Can I climb or enter the Nosappu Lighthouse?

The Nosappu Lighthouse grounds are open to visitors free of charge, and you can walk around the exterior of this historic structure that has operated since 1872. However, like most Japanese lighthouses, the interior is not open to the public as it remains an active navigational aid operated by the Japan Coast Guard.

What is the best time of year to visit Cape Nosappu?

Cape Nosappu can be visited year-round, but summer months (June through August) offer the most comfortable weather and clearest visibility for viewing the surrounding islands and seascape. Winter brings harsh conditions with strong winds and cold temperatures, though New Year's Day attracts visitors hoping to see Japan's first sunrise. Spring and autumn provide moderate weather with opportunities for wildlife observation during migration seasons.

How long should I plan to spend at Cape Nosappu?

Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours at Cape Nosappu, which allows time to walk around the lighthouse, take in the coastal views, visit the monument area, and explore the Hoppō Shiryōkan museum. If you're interested in wildlife watching or photography, you may want to allocate additional time. The remote location means it's typically part of a broader day trip from Nemuro or Kushiro rather than a standalone destination.

Are there facilities and services available at Cape Nosappu?

Facilities at Cape Nosappu are limited due to its remote location. There is a small visitor area with the Northern Territories Museum, restrooms, and a modest souvenir shop. A few restaurants and shops operate in the immediate vicinity, but options are sparse. Visitors should bring appropriate clothing for unpredictable coastal weather, and it's advisable to have snacks and water, especially if visiting outside peak tourist season when some facilities may have reduced hours.

Hokkaido

Cape Nosappu

4.4 (132)Natural FeatureEstablishment

Cape Nosappu stands as Japan's easternmost point on the island of Hokkaido, extending into the cold waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Okhotsk. Located in the city of Nemuro on the Nemuro Peninsula, this windswept cape holds both geographical significance and a poignant place in Japanese history and consciousness.

The cape's location places it remarkably close to the Habomai Islands, part of the disputed Northern Territories that have remained under Russian administration since the end of World War II. On clear days, visitors can see Suisho Island just 3.7 kilometers offshore, making Cape Nosappu a powerful symbol of Japan's unresolved territorial issues. A monument at the site commemorates this ongoing situation, and the cape has become a place of reflection on the complex relationship between Japan and Russia.

Cape Nosappu offers visitors the chance to witness Japan's earliest sunrise, particularly meaningful during New Year celebrations when crowds gather to see the first light of the year. The landscape is characterized by rugged coastline, coastal grasslands, and dramatic views across the strait. The Nosappu Lighthouse, painted in distinctive red and white stripes, has guided ships through these treacherous waters since 1872, making it one of Hokkaido's oldest lighthouses. Nearby, the Hoppō Shiryōkan (Northern Territories Museum) provides historical context about the disputed islands and the people who once lived there.

The cape serves as an excellent location for observing wildlife, particularly seabirds and marine mammals. During migration seasons, various species pass through these nutrient-rich waters. The area's isolation and natural beauty make it a destination for those seeking to experience Japan's frontier character.

Reaching Cape Nosappu requires traveling to Nemuro City, accessible by bus from Kushiro (approximately 2.5 hours) or by train to Nemuro Station followed by a local bus to the cape (approximately 40 minutes). The journey to this remote location is considerable, lying roughly 135 kilometers east of Kushiro. There is no admission fee to visit the cape itself or the lighthouse grounds, though the museum charges a small entrance fee. The remote location means services are limited, so visitors should plan accordingly with weather-appropriate clothing and supplies.

The area

Address

Cape Nosappu, Nosappu, Nemuro, Hokkaido 087-0165, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Cape Nosappu

If you've been to Cape Kamui or Erimo the reason to visit is to say you've been to the easternmost point of mainland Japan. The cape itself is not large or impressive. In fact, depending on the weather, you may not be able to see it at all. But if you've made it as far as Nemuro City, it's well worth a visit. There is a large metal arch sculpture, information and maps explaining the Russian held islands and a stone path "leading" to Hokkaido. Facilities include toilets, souvenir shop and a restaurant and a seasonal crab restaurant. Behind the lighthouse there is also a bird hide

Judy OBrien

Aug 10, 2024

The easter most point of the nation here in Hokkaido. Most of the time fog may be an issue to enjoy. But still feels really enthralling to be here.

SGMP

Jul 22, 2022

It's a 27-minute drive from JR Nemuro Station. Located at 43°23'07"N and 145°49'01"E, this is the easternmost cape on the mainland. It's the earliest place to see the sunrise. There's free parking available, with space for approximately 30 cars. Right in front of you, you can see the Northern Territories, including Kaigara Island, Suisho Island, and Kunashiri Island in the Habomai Islands, with the naked eye. Nearby, there are souvenir shops, restaurants, and a museum introducing the Northern Territories and Nemuro's tourism and local products. The "Bridge to the Four Islands," a symbolic statue erected in prayer for the early return of the Northern Territories, towers over the area, emanating a powerful presence. Next to it is a "lighthouse." A "flame of prayer" brought from Okinawa continues to burn. My first visit was on a weekday in late August 2025. It's a popular tourist spot, but what's it all about? It was a space that exuded a dignified and unique atmosphere.

YUKO K

Nov 26, 2025

The wind was strong that day, and the strong wind blew the sharp edges of the waves all over us, so we ended up covered in salt. The weather was so bad that we couldn't see the Northern Territories with our own eyes.

たけだてつや

Sep 25, 2025

Give us back the Northern Territories! You'll feel like that. There are a few souvenir shops scattered around. Restaurants are priced at tourist prices. You can see the Habomai Islands and Kunashiri Island.