Following the previous post about Shimamui Beach, we joined HUISA (Hokkaido University International Student Association) summer trip to Shimamui beach, Cape Kamui (kamui misaki), and Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery. It wasn't my first time being there actually. However, I didn't mind going again coz I went with different people, and the Hokkaido's summer scenery is so precious. :)
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| Cape Kamui or Kamui misaki |
Shakotan Peninsula is located in Shiribeshi area on the west coast of Hokkaido island, Japan. This place is not directly accessible by train, though. You may reach this place by car or bus. Cape Kamui is a great summer destination for tourists due to the beautiful mix of endless blue sea and the cape, fully covered in green, heading towards it.
When you reach the parking lot, you will see a building contains of souvenir shop and food stall, and also a small hut selling Hokkaido soft cream, including the special-edition soft cream from this area: the Shakotan Blue. There are some tables and benches provided, so you may have your lunch there. You can bring your own bento (lunch box) and eat it there, as well. There are a lot of places in Japan that allow you to do this. :)
After recharging our energy, we continued the journey to Cape Kamui. From the parking lot, a maze of trails leads the sightseers to a number of viewpoints overlooking the Sea of Japan. Please keep in mind, especially for seniors or people who rarely walk, that you will need to walk quite a lot in this place. However, although the track is longer, but it was less tiring than climbing the stairs from Shimamui Beach. =P
It was quite a long walk to reach the end. I didn't manage to reach the end the first time I went there because I was busy enjoying the scenery (there were some benches and viewpoints on the way) and taking pictures with friends. Suddenly it was time to leave, haha. This time, I was so determined to walk until the end, but ... we couldn't do it because the path was blocked due to some maintenance work... o.O So unlucky! =(
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| Javier and Zoey enjoying the Shakotan Blue soft creams |
A must thing to do! Having the special edition Hokkaido soft cream of this place: Shakotan Blue! ^^ Compared to other special-edition Hokkaido soft creams, e.g. Furano's lavender soft cream and Yubari melon soft cream, this "Shakotan Blue" has no special flavor, actually. It tasted like vanilla, but the bright blue color made it special. :)
After visiting Cape Kamui, we passed by Nikka Whisky Distillery in Yoichi on the way back to Sapporo. Here we joined the factory guided tour and whisky tasting. The whisky tasting place is a big hall located at the second floor of the main building. Yes, the place is full of whisky smell! ^_^ If you are not into alcoholic drinks, they provide water for free, or you may also buy drinks or soft cream at their dessert corner.
The factory tour was held following specific schedule every day. It was guided by a trained staff from the factory. Her uniform, her hat especially, was so cute! ^^ She brought us around the distillery complex and explained a lot of things including the history, the whisky making process, etc.
Shimamui Beach is another destination with amazing scenery that people usually visit together with these spots. Check my post about it HERE. :)
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