Okushiri

Okushiri is the sole town on Okushiri Island in the Sea of Japan, west of Hokkaido. The island is renowned for its memorable 'Okushiri Blue' waters, known for their exceptional transparency. Kochi-domari Swimming Beach (東風泊海水浴場) is a highlight for visitors, offering pristine waters and excellent facilities for a well-suited day by the sea. The coastline is dotted with unique rock formations, most notably the Nabetsuru-iwa, which resembles a pot handle. The island’s food scene is dominated by premium seafood, with sea urchins (uni) and abalone being the local specialties. These are celebrated in various island festivals throughout the year. Okushiri’s resilience is also a key part of its identity, having been beautifully rebuilt following the 1993 earthquake, an event commemorated in a local museum. Access to the island is provided by ferries from Esashi or Setana, and flights from Hakodate. A drive around the island’s perimeter reveals panoramic views of the azure sea and lush greenery. Okushiri is a true getaway for those looking to experience high-quality seafood and untouched island beauty.

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.

Shimamaki

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

Setana (Futoro)

A peaceful coastal area of Setana, particularly known for its family-friendly Futoro Beach.

Nature

Ishikari River

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

More places

Niseko Agriculture

The region around Niseko is not just known for its powder snow but also for its agriculture.

Goryōkaku Fort

A massive, star-shaped 19th-century citadel in Hakodate.

Shikotsu-Tōya Plateau

A volcanic plateau encompassing the caldera lakes Shikotsu and Tōya and several active volcanoes like Mount Usu and Shōwa-shinzan.

Noboribetsu Bear Park

A park located on a mountain dedicated to the Ussuri brown bear.

Shikotsu-Tōya National Park

A national park in Hokkaidō, named after the two lakes it surrounds, Lake Shikotsu and Lake Tōya.

Port of Tomakomai

The largest port in Hokkaido and a crucial logistics hub for northern Japan, handling paper, petroleum products, and agricultural goods.

Furano Flower Fields

Furano in Hokkaido is famous for its vast lavender fields that bloom in summer.

Hokkaido Dairy Farms

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