Shimamui Coast and Cape Shakotan: The Tunnel Viewpoint and the Lighthouse

Shimamui Coast, on Cape Shakotan, is one of Japan's 100 best beaches, and you see it from above: a short tunnel from the car park opens suddenly onto a viewpoint over a cove of golden cliffs and the famous Shakotan blue sea. A walk uphill from the same car park leads to the Cape Shakotan lighthouse viewpoint. Both are free, with a free car park.

1The Shimamui Coast viewpoint

From the car park, walk to the tunnel you can see ahead. In front of it there is a donation box for looking after Shakotan's coastline (100 yen or more per person is suggested); you will find the same boxes at Cape Ogon and Cape Kamui.

Walk through the tunnel, and the sea suddenly fills the opening ahead.

From the viewpoint you look down on cliffs that glow gold in the sun, emerald shallows and deep blue water further out.

The path down to the shore is closed for repairs until early April 2027, according to Shakotan town (as of September 2026), but the view from the top alone is worth the drive. Check the town's nature trail status page for the latest.

2The Cape Shakotan lighthouse viewpoint

From the car park, the lighthouse is about 500 meters up a paved slope. It is easy underfoot but fairly steep, so it takes some effort.

The view on the way up makes up for it: even in May the mountains can still have snow on them, with the Sea of Japan beside them.

The view from the lighthouse is wonderful too: it stands high on the cape, and the horizon opens up wide in front of you.

The trail continues past the lighthouse along the cape, about 1.8 kilometers one way (about an hour). As of September 2026, the section from the Jorouko Rock viewpoint to the Horomui end is closed, so check the town's status page before you set out. This is bear country: Rinko, the restaurant at Cape Shakotan, lends bear bells free of charge.

3How to get to Shimamui Coast

From central Sapporo it is a little over two hours by car. Take the Sasson Expressway and then the Shiribeshi Expressway (signed for Yoichi) to the end at Yoichi IC; where the road splits toward Otaru and Yoichi, keep left for Yoichi. The toll from Sapporo-kita IC to Yoichi IC is 1,750 yen. From Yoichi, follow Route 229 along the coast, then turn right onto Prefectural Road 913 for Cape Shakotan. For breaks, 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.

4Near Shimamui Coast

Shakotan has two more viewpoints over the same blue sea: Cape Ogon in Bikuni, a quiet cape where the shallows are clear enough to see the rocks on the bottom, and Cape Kamui, the long cape you can usually walk out along (beyond the Nyonin-kinsei Gate the path is closed until early April 2027).

Cape Kamui: The Walk to the Tip, Gate Hours and the 2026-27 ClosureA local's guide to Cape Kamui on the Shakotan Peninsula: the walk along the ridge over the blue sea, the Nyonin-kinsei gate and its legend, gate hours by month, the trail closure until April 2027, and parking.

My Shakotan guide has the whole day from Sapporo, with a sea urchin lunch.

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.

5FAQ about Shimamui Coast

Q1. Can you walk down to Shimamui Coast?

Not until early April 2027; the path down is closed for repairs. The viewpoint at the top is open.

Q2. How far is the Cape Shakotan lighthouse from the car park?

About 500 meters up a paved, fairly steep slope.

Q3. Is there a fee at Shimamui Coast?

No, but there is a box for a nature conservation donation (100 yen or more per person is suggested). The car park is free.

Q4. How far is Shimamui Coast from Sapporo?

A little over two hours by car.