10 Things to Do in Shakotan
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| 10 Things to Do in Shakotan |
Shakotan (積丹町) is a picturesque town in Hokkaido's Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Japan, celebrated for its striking blue waters and stunning coastal capes. The town’s name comes from the Ainu word “Shaku Kotan,” which combines shaku (“summer”) and kotan (“village”), meaning “summer village.”
For those planning to visit this scenic town
to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Shakotan:
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| Shakotan manhole covers |
1. Take a photo of Shakotan’s unique manhole cover designs. I’ve come across two distinct designs—one that’s
commonly found throughout the town and another that can be seen specifically in
the Irikacho District.
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| Bikuni Shrine |
2. Visit Bikuni Shrine (美國神社), the town's main shrine, to pay respects and offer prayers. It is located in the heart of the town. You
can get its goshuin here for your collection. The Shakotan Fire Festival is
held here every July.
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| Restaurant Rinko |
3. Dine at Restaurant Rinko (お食事処 鱗晃), one of
the best spots in the region for fresh seafood, including sea urchin, shrimp,
and crab dishes. The restaurant features a simple, minimalist setting but
offers exceptional food, though it can be a bit on the pricey side.
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| Bikuni Kodomari Campsite |
4. Pitch a tent and enjoy an overnight stay
at Bikuni Kodomari Campsite (美国小泊野営場). This scenic campsite offers a
peaceful setting near the coastline, allowing you to sleep under the stars with
the soothing sound of the waves in the background. It’s an ideal spot for
nature lovers, providing a great base for exploring nearby attractions like
Cape Ogon, and when you plan to attend the Shakotan Fire Festival. Facilities
are basic but well-maintained, and staying here gives you a true outdoor
experience in one of Hokkaido’s most beautiful coastal areas.
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| Nozuka Municipal Camp Site |
5. Pitch a tent and spend the night at Nozuka Municipal Camp Site (道営野塚野営場), a scenic camping spot that offers a
close-to-nature experience along the rugged Shakotan coastline. The site is
conveniently located near Cape Kamui and Misaki no Yu Onsen,
making it a great base for sightseeing and relaxing after a day of exploration.
While the location is stunning, campers should note that the waves can be rough
and potentially dangerous for young children, so extra caution is advised near
the shore. Aside from that, it’s a peaceful and beautiful place to camp,
perfect for those who love waking up to the sound of the ocean and enjoying
Hokkaido’s fresh sea breeze.
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| Takarajima as seen from Cape Ogon's Observation Tower |
6. Admire the view from the Observation Tower of Cape Ogon (黄金岬).
To get there, you need to walk in a 100-m (or more) tunnel. The view from the
observation point is amazing. You would be able to see the Takarajima (宝島) there.
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| Misaki no Yu Shakotan |
7. Take a relaxing dip at Misaki no Yu
Shakotan (岬の湯しゃこたん), a popular hot spring facility in Shakotan that offers stunning
views of the coastline. For just 1,000 yen per adult, you can enjoy its
rejuvenating baths, including a fantastic outdoor rotenburo (open-air bath)
where you can soak while overlooking the sea and feeling the fresh ocean
breeze. The onsen is especially breathtaking during sunset, as the sky turns
golden over the Shakotan Blue waters. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a
day of exploring Cape Kamui and the surrounding areas.
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| Shakotan Glass Boat Tour |
8. Enjoy a unique boat tour experience with
the Shakotan Glass Boat Tour, a perfect way to explore the vibrant
marine life around the Shakotan Peninsula without getting wet. Departing from
the New Shakotan Tan-go Noriba (ニューしゃこたん号のりば), the tour lets you peer through a
glass-bottom hull to see colorful fish, sea urchins, and other underwater
creatures in their natural habitat. The calm waters and scenic coastline make
it both a relaxing and visually stunning adventure—ideal for families,
photographers, and anyone interested in the beauty of Hokkaido’s coastal
waters.
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| Shimamui Coast as seen from the Shakotan Observation Deck |
9. Visit the Shakotan Observation Deck (島武意海岸 展望台)
to take in breathtaking views of the Shimamui Coast (島武意海岸),
famous for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant blue waters. The observation deck
provides the perfect vantage point for photography or simply soaking in the
natural beauty of the Shakotan Peninsula. While in the area, don’t miss the Shakotan
Demisaki Lighthouse (積丹出岬灯台). Perched on a cliff, the
lighthouse offers panoramic views of the coastline and the Sea of Japan, making
it an iconic spot to appreciate the region’s rugged coastal scenery. Together,
these sites provide a memorable experience for nature lovers and anyone seeking
stunning coastal vistas.
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| Cape Kamui |
10. Visit Cape Kamui Natural Park (神威岬自然公園) and hike
all the way to the tip of the cape for breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan.
This is the town’s most popular destination, so expect it to be busy with both
local and international tourists. Note that the park may be closed during
strong winds or bad weather, so plan accordingly. While there, don’t forget to
try the Shakotan Blue Soft Cream at Kamuy Banya (カムイ番屋) for a sweet
and refreshing treat.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Shakotan gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this scenic town in the Shiribeshi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.
#Shakotan
#ShakotanHokkaido
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