[summer][ Hokkaido Shiraoi Town]Cape Shakotan: Snorkeling and clear sea experience
Cape Shakotan (Shakotan Town, Shakotan District, Hokkaido) attracts many tourists with its beautiful scenery of crystal clear waters and untouched nature. This area is known as an ideal spot for people who enjoy marine activities such as snorkeling and diving. The crystal clear waters, known as Shakotan Blue, are so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom on a clear day, and you can observe the beautiful reefs and colorful fish underwater up close. The natural environment around Cape Shakotan is also noteworthy. The mountains and cliffs surrounding the cape create a powerful landscape typical of the northern land, overwhelming visitors. There are trails and observation points scattered throughout the area for walking, so you can enjoy nature walks before or after snorkeling. Cape Shakotan also offers scenery that changes with the seasons. The climate is particularly mild in summer, when the water is the clearest, making it the best season for many people to visit. During this time, there are many restaurants in the surrounding area that serve fresh seafood, making it a great place to eat after snorkeling.
What is the appeal of Cape Shakotan? ~Clear waters and a rich natural environment~
Cape Shakotan (Shakotan Town, Shakotan District, Hokkaido) attracts many tourists with its beautiful scenery of crystal clear waters and untouched nature. This area is known as an ideal spot for people who enjoy marine activities such as snorkeling and diving. The crystal clear waters, known as Shakotan Blue, are so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom on a clear day, and you can observe the beautiful reefs and colorful fish underwater up close. The natural environment around Cape Shakotan is also noteworthy. The mountains and cliffs surrounding the cape create a powerful landscape typical of the northern land, overwhelming visitors. There are trails and observation points scattered throughout the area for walking, so you can enjoy nature walks before or after snorkeling. Cape Shakotan also offers scenery that changes with the seasons. The climate is particularly mild in summer, when the water is the clearest, making it the best season for many people to visit. During this time, there are many restaurants in the surrounding area that serve fresh seafood, making it a great place to eat after snorkeling.
The charms and precautions of snorkeling at Cape Shakotan
Snorkeling at Cape Shakotan is an experience that can only be found in Hokkaido. Generally speaking, snorkeling may bring to mind tropical countries, but the sea of Cape Shakotan has an appeal that rivals that. In particular, the beauty of the anemone fish and seaweed that can be seen in the cold seawater is a special experience that cannot be found anywhere else. In the highly transparent sea, you can observe the fine details of the reef and small sea creatures through goggles. There are a few points to keep in mind when enjoying snorkeling. First of all, the sea water temperature at Cape Shakotan is relatively cold even in summer, so we recommend wearing a wetsuit. Also, there are places in the area with strong currents, so it is best to join a guided tour for safety. Local guides will not only show you spots that are suitable for beginners, but will also share their knowledge about Shakotan's nature and ecosystem. In addition, nature conservation is emphasized in the marine protected areas around Cape Shakotan, and consideration for the environment is also required when snorkeling. For example, by observing basic manners such as not touching corals or seaweed and taking your trash home, you can pass on the beautiful nature to the next generation.
Sightseeing spots around Cape Shakotan and how to get there
Cape Shakotan is generally accessed by car from Sapporo city in about 2.5 hours. By car, you can efficiently tour the surrounding tourist spots. If you use public transportation, you can take the Shakotan Bus from Sapporo Station and get off at the Shakotan Cape bus stop, but please check in advance as the number of buses is limited. In addition to enjoying snorkeling, there are several tourist spots around Shakotan Cape that are worth visiting. For example, "Kamui Cape", which is close to the cape, is a great place to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view. Here, you can see the majestic nature of Hokkaido and enjoy different views depending on the season. Shakotan is also famous for its fresh sea urchin. In the summer, many local restaurants serve sea urchin bowls, which are the perfect luxurious reward after a day of exercise in snorkeling. In addition, souvenirs themed on Shakotan Blue and locally produced seafood are also sold, which you can take home as a memento of your trip. Finally, when visiting Shakotan Cape, it is important to check the weather and sea conditions in advance. Since sudden weather changes can occur, make use of the information from local tourist information centers and tour guides to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
[ Swimming in the sea]Other recommended spots
Ishikarihama Beach Enjoy the vast sandy beach
Hokkaido Ishikari City
Take the Chuo Bus bound for Ishikari from JR Sapporo Station, get off at the Ishikari Onsen-mae or Ishikari stop, and walk for about 10 minutes.
Atsuta Beach Nature and Surfing Experience
Hokkaido Ishikari City
Take the Chuo Bus "Sapporo Terminal" to the "Sapporo-atsu Line", get off at "Atsuta Branch Office" and walk for about 10 minutes
Rumoi Golden Beach: Experience the Sea of Japan and the Sunset
Hokkaido Hakodate City
From JR Rumoi Station, take the Rumoi Tax Office bus stop for about 20 minutes, then walk for about 10 minutes.
Otaru Dream Beach Family-friendly beach
Hokkaido Otaru City
About 30 minutes walk from JR Hoshioki Station or shuttle bus available.
Hakodate City Sunahara Beach: Safe swimming in shallow waters
Hokkaido Hakodate City
About 15 minutes walk from Oshima-Saba Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line.
Teuri Island Black-tailed Gull Beach: Swimming with wild black-tailed gulls
Hokkaido Rumoi City
Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes by ferry from Haboro Port to Teuri Island (via Yagishiri Island)
Sunagawa Beach: Calm waves for a relaxing experience
Hokkaido Sunagawa City
About 10 minutes by taxi or bus from JR Sunagawa Station.
Yunokawa Beach A beach near the hot springs
Hokkaido Shakotan Town
About 30 minutes by bus from Hakodate Station.
Shiraoi Beach: Clear waters and barbecue
Hokkaido Haboro Town
Approximately 21 minutes on foot from Noboribetsu Station on the JR Muroran Main Line