Cape Shiokubi - Hokkaido

Cape Shiokubi (汐首岬) is the closest point between Hokkaido and Honshu. It is located at 202-1 Setaraicho, Hakodate City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Cape Shiokubi

Cape Shiokubi Details

Cape Shiokubi is the closest point between Hokkaido and Honshu, separated by the Tsugaru Strait. At just 17.5 km, on clear days, you can see Shimokita Peninsula, including Oma Town in Aomori Prefecture across the strait. The area is also known for stunning sunsets and, from summer to autumn, you can spot fishing lights dotting the strait.

Cape Shiokubi - Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture

On the coast, you'll find a dam that has been worn down by the waves over the years. Built during the Meiji and Taisho periods by fishermen from Shiokubi and Setakui, it was designed to keep sardines from being trapped in nets when rough weather made it difficult to bring them ashore. This historic site can be seen near the "Closest Point Between Hokkaido and Honshu" sign, offering a glimpse into the past.

Cape Shiokubi pictures

The Fukuroma, built during the Meiji and Taisho periods by fishermen in Shiokubi and Setakui, was designed to prevent sardines from being discarded into the sea during rough weather when they couldn't be brought ashore.

"Closest Point Between Hokkaido and Honshu" sign

Can you spot the Cape Shiokubi Lighthouse?

Most of Cape Shiokubi is covered in tetrapods also called dolos

The nearby Shiokubi Fishing Port

Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, as seen from Cape Shiokubi

You can see the Former Toi Line Shiokubi Bridge Ruins near the "Closest Point Between Hokkaido and Honshu" sign

While there’s not much to do at Cape Shiokubi besides taking photos of the sign and possibly spotting Honshu on a clear day, it's still a lovely spot to enjoy the scenic coastline of Hokkaido.

Team Nicerio visits Cape Shiokubi

On April 3, 2023, my family and I visited Cape Shiokubi on the last day of our 3-day "Birthday Road Trip." It marked my 518th day in Japan as an ALT in the JET Programme. I included this spot on our itinerary as part of our goal to visit all of Hokkaido's "significant capes." A few months earlier, we had the chance to visit Cape Soya in Wakkanai City, the "Northernmost Cape of Japan".

Cape Shiokubi Admission Fee

It’s FREE to park and take pictures of the “Closest Point Between Hokkaido and Honshu” sign. Heads up, the parking area here can only accommodate a few cars, so plan your trip and hope that the place isn’t that crowded when you visit.

Cape Shiokubi Operating Hours

The parking area is open 24/7, but I highly recommend visiting in the morning. The area isn’t well-lit at night, and there’s not much to see after dark. 

 

Why visit Cape Shiokubi?

Cape Shiokubi offers a unique opportunity to visit the closest point between Hokkaido and Honshu, separated by the Tsugaru Strait. At just 17.5 km, it’s a fantastic spot for clear-day views of Shimokita Peninsula and Oma Town in Aomori Prefecture, as well as breathtaking sunsets over the strait. If you visit between summer and autumn, you might even catch sight of fishing lights on the water.

 

Getting to Cape Shiokubi 

The most convenient way to reach Cape Shiokubi is by private or rental car, as it gives you the freedom to come and go at your own pace without having to wait for the next bus. However, if you must rely on public transportation, here's what you need to do:

From Hakodate Station, head to Hakodate Station- Mae (Bus Stop No. 6) and take the No.91A “Esan Misaki” bus operated by the Hako Bus Company. Get off at the Shiokubi Todai bus stop. From there, it’s about a 260-meter walk to the "Closest Point Between Hokkaido and Honshu" sign.

When using the bus, make sure that you have researched the bus schedule back to Hakodate Station.

Travel time: 1 hour 7 minutes

Fare: 950 yen

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