Cape Nosappu, located at the tip of the Nemuro Peninsula, is the easternmost point on the mainland. You may be thinking, "But isn't it the easternmost point of Japan?" You may be thinking, "But actually, the easternmost point of Japan is Minamitori-shima Island in the Pacific Ocean. However, Minamitorishima is inaccessible to the general public, so Cape Nosabu is the easternmost point on the mainland, meaning that it is the easternmost point that we can visit.

We have compiled a list of the highlights of Cape Nosappu!
Please take a look at it as a reference for your sightseeing.

Many people may recall the picture of Cape Nosabu Lighthouse when they think of Cape Nosabu. It is the oldest lighthouse in Hokkaido, selected as one of the "50 best lighthouses in Japan," and was built in 1872, in the early Meiji Era. The current lighthouse was reconstructed in 1930. The giant arched symbol also catches the eye of visitors.

(Photo by Nemuro City Tourist Association)

A "prayer fire" continues to burn beneath the arch statue, which is 35 meters wide and 13 meters high. The statue is actually called "Shishima no Kakehashi," and was built to pray for the return of the Northern Territories.

Yes, from Cape Nosabu, the easternmost point of the mainland, the Northern Territories can be seen. Among them, the nearest island, Kaigara Island in the Chimai Archipelago, is only 3.7 km away. First-time visitors may be surprised to see a lighthouse built on Kaigara Island.
Also, being the easternmost point of the mainland means that it is the earliest place in Japan where the sunrise can be seen. For this reason, every year on New Year's Day, the Nemuro Tourist Association holds an event called "Cape Nosabu Hatsuhinmode (Cape Nosabu First Day Pilgrimage). Due to its latitude, it is not the earliest sunrise in Japan, but at least it is the earliest sunrise in Hokkaido. It seems to be quite a lively event, with Hanasaki crab teppo soup being sold.

(Photo by Nemuro City Tourism Association)

Cape Nosabu is also full of other attractions, such as the "House of Mochigo," which exhibits materials on the Northern Territories, the "Bell of Hope" monument, and sea otters and seals that can be seen if you look out to sea. Above all, you will probably feel a special emotion when you land on the farthest land. To experience this unique feeling, please visit Cape Nosabu on your next trip to the East of Hokkaido.

<Cooperation for the report, thumbnail photo provided by
Nemuro City Tourism Association
Location: Tourist Information Center, 2-10 Kouwa-cho, Nemuro City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0153-24-3104
Official website: https://www.nemuro-kankou.com