Cape Kamui

The Shakotan Peninsula juts into the Sea of Japan west of Otaru, and its water is called Shakotan Blue by everyone locally - a deep cobalt caused by the clarity and the depth dropping away close to shore. Cape Kamui is where you walk out into it: a path of about 770 metres, the Charenka Path, runs along a knife-edge of rock with the sea falling away on both sides to a viewpoint at the tip, with the free-standing Kamui Rock offshore. Until 1855 Japanese women were barred from going beyond the cape, a ban explained by a local legend about Charenka, after whom the path is named; a gate at the start of the path now records it. The path is exposed and closes in strong wind, which is common. The peninsula's other draw is uni: sea urchin is landed here between June and August and eaten fresh on rice at the roadside restaurants.

What's there

• Shakotan Blue - cobalt water caused by clarity and a fast drop offshore.
• The Charenka Path - 770 metres along a rock ridge to the cape tip.
• Kamui Rock - a free-standing pillar in the sea off the point.
• Summer uni - sea urchin landed June to August and eaten at the roadside.

When to go

May to October; June to August for uni. Two to three hours including the walk.

Practical notes

The path closes in wind and closure is frequent - check before driving out. It is fully exposed with no shade. Buses run only in the summer season. Uni prices are high and the season is short.

Nearby

Cape Shakotan is close along the coast; Otaru is east.

Key facts