Hamanaka

Hamanaka is located on the rugged eastern coast of Hokkaido, a place of wild, natural beauty. The town is famous for the Kiritappu Wetland and the cape of the same name, which juts dramatically into the Pacific Ocean. A low-key spot is Gakkara Beach (ガッカラ浜), a secluded coastal area with raw beauty, convenient for nature observation. Hamanaka is also known in Japan as the birthplace of Monkey Punch, the creator of the famous 'Lupin III' anime, and fans can find motifs of the series throughout the town. The local economy relies heavily on dairy farming; the milk from Hamanaka is of such high quality that it is used for premium ice cream nationwide. Additionally, the coast gives rich harvests of sea urchins (Uni) and Kombu seaweed. The rugged Pacific coastline and foggy summers give Hamanaka a mystical atmosphere that attracts adventurers and nature lovers alike. Access is possible via the JR Nemuro Line or by car from Kushiro.

Nearby cities

Muroran

A major industrial city in Hokkaido, famous for its spectacular coastline, dramatic cliffs, and factory night views.

Ishikari

A charming port city in Hokkaido, known for its wide sandy beaches and the mouth of the Ishikari River.

Yoichi

A coastal town in Hokkaido famous for Nikka Whisky, fruit orchards, and beautiful sandy beaches.

Tobetsu

A charming town near Sapporo, known for its Swedish partnership and access to the picturesque Atsuta coast.

Iwanai

A historic port town at the foot of Mt.

Toyako

A spectacular resort town by Lake Toya, featuring active volcanoes and hot springs in Hokkaido.

Yubetsu

A charming town on the Okhotsk coast of Hokkaido, famous for its vibrant tulip park and proximity to Lake Saroma.

Haboro

A charming port town in Hokkaido, famous for its sweet shrimp and stunning sunsets.

Samani

A coastal town in southern Hokkaido, home to the Mt.

Fukushima

A historic town in Hokkaido, famous as the birthplace of legendary sumo wrestlers and for its location near the Seikan Tunnel.

Tomamae

The town of windmills and the sea, famous for its wind farms and Yugaoka White Beach.

Obira

A quiet coastal town in Hokkaido, known for its herring fishing history and picturesque views of the Sea of Japan.

Enbetsu

A charming coastal town in Hokkaido, famous for being the northernmost rice-producing region in Japan.

Okushiri

An island town off the coast of Hokkaido, famous for its crystal-clear 'Okushiri Blue' waters and excellent sea urchins.

Shimamaki

A remote natural paradise on Hokkaido, known for its pristine coastline, waterfalls, and world-class fishing spots along the Sea of Japan.

Nature

Ishikari River

The third longest river in Japan and the longest in Hokkaidō.

More places

Kushiro Wetlands

Japan's largest wetland, an important habitat for many species of plants and animals.

Shiretoko National Park

One of Japan's most remote and unspoiled parks.

Akan-Mashū National Park

A national park in Hokkaidō featuring volcanoes, forests, and three spectacular lakes: Akan, Mashū, and Kussharo.

Mount Asahi

The tallest mountain in Hokkaidō, part of the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group.

Daisetsuzan National Park

The largest national park in Japan, located in Hokkaidō.

Daisetsuzan Volcanic Plateau

An extensive volcanic plateau in Hokkaido, often called the 'Roof of Hokkaido'.

Hidaka Mountains

A mountain range in south-central Hokkaido known for its steep, rugged peaks shaped by glaciers.

Hokkaido Dairy Farms

Hokkaido is the heartland of Japan's dairy industry, producing over half of the country's total milk.