Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Board the Rapid Nosappu at JR Kushiro Station and begin your adventure. The train crosses the Kushiro River and passes through residential areas before entering lush, green forests. Outside the window, Hokkaido’s expansive natural beauty unfolds, offering one breathtaking view after another.

After passing Monshizu Station, the stunning scenery of Akkeshi Bay appears, with its vast sea and sky stretching to the horizon. This coastal panorama is a highlight unique to the Hanasaki Line. Relax and enjoy Hokkaido’s majestic nature as you travel.

A perfect stop along the Hanasaki Line is the Michi-no-Eki Akkeshi Mikaku Terminal Conchiglie. This gourmet-focused roadside station has earned first place in the Hokkaido Jalan “Michi-no-Eki Satisfaction Ranking – Dining Category” for 11 consecutive years.

Oysters nurtured by Akkeshi’s rich natural environment are plump, flavorful, and sweet. Inside, you can enjoy original oyster-based snacks, while the full-service restaurant offers a chance to savor regional gourmet dishes unique to Akkeshi.

A must-try experience is adding a few drops of Japanese whisky from the Akkeshi Distillery to your oysters—a luxurious pairing you can only enjoy on a Hokkaido trip.

Photo credit (first image): Nemuro Tourist Association

As the Hanasaki Line train sways gently along the tracks, the windows reveal the unspoiled beauty of Hokkaido. Expansive grasslands and forests change color with each season, the Pacific Ocean sparkles under the sunlight, and with a bit of luck, you may even spot wild animals. Every moment feels like a glimpse into the dynamic forces of the Earth itself.

Located one stop before Nemuro Station, JR Higashi-Nemuro Station (scheduled for closure in 2025) has long welcomed travelers as Japan's easternmost station. Although it is a small, unmanned station with no station building, standing on the platform evokes a profound sense of ryojo (the deep emotion and sentiment of travel). It is a special place that remains in the memory of many tourists, not just railway enthusiasts.

Nemuro is famous for its rich fishing grounds, where cold and warm currents meet, creating a treasure trove of Japan’s finest seafood. Among the town’s traditional inns, Shogetsu Ryokan stands out as a historic favorite. Guests can savor authentic kaiseki meals featuring seasonal delicacies, including the famed Hanasaki crab—caught only in Nemuro—and premium fish like kinkii.

Signature dishes such as the delicate sea urchin chawanmushi and rich grilled sablefish make each meal an indulgent experience. Dining here is a highlight of any Hokkaido trip, offering a true taste of the region’s bounty.

Since you plan to depart early the next morning, it is recommended that you arrange your rental car or private car service the day before. This allows you to fully enjoy both your relaxing time at the ryokan (traditional inn) and a smooth start to your journey the next day.

A true highlight of any Hokkaido trip, Cape Nosappu is the easternmost point of Japan’s main islands. Here, you can experience the country’s earliest sunrise, and the breathtaking scene emerging in the crisp morning air feels almost divine—a reward for early risers and a memory that will stay with you forever.

On clear days, the Habomai Islands can be seen in the distance, giving a vivid sense of how close you are to the national border. The surrounding area also features monuments and museums related to the Northern Territories, offering insights into the region’s history and culture. Additionally, local restaurants nearby allow you to enjoy Hokkaido’s unique flavors, combining sightseeing with culinary delights.

At Cape Nosappu, the dramatic natural scenery and rich historical context make witnessing the sunrise an unforgettable highlight of your Hokkaido journey.

Note: We recommend using a rental car or a private car service (hired taxi) to visit Cape Nosappu.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy Nemuro’s local flavors is through its famous bento boxes. Especially popular are the Grilled Pacific Saury Sushi and the Yakitori Bento (using pork). The savory grilled saury and juicy pork yakitori are both beloved local soul foods that capture the taste of the region.

If you place a reservation by the morning of the previous day, you can conveniently pick up your bento at the station. Enjoy it on board while gazing out at the vast Hokkaido scenery passing by—the experience makes your train journey even more memorable.

Adding a Nemuro local bento to your Hokkaido trip is a delicious way to create lasting memories.

In Hamanaka Town, JR station buildings feature life-sized panels of characters from Lupin the Third, welcoming fans and travelers alike. The Hamanaka Town Cultural Center also offers a special space called AGITO, where you can experience a recreation of Monkey Punch’s workspace and immerse yourself in the world of his creations.

As you stroll through the town, try spotting all the Lupin the Third references scattered around—it’s a fun way to explore while enjoying the local atmosphere.

©TMS ©Monkey Punch/TMS・NTV

Cape Kiritappu, one of Hamanaka Town’s most iconic scenic spots, offers visitors a sweeping panorama of Hokkaido’s majestic natural landscapes. From the observation deck, you can see Hokakeiwa, where seals often rest about 3 km offshore, as well as the dramatic cliffs of Ponporo-to and Mouraito across Hamanaka Bay. The combination of vastness and natural beauty makes this viewpoint truly unforgettable.

On the way to the cape, stop by Kiritappu Hot Spring Yuyu, a welcoming hot spring loved by both tourists and locals. Relax in the soothing waters while taking in the surrounding natural scenery—it’s the perfect way to refresh during your Hokkaido adventure.

Cape Kiritappu is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience Hokkaido’s stunning nature and restorative charm.

Note: We also recommend using a rental car or a private car service (hired taxi) to visit Cape Kirittapu.

Photo credit: Nemuro Tourism Association

After a 1-night, 2-day adventure along the JR Hanasaki Line, your journey concludes at JR Kushiro Station. Along the way, you experienced untouched natural landscapes, breathtaking coastal views, and savored local gourmet specialties—a truly indulgent travel experience.

The scenery glimpsed through the train windows and the flavors you enjoyed will remain as unforgettable memories of your Hokkaido trip.