Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Cape Chikyu, dramatically jutting out from the southernmost tip of the Etomo Peninsula, is one of Japan’s most breathtaking scenic viewpoints. Towering cliffs about 100 meters high line the cape, offering a sweeping panoramic view of the vast Pacific Ocean. Frequently ranked No.1 in contests like the “Top 100 Natural Wonders of Hokkaido” and the “New Japan Tourist Destination Top 100,” this location draws large crowds every year, especially on January 1 for the first sunrise of the New Year.

The name Chikyu originates from the Ainu word Chikep, meaning “cliff.” Over time, this evolved into Chikyu, the Japanese word for “Earth,” giving rise to the poetic name “Cape Chikyu.”

The iconic symbol of Cape Chikyu is its white octagonal lighthouse, Chikyu Misaki Lighthouse, perched 130 meters above sea level on a cliff. First lit in 1920, it continues to serve as a vital navigation point for vessels along the coast. Although it’s usually closed to the public, it is occasionally open for tours during holidays such as Marine Day.

From the observation deck located on a hill above the lighthouse, visitors can take in a spectacular panoramic view that truly conveys the curvature of the Earth. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of distant Mt. Komagatake or the Shimokita Peninsula. Between spring and autumn, lucky visitors might also spot migrating dolphins or whales offshore.

Ring the “Bell of Happiness” with someone special—legend has it that good fortune may follow!

Surrounding Cape Chikyu are walking trails perfect for nature lovers, offering forest bathing and seasonal wildflowers. The area is also a migratory stopover for birds, and falcons are often seen nesting here as they hunt.