Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Designated as a special area within Hiyama Prefectural Natural Park, Kamome Island is a symbol of Esashi, where visitors can experience the legacy of the warship Kaiyo Maru, Japan Heritage history, and one of Japan’s 100 Best Sunsets.

Kamome Island is a small island with a circumference of about 2.6 km and a flat plateau about 30 m above sea level. At the entrance stands a full-scale replica of the Kaiyo Maru, a former shogunate warship that ran aground and sank off Esashi in 1868. Walking along the promenade, visitors enjoy the scent of the sea and a gentle ocean breeze, creating a refreshing sense of openness. Along the way, Heishi Rock, a striking natural formation over 10 m high, reveals the power of nature.

The island is also home to the white Kamome Island Lighthouse, certified as a “Lighthouse of Romance” in 2018 and beautifully set against the sky and sea. From here, visitors can enjoy a sunset recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Best, with the orange horizon blending into the tranquil island landscape. In summer, the swimming beach and marine activities attract visitors. Along the walking paths, traces of the once-thriving herring fishery and legends of Minamoto no Yoshitsune can still be felt. Kamome Island, where history, nature, and local stories coexist, is a Japan Heritage destination not to be missed in Esashi.