Things to do in Muroran：Cape Chikyu

About Cape Chikyu

Cape Chikyu, which juts out from the southernmost tip of the Etomo Peninsula, is one of the most scenic spots in Japan, with a series of cliffs around 100 meters high and a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. It has been selected as number one in the “100 Best Nature Spots in Hokkaido” and the “New 100 Best Sightseeing Spots in Japan,” and it is crowded with people every year, especially on New Year’s Day, to see the first sunrise of the year.
The name Cape Chikyu comes from the Ainu word “chikepu” which means cliff. It was later called “Chikiu” and then “Cape Chikyu.”

 

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hiromi(@soulsound38)がシェアした投稿

The symbol of Cape Chikyu is the chalk octagonal Cape Chikiu Lighthouse, which stands on a cliff 130 meters above sea level. It was lit in 1920 (Taisho 9) and plays an important role as a target for ships sailing along the coast. Although it is usually closed to the public, it is open to the public on holidays such as Marine Day.

 

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日光☺︎(@nikko.6.22)がシェアした投稿

Cape Chikiu Lighthouse

The Cape Chikiu Lighthouse, which was lit on April 1, 1920, is located on the tip of Cape Chikyu, on a cliff 130m above sea level, and its light can reach as far as 44km. It became fully automated in 1991, and the radio direction signal station was abolished the following year. Generally, lighthouses have a mixture of red and black colors on their outer walls to distinguish them from winter snow, and lighthouses like Cape Chikiu Lighthouse, which are entirely white, are rare, and can be viewed from above, or have an octagonal bottom. The lighthouse part is also rare. It is open to the public every year on holidays such as Marine Day.

 

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eico(@gombeigombei)がシェアした投稿

The view from the observation deck on a hill overlooking the lighthouse is truly spectacular. There is a vast panoramic view that lets you feel the roundness of the earth, and on clear days you can see as far as Mt. Komagatake and the Shimokita Peninsula. If you’re lucky, you might even see migrating dolphins and whales from spring to fall. If you ring the “bell of happiness” with your loved one, good things may happen to you!

 

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荒瀬 宗之(@muneyuki_arase)がシェアした投稿

Cape Chikyu Observatory is a two-story building.

There is a photo spot on the upper floor, so
We recommend taking commemorative photos and panoramic photos from here.
Not only the lighthouse and ocean in front, but also the Muroran townscape in the back is attractive. Behind the steep cliffs, human life is alive and well.

 

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@yuyu_viaggioがシェアした投稿

If you want to enjoy Cape Chikyu to its fullest, we recommend visiting on a sunny day. Funka Bay (Uchiura Bay), one of Hokkaido’s leading fishing grounds, stretches out to the west of Muroran. Cape Chikyu offers a unique scenery among Hokkaido’s ocean view spots. There is a photo spot at the top of the observation deck, so we recommend taking 180-degree panoramic photos from here.

 

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とんでSky東京(@tondesky9)がシェアした投稿

There are walking trails around the area where you can enjoy forest bathing while admiring seasonal flowers. It is also a stopover point for migratory birds, and is also known as a nesting site for peregrine falcons that hunt migratory birds.

Link：Hokkaido official tourism website