Cape Kamui
Cape Kamui
4.5
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mabei0123
Tsukuba, Japan16,694 contributions
Jul 2020
I rented a car in Sapporo and drove to Cape Kamui of Shakotan Penninsula for the first time. It took @1 hour from Otaru and @2.5 hours from Sapporo to the parking lot of Cape Kamui. It's a @15-20 min. walk from the parking lot to the tip of Cape Kamui and you can enjoy @300 degree views of Japan Sea. It's beautiful to sea the sunset in the West in the evening. It's good for a half day drive from Sapporo.
Written 27 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
よしめ
Chiba, Japan38,656 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
80 minutes free time on tour. First, climb the easy-to-walk but short-of-breath slope to the no-women gates. They say this gate is closed at night and on windy days. It is said that the reason for the ban on women was because of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and the name of an Ainu woman named Chalenka threw herself, causing the ship to go into distress. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the tip of the cape by walking along the Chalenka Path. Those with physical strength went, but I passed. A little further from the gate, I was looking at the crystal clear Shakotan blue sea. It was a very beautiful sea.
Automatically translated
Written 6 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brun066
Florence, Italy13,486 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
I believe that many travelers - not only foreigners - confuse Cape Kamui with Cape Shakotan. Proof of this are some reviews (and related photos) published on TA for the two attractions.
Both capes are located on the coast of the Shakotan peninsula; but Cape Kamui is more to the southwest and Cape Shakotan is more to the northeast. Furthermore, Cape Kamui is more tapered, while Cape Shakotan is more squat.
However, we visited Cape Kamui and not Cape Shakotan.
The pedestrian path on the ridge and up to the tip of the cape is exciting, for the views it allows of the sheer coast below, alternatively from one or the other of the two sides of the peninsula; or from both sides together. The promontory can also be thought of as the back of a gigantic animal, which juts out into the sea.
Where the trail ends, under the lighthouse, the view sweeps onto the open sea and a huge rock pinnacle, which is the continuation of the cape in the sea.
Unfortunately we noticed that at the base of the peninsula some pebble beaches are strewn with plastic waste, probably released by fishermen in the open sea and brought here by the waves. A sight all the more unusual for a tidy country like Japan!
Both capes are located on the coast of the Shakotan peninsula; but Cape Kamui is more to the southwest and Cape Shakotan is more to the northeast. Furthermore, Cape Kamui is more tapered, while Cape Shakotan is more squat.
However, we visited Cape Kamui and not Cape Shakotan.
The pedestrian path on the ridge and up to the tip of the cape is exciting, for the views it allows of the sheer coast below, alternatively from one or the other of the two sides of the peninsula; or from both sides together. The promontory can also be thought of as the back of a gigantic animal, which juts out into the sea.
Where the trail ends, under the lighthouse, the view sweeps onto the open sea and a huge rock pinnacle, which is the continuation of the cape in the sea.
Unfortunately we noticed that at the base of the peninsula some pebble beaches are strewn with plastic waste, probably released by fishermen in the open sea and brought here by the waves. A sight all the more unusual for a tidy country like Japan!
Written 11 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank P
Vancouver64 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
Instead of renting a car, we decided to go with Chuo Bus tour as it stops at several other attractions. You can get the tickets at the counter or you can reserve online as we did. If you are going to purchase the ticket at the counter, get your ticket one day in advance to ensure availability.
The tour stops at a whiskey distillery which, according to a fellow tourist from New Jersey, is one of the two famous whiskey distilleries in Japan. Apparently it is a destination for whiskey lovers in the world. Some join the tour just for the whiskey.
The next stop is a rustic beach which is only accessible through a 100 feet tunnel and a 400 step hike down to the rocky beach. We could only take a few pictures on the beach as we spent too much time taking pictures on the way down the trail. Photos below.
Cape Kamui was the next destination that took us about 40 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the cape. On the trail, you can enjoy a 360o view of the sea, and the shore ...
You are guaranteed many breathtaking views.
On the way back the bus took us to a a port where one could enjoy the fish and the seagulls which is the subject of another review.
It is a full day tour from 9 am to 7 pm.
Sneakers are required given the amount of hiking up and down the different trails.
The tour stops at a whiskey distillery which, according to a fellow tourist from New Jersey, is one of the two famous whiskey distilleries in Japan. Apparently it is a destination for whiskey lovers in the world. Some join the tour just for the whiskey.
The next stop is a rustic beach which is only accessible through a 100 feet tunnel and a 400 step hike down to the rocky beach. We could only take a few pictures on the beach as we spent too much time taking pictures on the way down the trail. Photos below.
Cape Kamui was the next destination that took us about 40 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the cape. On the trail, you can enjoy a 360o view of the sea, and the shore ...
You are guaranteed many breathtaking views.
On the way back the bus took us to a a port where one could enjoy the fish and the seagulls which is the subject of another review.
It is a full day tour from 9 am to 7 pm.
Sneakers are required given the amount of hiking up and down the different trails.
Written 18 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ong Li Rui
Singapore, Singapore641 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
We visited in a small rainy day, it was super windy but I am still excited of the natural beauty. This was one of our mission to be completed in Hokkaido, other than the super fresh sea urchin :P
Public toilet next to car-park was so clean, a short walking distance to the Kamuimisaki, the signature door starting point. Along the half way, there was a wood bench in each view deck of both side. After return to Kamuimisaki, remember walk to the view deck which able to view the whole Cape Kamui was so beautiful!
We drive from Otaru, Shimamui Coast was our 1st station, after Cape Kamui we head to Niseko to stay a night for rest. Of course, not forget to eat super fresh urchin rice bowl before we leave Shakotan peninsula.
Well worth the drive, one of our highlight in our 3 weeks holiday in Hokkaido. Highly recommended & definitely will come again when we travel to Hokkaido.
Thanks for the vote if you found this helpful :D
Public toilet next to car-park was so clean, a short walking distance to the Kamuimisaki, the signature door starting point. Along the half way, there was a wood bench in each view deck of both side. After return to Kamuimisaki, remember walk to the view deck which able to view the whole Cape Kamui was so beautiful!
We drive from Otaru, Shimamui Coast was our 1st station, after Cape Kamui we head to Niseko to stay a night for rest. Of course, not forget to eat super fresh urchin rice bowl before we leave Shakotan peninsula.
Well worth the drive, one of our highlight in our 3 weeks holiday in Hokkaido. Highly recommended & definitely will come again when we travel to Hokkaido.
Thanks for the vote if you found this helpful :D
Written 14 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bluebell861
Penang, Malaysia16 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
Grand view of ocean at Shakotan, Hokkaido. Self drive is recommended to visit this place. Otherwise you can take irregular Chuo bus from Sapporo, Otaru or Yoichi. Email Chuo Bus for timetable and advice.
Prepare to walk 30minutes to view the candle rock(Rosoku-iwa). Breathtaking view along your walk. The water is emerald green and blue crystal clear.
I visit Shimamui Coast after Cape Kamui. Shimamui more scenic than Cape Kamui and you can go down the trail for 10-15 minutes. I spend 1 hour sitting on the rock, doing nothing and just enjoy the nature. The best experience and the best view I had in Japan during my 2 weeks vacation.
Try the sea urchin and shrimp at restaurant next to parking area. The fresh sea urchin is more delicious compare to Hakodate sea urchin.
Prepare to walk 30minutes to view the candle rock(Rosoku-iwa). Breathtaking view along your walk. The water is emerald green and blue crystal clear.
I visit Shimamui Coast after Cape Kamui. Shimamui more scenic than Cape Kamui and you can go down the trail for 10-15 minutes. I spend 1 hour sitting on the rock, doing nothing and just enjoy the nature. The best experience and the best view I had in Japan during my 2 weeks vacation.
Try the sea urchin and shrimp at restaurant next to parking area. The fresh sea urchin is more delicious compare to Hakodate sea urchin.
Written 22 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle
Japan212 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
Some people confuse this place with Cape Shakotan. To set the record straight, Cape Kamui is located along the Shakotan Peninsula and is really far away from Cape Shakotan.
The best way to enjoy the day trip out to Cape Kamui is to drive. You can take a train down to Otaru from Sapporo and rent a car. The nearest car rental is the Toyota car rental near the station. GPS is provided which makes navigating very easy.
The drive will take around 1hour and 15mins to get to Cape Kamui from Otaru Station. Though there are many tunnels, as you near your destination, you'll find that the route is rather scenic, so dont forget your camera!
From the parking lot, it takes another 20-30minutes to hike to the very edge of the cape. I highly recommend it and do remember to wear proper shoes! You'l be rewarded with a gorgeous view, it is definitely not to be missed!
Once you are done, i also recommend driving down to shimamu beach to get up close to how blue and crystal clear the waters are and if you have time, just relax by the beach. I also recommend going down to Bikuni-cho and get on the 'glass bottom boat'. You'll see sea urchins, starfishes, and marvel at how beautifully blue shakotan waters are.
The best way to enjoy the day trip out to Cape Kamui is to drive. You can take a train down to Otaru from Sapporo and rent a car. The nearest car rental is the Toyota car rental near the station. GPS is provided which makes navigating very easy.
The drive will take around 1hour and 15mins to get to Cape Kamui from Otaru Station. Though there are many tunnels, as you near your destination, you'll find that the route is rather scenic, so dont forget your camera!
From the parking lot, it takes another 20-30minutes to hike to the very edge of the cape. I highly recommend it and do remember to wear proper shoes! You'l be rewarded with a gorgeous view, it is definitely not to be missed!
Once you are done, i also recommend driving down to shimamu beach to get up close to how blue and crystal clear the waters are and if you have time, just relax by the beach. I also recommend going down to Bikuni-cho and get on the 'glass bottom boat'. You'll see sea urchins, starfishes, and marvel at how beautifully blue shakotan waters are.
Written 3 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kwakaku
Sakai, Japan2,203 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
A century before, the Kamui Lighthouse was manually operated. On October 29, 1912, the wife of cheef lighthouse keeper and the wife of assistant light house keeper with her 3-year-old son were going to visit Yobetsu village to do some shopping for the purpose of celebrating the Emperor's Birthday. They were swept off their feet by waves, and were drowned when they were crossing Cape Wakushiri. To avoid further tragedies, the villagers started manually digging a tunnel in 1914, from the both sides of the cape. Being amateurish, they couldn't reach each other. As they chanted prayers to the Buddha, striking gongs, they realized which way to dig. On November 8, 1918, the tunnel was finally opened. Thereafter, the tunnel was called Nembutsu (a prayer to the Buddha) Tunnel.
Today, we could only see the cave-like entrance of the tunnel from above as we walked along the ridge to Cape Kamui.
Today, we could only see the cave-like entrance of the tunnel from above as we walked along the ridge to Cape Kamui.
Written 10 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryan T
Genting Highlands, Malaysia142 contributions
May 2018
The route from Niseko took us along the eastern coast; there were hardly any cars and it was beautiful. At the carpark, it takes 5 minutes to walk to the gate which says ‘women are forbidden’. Beyond that, if you wish to walk to the lighthouse at the end, it takes around 20 minutes. Definitely worth it though, the scenery that greeted us at the very end was stunning. However, get ready for many short ascents and descents! Spend about 45-75 minutes here, lesser if u do not wish to hike to the end.
Written 25 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vin L
Singapore, Singapore25 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Despite the hot summer, the place was cool and wind is strong.
For ladies, better to wear jeans or berms. Do be careful when taking photos of the splendid view as so spots are not paved, also wear shoes as some spots have loose rock path.
For ladies, better to wear jeans or berms. Do be careful when taking photos of the splendid view as so spots are not paved, also wear shoes as some spots have loose rock path.
Written 23 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pebblebeads p
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Hi, would love to visit Cape Kamui on the 4th week of May. Am trying to find out how I could travel from Otaru on public transport to this Cape and vice versa. I am staying 2 nites in Otaru. Won't be driving. Thank you
Written 25 April 2018
I only see public buses at the location. I think it's quite a hassle to get there using public buses. You can google it.
Written 25 April 2018
likefaith
Singapore, Singapore
I’m considering to go Cape Kamui in late april. I’m looking at two different buses there.
1: chuo-bus
2: teikan.chuo-bus (tour)
Can i check for the 1st, what are the timing that leaves otaru and reaches Cape Kamui, and what time does it leave Cape Kamui and reaches Otaru?
Written 10 April 2018
My daughter and I are visiting Japan in June. I saw your pictures of Camp Kamui. I wanted to ask if you could suggest a travel route to get to the camp from Tokyo if we were to make it a day trip for hiking. Do you have any travel suggestions on visiting the camp.
thank you,
Written 3 April 2018
I don't think you can do it in 1 day if you're coming from Tokyo. It's a lot of hassle
Written 5 April 2018
Hey all, we are looking to visit in mid-Jan, which will most definitely be snowing. After reading a couple of sites, I found out that the trail is not going to be closed, but will it still be a good and safe time to do visit? Thanks!
Written 10 December 2017
Extremely windy & cold....and we went in May....can't imagine what it will be like now!
Written 12 December 2017
It will most certainly be covered in snow... enjoy
Written 2 December 2017
robinayiu
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Is it open in November? Can we walk up to the light house?
Written 28 May 2017
I cheked web-sites and found that the lighthouse itself is not open to enter, except for the special day to make it public, once a year or so. The pathway to the lighthouse is open during the daytime through the year, except for tough weather such as heavy storm, wind and etc.. Hope it helps.
Written 28 May 2017
I'm thinking of visiting Cape Kamui this September. May I know how to get there via public transport. I know there is a bus service from Otaru in front of the train station. Does anyone know the bus number and schedule and the trip duration? I would appreciate very much any help given.
Much obliged.
Written 30 March 2017
I plan to visit cape Kamui this year. I would like to see the clear sky.
Can anyone suggest the best month to visit there?
Thanks
Rumpha P.
Thailand
Written 20 January 2017
I went in mid July, its raining some days, on the day I went to Kamui, had a little rain in the morning but clear sky in the afternoon.
Written 20 January 2017
HI, I plan to drive a rental car from Sapporo to Cape Kamui and hiking on Cap Kamui trail. Will it be a good time to go or will it be too much snow and if the trail open for public
Thanks
Written 2 December 2016
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