Kamui Misaki Travel Guide: Discover Shakotan Blue and Hidden Scenic Spots in Hokkaido

Kamui Misaki Cliff

After arriving in Hakodate, we travelled to Sapporo, where our parents joined us to begin our four-person trip. Since we were travelling with them, we focused on scenic spots rather than city activities — places where we could enjoy nature without long drives.

Introduction: Kamui Misaki and the Shakotan Blue Coast

Kamui Misaki (神威岬), located on the western tip of Hokkaido, is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Scenic Spots.
It’s known for its dramatic cliffs, rugged coastline, and the deep, vibrant sea colour known as “Shakotan Blue.”

The word Kamui means “spirit” in the Ainu language, while Misaki means “cape.”
According to an Ainu legend, women who entered this area would bring storms and cause shipwrecks, so for centuries, it was off-limits to female visitors — a fascinating bit of local history you can still sense at the gate marked “Land Forbidden to Women.”

How to Get to Kamui Misaki

We departed from Otaru after sightseeing there, but if you start from Sapporo, the trip takes about two hours in total.

• From Sapporo to Otaru: JR train (about 30–40 minutes)

• From Otaru to Kamui Misaki: Rent a car near Otaru Station and drive along the scenic coastal road toward Shakotan. The drive is smooth, peaceful, and incredibly picturesque.

Parking: Free and spacious — no need to worry about finding a spot.

💡 Tip: In winter, strong winds and snow often close the walking trail. Even in late spring, it can still be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a jacket or windbreaker.

The start of the Journey, with the wide car park on the right

Kamui Misaki Walking Trail

Distance & Time: Around 1–1.5 km round trip, taking about 40–60 minutes including photo stops

Trail Condition:

• Starts paved, but narrows into single-file sections

• Some unpaved parts near the tip

• Gentle uphill and downhill slopes

At the far end of the trail, near a sandy patch, we encountered many tiny flies. They didn’t bite or sting, but it was a bit unsettling — just something to be aware of!

👉Recommended Gear: Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and light snacks or water.
When we visited in late May, the weather was cloudy but later cleared up, revealing flashes of Shakotan’s iconic emerald blue water.

Gate of Kamui Misaki - it says this area is off-limits to females 

A pretty straight walking trail in front of the hand

On the way to the end, the view on the right – a combination of green and cliff gave a nice scenery

Ocean and green cliff 

You can start to see a bit of emerald water

A white lighthouse at the end of the path, first lit on 25 Aug 1888 (Meiji 21)

View from the end of the trail looking down at the Kamui reef

💬 Kamui Misaki Opening Hours (Official)

Month - Opening Hours/ Last Entry Time: 

April – 8:00–17:30 / 16:30
May – 8:00–18:00 / 17:00
June – 8:00–18:30 / 17:30
July – 8:00–18:00 / 17:00
Aug ~ Oct – 8:00–17:30 / 16:30
Nov – 8:00–16:30 / 15:30
Dec ~ Mar –10:00–15:00 / 14:00

👉 Note: Opening hours may vary due to rain or strong winds, and the gate may close temporarily for safety reasons.

Nearby Attraction: Shimamui Coast

Another must-see spot to enjoy Shakotan Blue is Shimamui Coast (島武意海岸).
After parking, walk through a short tunnel that opens up to a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint. Below lies a pebble beach, where waves crash against rugged cliffs and rock formations — a dramatic scene perfect for photography.

In summer, snorkelling tours are available — if you’re curious to try, check [here] for more information!

Additional Travel Tips

• Food & Snacks: There are only vending machines and a small kiosk near the parking area. Bring snacks or light food from Otaru or Sapporo.

• Driving Tips: Some routes require an ETC toll card, but in our case (all free highways from Otaru Station), it wasn’t necessary. 

• Safety: Follow trail signs carefully. Strong winds are common — avoid getting too close to cliff edges.

Fun Fact: The Spirit Rock of Kamui Misaki

At the tip of the cape stands Kamui Iwa (神威岩), a towering rock rising from the sea.
According to legend, it represents the spirit of a woman turned into stone after a tragic love story — one reason this place carries a mysterious, sacred atmosphere.

Close up the Kamui reef

Final Thoughts: Peaceful Moments on the Road

Driving along Hokkaido’s scenic coastline was calm and incredibly relaxing.

Even though the weather wasn’t perfectly sunny and we couldn’t fully see the emerald tone of Shakotan Blue, everyone enjoyed the beautiful ocean views and the peaceful walk at Kamui Misaki — it was definitely worth the visit.

Before returning our rental car, we made a quick stop at Temiya Park (手宮公園) in Otaru, one of the famous filming locations of the Japanese movie “Love Letter.”
The park sits on a hill, about a 20–30 minute walk from Otaru Station, so if you have a car and some extra time, it’s absolutely worth stopping by.

Wooden Torii-style gate in Temiya Park in Otaru

Red torii in the middle of the trees in Temiya park

A small stream in the middle of the park gave a relaxing vibe

It was the end of May, but it looked like autumn from the trees with autumn leaves

A wide field which would be a good picnic area on a nice day

Green trees, red flowers and the ocean behind them

The Otaru ocean view from Temiya park

We went there without high expectations, but the four of us were genuinely impressed by the panoramic views and the calm atmosphere.

It was the perfect peaceful ending to our Hokkaido road trip, combining nature, cinematic scenery, and the quiet charm of Otaru. 🌿

👉Looking for the best scenic spots in Hokkaido? Just an hour from Sapporo, Shikotsu-Toya National Park offers breathtaking cobalt-blue lakes and mountain views. Click [Here] to read the full travel story.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.