Let's go see the earliest sunrise in Japan! A leisurely trip on the Hanasaki Line from Kushiro to Cape Nosappu (Nemuro City), the easternmost point of the mainland.
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Days required
- 2 days and 1 night
- Main methods of transportation
- train, car
The longest railway line in Hokkaido is the JR Nemuro Main Line, and the section connecting Kushiro and Nemuro is affectionately known as the "Hanasaki Line." Starting from Kushiro, this journey introduces you to the Hanasaki Line's attractions, including Akkeshi, famous for its oysters, Cape Nosappu, the easternmost point of Japan, and Hamanaka Town, the hometown of Monkey Punch-sensei, the creator of "Lupin the Third.
- * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
JR Kushiro Station
Departure from JR Kushiro Station (11:15) Proceed on the rapid Nosappu!
Starting from JR Kushiro Station on the Hanasaki Line, you cross the Kushiro River and pass through residential areas before entering lush, green forests.
Enjoy the vast natural scenery from the train window.
After passing Monshizu Station, the stunning beauty of Akkeshi Bay unfolds before your eyes.
About 15 minutes on foot
Akkeshi Mikaku Terminal Conchiglie
Oysters grown in a rich natural environment are characterized by their plump texture and rich sweetness. Inside the facility, you can enjoy original snacks made with oysters. There is also an authentic restaurant offering gourmet dishes from Akkeshi, making it a Michi-no-Eki worthy of its reputation as a famous oyster-producing area. A luxurious set where you can enjoy Japanese whisky from the Akkeshi Distillery with a few drops on the oysters is also recommended.
- Address
- 厚岸郡厚岸町住の江2-2
- Telephone Number
- 0153-52-4139
- Open
- April 9:00-18:00
May-September 9:00-19:00
October-March: 10:00-18:00 - Closed
- Mondays (Tuesday if it's a public holiday)
Departure from JR Akkeshi Station (14:20)
Enjoy the Hanasaki Line train windows
Enjoy the seasonal scenery! Head to JR Higashi-Nemuro Station, the easternmost station in Japan.
Image courtesy (first one): Nemuro Tourism Association
From the train windows, you can enjoy the dynamic landscapes of Hokkaido's great nature, the Pacific Ocean, and various wildlife. Just one stop before Nemuro Station is Higashi-Nemuro Station, the easternmost station in Japan. Although it is an unmanned station without a station building, it holds a special place in the hearts of railway enthusiasts and travelers.
About 15 minutes by car
[Accommodation] Shogetsu Ryokan
Enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal adorned with luxurious ingredients.
Nemuro is known for its rich fishing grounds where ocean currents meet. This long-established inn represents Nemuro. It offers a menu featuring seasonal ingredients, such as Hanasaki crab, which is only caught in Nemuro, and high-quality fish like Kinki. Enjoy specialties like the inn's famous sea urchin chawanmushi and grilled fatty sablefish.
Since you plan to depart early the next morning, it's recommended to rent a car on this day.
- Address
- 根室市梅ヶ枝町2-3
- Telephone Number
- 0153-23-5137
Cape Nosappu
Breathtaking Sunrise Views from the Easternmost Point of Hokkaido
Cape Nosappu, located at the easternmost point of Hokkaido, is one of the best spots in Japan to witness the earliest sunrise. This dramatic coastal location offers panoramic views of the Nemuro Strait and even the Northern Territories, which can be seen clearly on a fine day.
At the tip of the cape stands the oldest Western-style lighthouse in Hokkaido, which has been in operation since 1872. Surrounding the lighthouse is a spacious park that includes monuments and memorials dedicated to peace and the return of the Northern Territories. You can also visit facilities that showcase the history and life on the disputed islands, offering insight into Japan’s northernmost frontiers.
Cape Nosappu is not only a scenic destination but also a place of historical and geopolitical significance.
For the best experience, visit early in the morning around 4:00 to 5:00, when the sky begins to glow with the first light of day.
- Address
- 根室市納沙布
- Telephone Number
- 0153-24-3104
Departure from JR Nemuro Station (11:08)
Nemuro's local lunchboxes
If you make a reservation in advance, you can pick it up at the station!
Local specialty lunchboxes 'Grilled Pacific Saury Sushi' and 'Yakitori Bento (Meat is grilled pork)'. If you make a reservation by the morning of the previous day, you can purchase them at the station. This popular sales system allows you to enjoy gourmet food along the Hanasaki Line. Please enjoy these soul foods loved by the locals while taking in the view from the train window.
Column
Wrapped Trains on the Hanasaki Line
On the JR Hanasaki Line, the 'Lupin the Third Wrapped Train' and the red and white 'Earth Exploration Railway Hanasaki Line Wrapped Train,' which features motifs of flowers and snow, are popular!
Since the operation times of the wrapped trains are limited, please check the official JR Hokkaido website for details.
Walk around the place related to "Lupin the Third"
Hamanaka Town is the hometown of the original author, Monkey Punch-sensei.
Life-sized panels of the characters are installed at JR stations in Hamanaka Town. At the Hamanaka Town Cultural Center, there is a space where you can fully enjoy the world of the works, including 'AGITO,' which recreates the workspace of Monkey Punch-sensei.
How many 'Lupin the Third' can you find scattered around the town? It’s fun to look for them while taking a stroll.
©TMS ©Monkey Punch/TMS・NTV
- Address
- 厚岸郡浜中町湯沸445
- Telephone Number
- 0153-62-2111 (Hamanaka Town Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division)
Cape Kiritappu
A Romantic Scenic Spot Embraced by the Pacific Ocean
Located on the eastern edge of Hamanaka Town, Cape Kiritappu juts into the vast Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and dramatic rock formations. Officially named Cape Tofutsu, it’s also affectionately known by locals as Tokkari Cape—“Tokkari” being the Ainu word for seals, which are often spotted resting on nearby rocks.
From the cape’s elevation of about 40 to 60 meters, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the open sea, including Hokake-iwa, a rock where seals gather, as well as the sheer cliffs of Ponporoto and Moraito, and the expansive beauty of Hamanaka Bay.
At the tip of the cape stands Cape Tofutsu Lighthouse, which was designated as Hokkaido’s first “Lighthouse of Love” on 2016-09-30 as part of a nationwide project by the Japan Romanticist Association and The Nippon Foundation. This enchanting lighthouse is a perfect destination for couples seeking a memorable and romantic moment together.
The observation area includes rest facilities and public restrooms. Nearby, there is also a well-equipped campground with bungalows (available for a fee), cooking stations, and outdoor fireplaces. It's an ideal spot for those who wish to unwind and experience nature up close. (Campground reservations: Kiritappu Onsen “Yuyu” TEL: 0153-62-3726)
Cape Kiritappu transforms with the seasons—each visit offers a different charm. Come and let the sound of the waves soothe your soul in this serene, untouched corner of eastern Hokkaido.
- Address
- 浜中町湯沸
- Telephone Number
- 0153-62-2111
Departure from JR Hamanaka Station (14:37)
Arrive at JR Kushiro Station (15:56)
JR Kushiro Station
From JR Hamanaka Station to JR Kushiro Station, the terminal station
Image courtesy: Nemuro Tourism Association
A 2day and 1night trip on the JR Hanasaki Line comes to an end. Experience the great nature along the line and enjoy the spectacular scenery and gourmet food.
