Lake Shikotsu | Review by 楊雅雯

Nossapu Cape (Nosappu Misaki)

A cape in Nemuro, Hokkaido, known as the easternmost point of Japan’s main islands. It’s famous as one of the earliest places in Japan to catch the sunrise, and on New Year’s Day in particular, many people come from across the country to see Japan’s earliest first sunrise of the year. At the tip of the cape stands Hokkaido’s oldest Western-style lighthouse, the “Nossapu Cape Lighthouse,” built in 1872. From the cape, you can also view the “Kaigarajima Lighthouse” in the Northern Territories, “Suisho Island” in the Habomai Islands, and the mountains of “Kunashiri Island.”

• Kushiro and Nemuro
• Nature Spots

If you come to Nemuro, Hokkaido, be sure to make a trip to Nossapu Cape! This is **the easternmost point of mainland Japan**, and from the eastern tip, you can gaze out over the vast ocean. When the weather is good, you may even get to see Japan's earliest dawn. I originally thought there would be very few people in such a remote place, but surprisingly, quite a few people visited even on a weekday, with more than ten other tourists there.
Besides the ocean view at the easternmost point, there is also a lighthouse to see, as well as several restaurants nearby. I especially recommend the building next door, where you can get an “easternmost point” certificate for free instead of having to buy one at a store. Remember to pick one up as a souvenir! If you're traveling to Nemuro, Nossapu Cape is definitely worth visiting in person. Standing at the easternmost point of Hokkaido and feeling the sea breeze makes for a truly unforgettable travel experience.

Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples

This museum focuses on the cultures of "Northern Peoples" who inhabit the Northern Hemisphere, ranging from the Ainu, Japan's indigenous people, to the Eskimos living in Greenland and the Sami in Scandinavia. It is Japan's only museum of its kind and one of the rarest in the world, since it opened in 1991.

• Shiretoko and Abashiri and Kitami and Monbetsu
• Museums

The Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples is a great place to slow down and explore at your own pace.
Through exhibits on everyday tools, clothing, hunting methods, and spiritual traditions, you can learn about Hokkaido's Indigenous Ainu people and the wisdom of northern peoples around the world in living in harmony with nature.
On your first visit, you'll realize that many details of everyday life are rich in culture and history.
If you're visiting Abashiri, I really recommend setting aside 2–3 hours. Don't just rush through it. Take your time to look around and learn, and you'll get more out of it than you might expect.

Lake Furen

Spanning Nemuro City and Betsukai Town in Hokkaido, Lake Furen is a brackish lake with a shoreline of Approx. 96 kilometers. This lake, where seawater and freshwater mix, is protected as part of the Notsuke-Furen Prefectural Natural Park and supports a richly varied natural environment. Around the lake are coastal sand dunes, grasslands, wetlands, and forests, where you can see a wide variety of plants such as rugosa roses, Ezosukashiyuri lilies, and Sendaihagi.

• Kushiro and Nemuro
• Nature Spots

This time I visited Lake Furen, a place with relatively few tourists. Without bustling crowds, it was easier to quietly appreciate the beauty of Hokkaido's untouched nature.
Lake Furen is known as a wintering ground for whooper swans, and if you're lucky, you may see flocks of them resting by the lake. The vast lake, wetlands, and surrounding natural scenery create a very peaceful atmosphere. There are none of the crowds found at popular attractions, giving it a more relaxed and unspoiled feel. If you enjoy natural scenery, this place is definitely worth saving.