Cape Kamui: The Walk to the Tip, Gate Hours and the 2026-27 Closure

Cape Kamui is the long, narrow cape that juts out into the Sea of Japan at the tip of the Shakotan Peninsula. A walking path runs along its spine to the tip, with the deep blue Shakotan sea on both sides.

1Trail closure until April 2027

For construction work, the walking path from the Nyonin-kinsei Gate to the tip of the cape is closed from October 5, 2026 until early April 2027, according to Shakotan town. You can still walk from the car park up to the Nyonin-kinsei Gate, but not beyond it. The path is due to reopen in spring 2027; check the town's official page for the latest before you go.

2What is Cape Kamui like?

From the car park, the path climbs to the Nyonin-kinsei Gate, the "no women allowed" gate, and then follows the ridge of the cape out to sea, about 770 meters, or roughly 20 minutes each way. The views along the way are the best part: the open sea in front of you, and behind you the coastline of Shakotan curving away to the mountains. At the end you stand far out over the clear water, with the sea on three sides.

The path is well kept, but wear sturdy shoes: it goes up and down and runs along high, exposed sections, so take care if you are not comfortable with heights. It is very windy, and when I walked it, the wind whistled loudly against the rocks.

3The Nyonin-kinsei Gate

The cape was sacred to the Ainu, a place where a god was said to live, and women were forbidden to enter it until 1855. The story behind the ban is a legend of the Ainu woman Charenka, who threw herself into the sea here, heartbroken, and was turned into the rock that stands off the tip; it was said that any boat carrying a woman past the cape would be wrecked. The reefs here really did sink many ships. The gate at the start of the path, Nyonin-kinsei, meaning "no women allowed", is named after that history.

4Gate opening hours

The gate at the entrance to the cape opens and closes at different times through the year. The last entry is an hour before closing.

In strong wind or bad weather, the Nyonin-kinsei Gate can be closed.

5How to get to Cape Kamui

From central Sapporo it is about two hours by car. Take the Sasson and Shiribeshi expressways to the end at Yoichi IC (keep left for Yoichi where the road splits), then follow Route 229 along the coast. For a break, there is Kanayama PA on the expressway and the Space Apple Yoichi roadside station about five minutes from the Yoichi exit.

The car park is free. It is so windy here that you should hold the car door firmly when you open it, or the wind will throw it open. By the car park there is a donation box for Shakotan's nature conservation, toilets, and Kamui Banya, a shop and restaurant selling local products, is right in front of it.

6Near Cape Kamui

Shakotan has other viewpoints over the same blue water: Shimamui Coast, below the Shakotan cape lighthouse, and Cape Ogon in Bikuni. In summer, finish with a bowl of fresh sea urchin. My Shakotan guide has the whole route from Sapporo.

Shakotan and Cape Kamui Day Trip from Sapporo by Car: A Local's RouteA local's day trip from Sapporo to Shakotan by car: Cape Ogon, Shimamui Coast, a sea urchin bowl, Cape Kamui and a sea-view onsen, with tolls, opening hours, closures and the bus alternative.

7FAQ about Cape Kamui

Q1. Can you walk to the tip of Cape Kamui now?

Not until early April 2027. The path from the Nyonin-kinsei Gate to the tip is closed for construction from October 5, 2026, according to Shakotan town.

Q2. How long is the walk at Cape Kamui?

About 770 meters from the Nyonin-kinsei Gate to the tip, roughly 20 minutes each way, with ups and downs along the ridge.

Q3. What time does the Cape Kamui gate close?

It depends on the month, from 15:00 in winter to 18:30 in June, with last entry an hour earlier. Until early April 2027, only the area up to the gate is open.

Q4. Is there parking at Cape Kamui?

Yes, a free car park with a shop and restaurant.

Q5. When is the best time to visit Cape Kamui?

June to August, during Shakotan's sea urchin season. Note that the path to the tip is closed until early April 2027.