Cape Noshappu: Sunset Over Rishiri and Rebun in Wakkanai

Cape Noshappu, on the north-west tip of Wakkanai, is where the Ororon Line coast road ends. From the cape you can see Rishiri and Rebun islands and the outline of Sakhalin, and above all, the sun setting into the sea on the horizon. Time your visit for sunset; the table below shows when.

1What is Cape Noshappu like?

The cape sticks out to the north of Wakkanai, and from the promenade by the sea you look out over the water to Rishiri Island, with its volcanic cone, and Rebun Island, and on a clear day to Sakhalin. It is about 10 minutes by car from Wakkanai Station and the car park is free, so you can make the sunset even if you only reach Wakkanai in the late afternoon.

Because the cape sticks out to the north, a cold wind blows hard even in August, so bring a jacket.

2Sunset times at Cape Noshappu

3How to get to Cape Noshappu

From Sapporo: about five hours by car. Take the Do-o Expressway toward Asahikawa, and at Fukagawa JCT, just before Asahikawa, keep left for Rumoi. Iwamizawa SA and Sunagawa SA, before the junction, are big service areas with good food. Leave the expressway at Rumoi and carry straight on onto Route 232. Follow it north, turn left just before the Roadside Station Teshio onto Prefectural Road 106, and follow the Sea of Japan coast north to the cape.

From New Chitose Airport: about five and a half hours, on the Do-o Expressway through Sapporo and then the same route.

There is a free car park at the cape.

4Near Cape Noshappu

On the way up the coast, the Yukuru viewpoint is the closest point on the Ororon Line to Rishiri Island: the sea and the islands on one side, the wetland on the other, and nothing man-made in sight. In Wakkanai, Urokotei serves octopus shabu-shabu, the local specialty, a good dinner after the sunset. The next morning, drive to Cape Soya and the White Road.

Cape Soya: The Northernmost Point of Japan and the View to SakhalinA local's guide to Cape Soya in Wakkanai, the northernmost point of Japan's main islands: the monument, seeing Sakhalin, how to get there from Wakkanai, parking and what to wear. The White Road in Wakkanai: How to Find the Start and Drive ItA local's guide to the White Road, the scallop-shell road in the Soya Hills near Cape Soya: how to find the right entrance (navigation sends you to the wrong end), the five rules, when it is open, and what is nearby.

My guide to the Ororon Line has the whole drive from Sapporo, ending at Cape Noshappu at sunset.

Sapporo to Wakkanai by Car: The Ororon Line Coast Road to Cape SoyaDriving from Sapporo to Wakkanai up the Ororon Line, the Sea of Japan coast road, from a Sapporo local who did it: the stops, the closest view of Rishiri Island, sunset at Cape Noshappu, and Cape Soya and the White Road the next morning.

5FAQ about Cape Noshappu

Q1. What time is sunset at Cape Noshappu?

From about 15:50 in December to about 19:26 in late June. See the table above.

Q2. Can you see Rishiri Island from Cape Noshappu?

Yes, on a clear day, along with Rebun Island and the outline of Sakhalin.

Q3. Is there parking at Cape Noshappu?

Yes, a free car park.

Q4. Cape Noshappu or Cape Soya for sunset?

Cape Noshappu. From here the sun sets into the Sea of Japan beyond Rishiri and Rebun; Cape Soya looks out over the Sea of Okhotsk.