Cape Erimo, Hokkaido: Wind Museum, Wild Seals and the Golden Road

3. Scenic spots around Cape Erimo

The coast around Cape Erimo is dotted with sights that make the drive even more rewarding.

Golden Road (黄金道路, Ōgon Dōro)

The roughly 33 km stretch of National Route 336 from Shoya (庶野) in Erimo Town to Hiroo in Hiroo Town is known as the "Golden Road". The name comes from the enormous cost of building a road along such a treacherous line of sheer cliffs: people said it was as if the road had been paved with gold. Today it is a comfortable drive, and from the sections where tunnels and covered snow sheds follow one after another, you get close-up views of the cliff-lined coast and the vast Pacific. In summer you may see kelp (kombu) being harvested, and the area is also well known as a surfing spot.

• Route: Shoya, Erimo Town, Horoizumi District to Hiroo, Hiroo Town, Hiroo District, Hokkaido
• Distance: About 33 km
• Driving time: About 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on conditions

Hyakunin-hama (百人浜)

Hyakunin-hama is a broad sandy beach that stretches for about 10 km northeast of Cape Erimo. Beautiful as it is, it has a sad history. According to legend, a large ship from the Nanbu domain was wrecked in the dangerous waters off Cape Erimo long ago, and more than 100 of its crew were washed up on this beach, where they died of hunger and cold. That story is said to be the origin of the name, which means "Hundred People Beach".

Today the beach is backed by a forest of Japanese black pines planted as part of a greening project, and from the greening project observation tower you can look out over the whole vast pine forest. Nearby is Hiren-numa (悲恋沼), a pond linked to a legend of tragic love between a Wajin (ethnic Japanese) and an Ainu person, and the rich natural surroundings make the area pleasant for a stroll. There is also the Hyakunin-hama Auto Campground, which serves as a base for outdoor activities.

• Address: Erimo Town, Horoizumi District, Hokkaido
• Parking: Available
• Highlights: Black pine forest, greening project observation tower, Hiren-numa pond

4. How to get to Cape Erimo

Cape Erimo lies in southeastern Hokkaido, so getting there takes time, but the journey itself passes through the wide-open scenery Hokkaido is famous for.

By car

A rental car is especially recommended, because it lets you explore the surrounding sights freely.

Cape Erimo has a free car park with room for more than 200 cars. Setting your navigation to the Erimo Misaki Tourist Center (えりも岬観光センター) is the easiest way to find it. If you plan to drive here in winter, read our guide to renting a car in Hokkaido in winter before you set out.

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By public transport

Direct services are few, so you will need to change buses along the way. Some express buses require a reservation, and timetables are worth checking before you travel.

• From Sapporo:
  • Take the JR Hokkaido Bus express "Erimo-gō" (reservation required) to "Erimo", about 4 hours, then a JR Hokkaido Bus to the "Erimo-misaki" (襟裳岬) stop, about 20 minutes.
  • Or take the "Pegasus-gō" express bus (Dōnan Bus, reservation required) to Urakawa Terminal, about 3.5 hours. From Urakawa, take a JR bus toward Samani (about 30 minutes), then change at Samani Station to a JR bus bound for "Erimo-misaki", about 1 hour.
• From Obihiro:
  • Take a Tokachi Bus to Hiroo, about 2 hours, then a JR Hokkaido Bus to the "Erimo-misaki" stop, about 1 hour.

From the Erimo-misaki bus stop, the cape is about a 1-minute walk.

5. Best time to visit and what to wear

You can enjoy Cape Erimo's magnificent nature at any time of year, but each season has its own appeal.

Best season

The easiest time to sightsee is summer, roughly May to August, when the wind is comparatively gentle and the weather tends to be more settled; the contrast between blue sky and blue sea is especially beautiful then. The seals can be watched all year, but spring is their pupping season, and with luck you may see an adorable seal pup. Keep in mind that the Wind Museum is closed from December to February.

What to wear

True to its name as the "Town of Wind", Cape Erimo is windy all year, and it often feels colder than the thermometer suggests. Bring an extra layer even in summer and dress for the chill. When walking to the observation deck or the tip of the cape, keep a hand on your hat so it does not blow away, and wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in.

6. Safety and practical information

A few precautions and a little preparation will help you enjoy Cape Erimo safely and comfortably.

Walking at the cape

The walking path to the tip of the cape is well maintained, but take extra care with your footing when the wind is strong. There are places at the very tip without fences, so if you are traveling with children, keep a close eye on them. The area around the cape is also a nature protection area, so collecting plants or animals and dropping litter are strictly prohibited.

Facilities

Near the Cape Erimo car park, the Erimo Misaki Tourist Center has a souvenir shop and a restaurant. Here you can try dishes made with fresh local seafood, such as a rice bowl topped with live sea urchin (活ウニ丼), seafood ramen and grilled whelk (tsubu-yaki). Opening hours vary by season, but as a guide they are about 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter.

Where to stay

There are few places to stay right around Cape Erimo, so booking ahead is recommended. The wider Hidaka and Erimo area offers a range of accommodation, including hot-spring hotels and traditional ryokan inns.

7. Summary: a wild corner of Hokkaido shaped by wind and sea

Cape Erimo is a place to experience the grand drama of nature, played out by powerful winds and rough waves at the end of the Hidaka Mountains. Standing in a 25 m/s gale at the Wind Museum, watching wild Kuril harbor seals through a telescope, and driving on along the Golden Road or out to Hyakunin-hama all add up to a trip you will remember. Allow plenty of time for the journey, aim for the calmer months from May to August, pack a warm layer whatever the season, and Cape Erimo will reward you with one of Hokkaido's wildest and most beautiful coastlines.