan and Russia. Indeed, this set of islands, originally Japanese, have been under Russian administration since the end of the Second World War. A monument in the shape of an arch was thus built in 1980 on the cape, within the grounds of Bokyonomisaki Park, called "The bridge of the four islands" (s hima-no-kakehashi in Japanese). It is dedicated to prayer for the return of Habomai Islands under Japanese sovereignty.

Cape Nosappu is very popular early in the morning (before 4 a.m.!), for those who wish to admire a very oriental sunrise . A must-see in the Land of the Rising Sun!

See also: Wakkanai, the northern city

At the end of the cape is a stone marker , marking visitors the easternmost point. Nearby, a small white lighthouse watches over the ocean and its boats. It was built in 1872 by a Scottish engineer and is now Hokkaido's oldest lighthouse .

Not far from there, you will see a high white tower: this is the observation tower of the cape . The Japanese call it Aurora Tower, or Tower of Nostalgia. You can climb up to the observation deck, 90 meters high, to enjoy the 360° view . This is where you can best see the Habomai Islands.

Once the visit of the cape is over, you can eat not far from there, several small restaurants offering ramen and dishes based on raw fish , as well as crab tasting , specialty of the region. Near the Four Islands Monument is also a small museum, the Hoppokan , which showcases the history and ecosystem of the area and the Habomai Islands.

To read: The culinary specialties of Hokkaido

The Nemuro Peninsula is also home to many other attractive points, starting with the town of Nemuro , famous for its sushi and crab ramen . At the entrance to the peninsula, the immense Lake Furen is well known for its marshes and its richness in terms of bird watching.

Individual tour in Hokkaido