Cape Nosappu
納沙布岬
Coastline with sea air, sunset angles and a slower island tempo.
What this place is
Cape Nosappu (Japanese: 納沙布岬, Hepburn: Nosappu-misaki) is a point on the Nemuro Peninsula, Nemuro, Japan, which is the easternmost point in Hokkaidō. It is also the easternmost point in Japan which is open to the public. It is located where the waters from the Pacific Ocean meet those from the Sea of Okhotsk. The Cape Nosappu Lighthouse is the oldest in Hokkaidō, built in 1872. The cape is very close to the Habomai Archipelago, which is administered by Russia. The closest island, Signalny Rock, is just 3.7 km away. As such, Russian patrol boats frequently appear on the strait. However, Japan claims the sovereignty over these islands. (See Kuril Islands dispute.) Consequently, the cape houses a lot of monuments dealing with Japanese claims on the territories, such as the House of Nostalgia for the Homeland, the Bridge on the Four Islands, and others.
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Why it is worth the trip
- Rock formations and cliffs shaped by wind and waves, best seen when the light rakes across them.
- Long sea horizons — this stretch is known for its sunrise or sunset depending on which way the coast faces.
- Small fishing harbours nearby where the day's catch goes straight into local restaurants.
What you can do here
- Walk the shoreline path or headland trail to the main viewpoint.
- Stay for sunset; the 30 minutes after the sun drops are usually the best colour.
- Eat seafood at a harbour-side shokudo — donburi rice bowls and grilled shellfish are the standards.
- In summer, swim or try a boat trip, sea kayak or glass-bottom cruise where operated.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.
Getting there by public transport
Good to know before you go
- Check tide times if you plan to walk out onto rocks or sand bars.
- Coastal wind is strong year-round; a windbreaker beats an umbrella.
- Buses along the coast can run only a few times a day — note the return time before you set out.
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