One of my goals while in Japan is to visit the extreme points. On the Nemuro Peninsula lies Cape Nosappu, Japan’s easternmost point. Here is a sample itinerary for visiting this spot as well.

Where to stay

If you don’t have much free time on your trip and have decided not to hire/rent a car, it isn’t worth staying in Nemuro. It isn’t well connected to anywhere except Kushiro, so I recommend staying there instead. You can then use it as a base to visit other areas, such as Lake Akan and Obihiro.

I stayed here, directly across from Kushiro station:

Getting to Nemuro

You can take the Nemuro train line from Kushiro Station to Nemuro, which will take about 2 hours. This line can be slightly delayed due to the number of deer on the tracks. Deer have become used to people and don’t necessarily get off the tracks when a train comes, even when blowing its deer whistle.

Alternatively, you can take a coach bus from Kushiro Bus Terminal, which is next to the train station. These buses only leave in the morning and return in the afternoon, so are meant for a day trip.

Only specific bits tours will take you to the cape.

Once in Nemuro

Once in Nemuro, the fun begins. I recommend doing three or four things in this area. The food is also excellent!

Getting to the Peninsula

Once you have arrived in Nemuro, you are nearly at your destination. Nemuro sits at the connection between the peninsula and the main part of Hokkaido. Getting to the Peninsula requires another form of transport.

You can take a bus from Nemuro Station that departs four times a day (four in each direction—clockwise and anticlockwise) or, if you want more flexibility and a challenge or are feeling sporty, rent a bike from the Tourist Information Centre. You just need a form of ID. I recommend renting an e-bike to help you with the hills.

The bus will take half an hour to reach the far end, and consistent peddling will take about 1.5 hours.

Cape Nosappu

Cape Nosappu is Japan’s easternmost point. It is also the closest point to Russia! Russia controls all the islands off the eastern coast of Hokkaido, including one less than 5 km away.

You can read more about the cape here:

Hoppogensei Flower Garden

If you like wild, mostly untouched land with native plants and horses, look no further than Hoppogensei Flower Garden. Located about ten minutes by bus from the cape, the summer is an excellent time to visit and see horses frolicking in the overgrown meadow.

As it is near the coast, you can also see the nearby islands on clear days.

Food

Nemuro is the capital of Hanasaki crabs, so if you like crustaceans, it should be on your list. Many restaurants and markets offer them. As I’m not a big fan of crustaceans, I do not have a specific recommendation.

Instead, I had a favourite of mine: curry.

In this part of Japan, many restaurants and eateries close after the lunch rush and reopen for dinner, so there aren’t many options if you’re looking for food.

One open and not far from the station was My Wing, an interesting fusion of café and curry house. I’m so glad I went because it was one of the best Japanese curries I’ve ever eaten!

Thanks for reading! Want to do some more exploring? Have a look at the travel map:

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