West of Otaru, the rugged Shakotan Peninsula is famous for one thing above all: the colour of its sea. The vivid, jewel-like “Shakotan Blue” glows beneath dramatic cliffs and capes, making this one of Hokkaido’s most beautiful stretches of coast and its only marine park. Walk out to wild Cape Kamui and Cape Shimamui for sweeping ocean views, then feast on the region’s celebrated summer sea urchin (uni), served gloriously fresh on rice. A scenic summer drive from Otaru, Shakotan is a coastal gem.

This guide covers the capes, the blue sea, the uni, the best season and how to get there.

🗓️ Quick Reference
Location West coast, beyond Otaru/Yoichi
Highlights Cape Kamui, Cape Shimamui, “Shakotan Blue”
Famous food Summer sea urchin (uni)
Best time June–August (uni season, clearest sea)
Good for Coastal scenery, walks, seafood, drives

The capes & “Shakotan Blue”

  • Cape Kamui: a walk along a ridge trail to a lighthouse and cliffs above an electric-blue sea — the peninsula’s signature view.
  • Cape Shimamui: dramatic rock formations and a famous viewpoint over the bay.
  • The clarity and colour of the water — “Shakotan Blue” — is best on calm, sunny summer days.

Sea urchin & food

  • Shakotan is renowned for bafun and murasaki uni at their summer peak (roughly June–August).
  • Coastal restaurants serve uni-don (sea urchin rice bowls) that draw food lovers from across Hokkaido — see our Hokkaido seafood guide .

Best season & tips

  • Visit in summer for the bluest sea, the cape walks and fresh uni; many seasonal eateries open only then.
  • Cape Kamui involves a 20–30 min walk along an exposed ridge — wear good shoes and mind the wind.
  • A rental car is by far the easiest way to explore the coast and capes.

Combine your visit

Shakotan pairs with the Otaru coast:

How to get there

  • Best by rental car from Otaru/Yoichi (~1–1.5 hours to the capes).
  • Seasonal buses run from Otaru toward Bikuni/Cape Kamui in summer; check timetables.