Surrounded by the sea and nature, the capes of Hokkaido offer spectacular seasonal views in each region, from sunrise to drift ice. Some of these spots are also places where you can meet animals such as seals, sea otters, dolphins, and whales. Here are 10 recommended "capes" at the edge of the vast island of Hokkaido!

Located at the southern end of the Hidaka Mountains, which are called the backbone of Hokkaido, Cape Erimo is characterized by its topography that juts out to the south toward the Pacific Ocean. It is also known for its strong winds, with wind speeds of 10 meters or more blowing more than 270 days a year. On the reefs visible from the cape, schools of harbor seals can often be seen leisurely sunbathing.

Located at 45 degrees, 31 minutes and 22 seconds north latitude, this is the northernmost cape of the "top" of Japan. On a clear day, the island shadow of Sakhalin can be seen in the distance. The "Monument to the Northernmost Point of Japan" stands as a monument at the cape, which is popular as a memorial spot for the many tourists who visit from all over Japan to see the top of Japan.

This cape protrudes into the Sea of Japan from the northwestern part of the Shakotan Peninsula. The rugged landscape and the blue of the sea, described as "Shakotan blue," are beautiful. A promenade called "Chalenka Path" runs along the ridge to the tip of the cape, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the ocean from the tip of the cape. Nearby is Cape Shakotan, where you can see Shimamui Coast, one of the 100 best beaches in Japan, which is also recommended.

This is the easternmost cape on the mainland and is famous as the place where you can see the sunrise the earliest. On New Year's Day, many tourists from all over Japan visit Cape Nosabu to see the earliest sunrise in Japan, and the first Western-style lighthouse in Hokkaido, built in July 1872, is located here.

Cape Chikyu Misaki is a scenic spot with a series of cliffs around 100 meters high, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from the observation deck. The name "Cape Earth" is derived from the Ainu word "chikepu," meaning "cliff. The lighthouse towering over the cliffs was lit on April 1, 1920, and plays an important role for ships navigating the coast.

The cape juts out from the southeast side of Mount Hakodate and faces the Tsugaru Straits. The cliffs surrounded by the sea offer a panoramic view of the Tsugaru Straits as far as the Tsugaru Peninsula and Shimokita Peninsula. At night, you can see fantastic fishing lights of squid fishing boats on the surface of the water. In the corner of the park is "Hamanasu Park" where visitors can enjoy the blooming of Hamanasu, the flower of Hokkaido, in summer.

The area of the cape juts out into the Sea of Okhotsk, with its open pastureland and idyllic scenery, and the Shiretoko mountain range can be seen in the distance. The winter scenery is also attractive, and the area is famous for the drift ice that stretches across the horizon, making it a popular sightseeing spot for commercials and movies.

This cape is located in Shari-cho on the Shiretoko Peninsula and is a component of the Shiretoko World Heritage Site. It is a popular sightseeing spot where you can view the beautiful sunset and drift ice from Utoro city and the Sea of Okhotsk below.

This cape is located at the eastern end of the Kiritappu Peninsula in Hamanaka Town. Its official name is Toufutsu Misaki (湯沸岬). Wild sea otters breed around the cape, and if you are lucky, you may be able to observe them from land.

This cape is located in Rumoi City, north of the Sea of Japan Oloron Line. The sunset over the Sea of Japan is spectacular and has been selected as one of the "100 Sunsets of Japan. Crab fishing can also be enjoyed on the surrounding rocky shore.

All information is current as of January 2023. All information is subject to change. Please check the official website for details.