Let's go see the earliest sunrise in Japan! A leisurely trip on the Hanasaki Line from Kushiro to Cape Nosappu (Nemuro City), the easternmost point of the mainland.
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Days required
- 2 days and 1 night
- Main methods of transportation
- train, car
The longest railway line in Hokkaido is the JR Nemuro Main Line, and the section connecting Kushiro and Nemuro is affectionately known as the "Hanasaki Line." Starting from Kushiro, this journey introduces you to the Hanasaki Line's attractions, including Akkeshi, famous for its oysters, Cape Nosappu, the easternmost point of Japan, and Hamanaka Town, the hometown of Monkey Punch-sensei, the creator of "Lupin the Third.
- * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
JR Kushiro Station
Departure from JR Kushiro Station (11:15) Proceed on the rapid Nosappu!
Starting from JR Kushiro Station on the Hanasaki Line, you cross the Kushiro River and pass through residential areas before entering lush, green forests.
Enjoy the vast natural scenery from the train window.
After passing Monshizu Station, the stunning beauty of Akkeshi Bay unfolds before your eyes.
About 15 minutes on foot
Akkeshi Mikaku Terminal Conchiglie
Oysters grown in a rich natural environment are characterized by their plump texture and rich sweetness. Inside the facility, you can enjoy original snacks made with oysters. There is also an authentic restaurant offering gourmet dishes from Akkeshi, making it a Michi-no-Eki worthy of its reputation as a famous oyster-producing area. A luxurious set where you can enjoy Japanese whisky from the Akkeshi Distillery with a few drops on the oysters is also recommended.
- Address
- 厚岸郡厚岸町住の江2-2
- Telephone Number
- 0153-52-4139
- Open
- April 9:00-18:00
May-September 9:00-19:00
October-March: 10:00-18:00 - Closed
- Mondays (Tuesday if it's a public holiday)
Departure from JR Akkeshi Station (14:20)
Enjoy the Hanasaki Line train windows
Enjoy the seasonal scenery! Head to JR Higashi-Nemuro Station, the easternmost station in Japan.
Image courtesy (first one): Nemuro Tourism Association
From the train windows, you can enjoy the dynamic landscapes of Hokkaido's great nature, the Pacific Ocean, and various wildlife. Just one stop before Nemuro Station is Higashi-Nemuro Station, the easternmost station in Japan. Although it is an unmanned station without a station building, it holds a special place in the hearts of railway enthusiasts and travelers.
About 15 minutes by car
[Accommodation] Shogetsu Ryokan
Enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal adorned with luxurious ingredients.
Nemuro is known for its rich fishing grounds where ocean currents meet. This long-established inn represents Nemuro. It offers a menu featuring seasonal ingredients, such as Hanasaki crab, which is only caught in Nemuro, and high-quality fish like Kinki. Enjoy specialties like the inn's famous sea urchin chawanmushi and grilled fatty sablefish.
Since you plan to depart early the next morning, it's recommended to rent a car on this day.
- Address
- 根室市梅ヶ枝町2-3
- Telephone Number
- 0153-23-5137
Cape Nosappu
Magnificent view spreading out before your eyes
Located at the easternmost tip of Hokkaido, it is famous for being the first place in Japan to see the sunrise. The oldest Western-style lighthouse in Hokkaido stands at the tip of the cape, and the islands of the Northern Territories can be seen in front of it. In the surrounding park, there are facilities exhibiting materials on the history and life in the Northern Territories, as well as a monument that prays for the return of the Northern Territories and peace. There are also restaurants and souvenir stores in the park, so visitors can spend a relaxing time.
- Address
- 根室市納沙布
- Telephone Number
- 0153-24-3104
Departure from JR Nemuro Station (11:08)
Nemuro's local lunchboxes
If you make a reservation in advance, you can pick it up at the station!
Local specialty lunchboxes 'Grilled Pacific Saury Sushi' and 'Yakitori Bento (Meat is grilled pork)'. If you make a reservation by the morning of the previous day, you can purchase them at the station. This popular sales system allows you to enjoy gourmet food along the Hanasaki Line. Please enjoy these soul foods loved by the locals while taking in the view from the train window.
Column
Wrapped Trains on the Hanasaki Line
On the JR Hanasaki Line, the 'Lupin the Third Wrapped Train' and the red and white 'Earth Exploration Railway Hanasaki Line Wrapped Train,' which features motifs of flowers and snow, are popular!
Since the operation times of the wrapped trains are limited, please check the official JR Hokkaido website for details.
Walk around the place related to "Lupin the Third"
Hamanaka Town is the hometown of the original author, Monkey Punch-sensei.
Life-sized panels of the characters are installed at JR stations in Hamanaka Town. At the Hamanaka Town Cultural Center, there is a space where you can fully enjoy the world of the works, including 'AGITO,' which recreates the workspace of Monkey Punch-sensei.
How many 'Lupin the Third' can you find scattered around the town? It’s fun to look for them while taking a stroll.
©TMS ©Monkey Punch/TMS・NTV
- Address
- 厚岸郡浜中町湯沸445
- Telephone Number
- 0153-62-2111 (Hamanaka Town Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division)
Cape Kiritappu
A romantic cape with beautiful reefs leading to the sea
Kiritappu Cape, located on the eastern side of the Kiritappu Peninsula at an elevation of 40 to 60 meters, juts out into the rough waves of the Pacific Ocean. Its official name is Tofutsu Cape, but it is also known as Tokkari Cape because seals (tokkari) can often be seen there. From the observation deck, you can see Sail Rock, where seals reside, 3 kilometers away, as well as the cliffs of Ponporoto and Moraito across Hamanaka Bay, and the coastline. The Tobutsu Cape Lighthouse at the tip of the cape was recognized as Hokkaido's first "Lover's Lighthouse" on September 30, 2016, by the Japan Romanticist Association and the Nippon Foundation as part of the "Lover's Lighthouse Project.
- Address
- 浜中町湯沸
- Telephone Number
- 0153-62-2111
Departure from JR Hamanaka Station (14:37)
Arrive at JR Kushiro Station (15:56)
JR Kushiro Station
From JR Hamanaka Station to JR Kushiro Station, the terminal station
Image courtesy: Nemuro Tourism Association
A 2day and 1night trip on the JR Hanasaki Line comes to an end. Experience the great nature along the line and enjoy the spectacular scenery and gourmet food.
