Spectacular Spots Where the Earth Looks Round

Hokkaido is home to countless spectacular spots.

Vast lands, roads that continue forever, beautiful lakes, and majestic mountains.

Among them, the place I would like to introduce this time is "Cape Chikyu" located in Muroran City, Hokkaido.

Doesn't just hearing the name make you a little excited?

The name "Cape Chikyu" (Earth Cape) sparks your imagination about what kind of place it might be.

When you actually visit, an overwhelming view that lives up to its name awaits you.

The blue ocean spreading out before your eyes.

A grand panorama where the horizon stretches endlessly, and on a clear day, you can feel that "the Earth is round."

It is a place I definitely want people who want to feel the scale of nature on their Hokkaido trip to visit.

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What is Cape Chikyu?

Cape Chikyu is a cape located at the southern tip of the Etomo Peninsula in Muroran City, Hokkaido.

Its official name is "Chikiu Misaki."

It is said to be derived from the Ainu word "poro-chikep" (a cliff that is a parent).

Although it has the name "Earth" (Chikyu), it is actually a name based on the Ainu language.

The feature of the cape is its sheer cliff, which is about 100 meters high.

From the spot jutting out toward the sea, you can overlook the Pacific Ocean.

When you stand on the observation deck, the ocean fills your entire field of vision.

You can feel the majestic nature typical of Hokkaido that you can never see in the city.

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Why does it look like "the Earth is round"?

The greatest appeal of Cape Chikyu is the view of the horizon.

When you look out from the observation deck, it feels as if the boundary line between the sea and the sky is gently curving.

Of course, you cannot clearly confirm the roundness of the Earth with the naked eye.

However, when you look out at the vast ocean with almost nothing to obstruct your view,

you get the feeling that

"I am truly standing on the Earth."

The size of the Earth is something we often forget when living surrounded by buildings and cityscapes.

Here, you can feel that scale with your whole body.

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The spectacular view from the Cape Chikyu Observation Deck

When you arrive at the observation deck, the first thing that catches your eye is the white lighthouse.

The "Chikiu Misaki Lighthouse" is the symbol of Cape Chikyu.

The blue sea.

The white lighthouse.

The expansive sky.

This combination is extremely beautiful and is also popular as a photo spot.

Especially on clear days, the blue of the sea becomes more vivid, creating a scene like a painting.

In the distance, you can also see the Oshima Peninsula and the Cape Esan area, and it is said that you can see up to about 100km away under good conditions.

It is a place where you can feel the "beauty of nothingness" unique to Hokkaido.

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Expressions that change in the morning, day, and evening

Cape Chikyu has different charms depending on the time of day you visit.

Cape Chikyu in the morning

In the morning, the air is clear and the scenery often looks beautiful.

The sea illuminated by the morning sun is magical.

It is wonderful to look at the scenery while listening to the sound of the waves in the quiet time.

Cape Chikyu during the day

During the day, the contrast between the blue sea and the blue sky is the attraction.

If it is your first time visiting, a sunny day during the day is recommended.

It is the time of day when you can feel the vastness of Hokkaido the most.

Cape Chikyu in the evening

As evening approaches, the color of the sky changes.

The view of the sky and sea dyed in orange is a beauty completely different from the daytime.

It is also recommended as a place to visit at the end of your trip.

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Ring the "Bell of Happiness" for a travel memory

There is a "Bell of Happiness" at the Cape Chikyu Observation Deck.

When you visit with your lover, family, or friends, please try ringing it.

The time spent ringing the bell while looking at the spectacular view becomes a special memory that is more than just looking at the scenery.

Travel is not just about photos; the time spent in that place also becomes a precious memory.

Cape Chikyu is the perfect place for creating such memories.

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Enjoy it along with Muroran sightseeing

In addition to Cape Chikyu, there are attractive sightseeing spots in Muroran.

Hakucho Bridge

A huge bridge that represents Muroran.

It is a suspension bridge with a total length of about 1,380m, boasting one of the largest scales in Hokkaido.

At night, it is lit up and becomes a beautiful night view spot.

The powerful appearance seen during the day and the magical atmosphere at night.

You can enjoy both.

Muroran Eight Views

There are spectacular points in Muroran called the "Muroran Eight Views."

Cape Chikyu is one of them.

You can see unique scenery where nature and industry are fused, such as coastlines, cliffs, and factory night views.

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Reasons why it is worth visiting in person

When choosing a travel destination,

there are places where you might think,

"Is it enough to just see it in photos?"

However, Cape Chikyu is a place where its charm is conveyed by actually standing there.

The strength of the wind.

The scent of the tide.

The sea spreading out before your eyes.

By feeling all of that, there is an emotion that cannot be conveyed in photos.

I think this scenery will move the hearts of people who usually live in the city even more.

Small worries feel a little lighter in front of magnificent nature.

Such power exists in the spectacular views of Hokkaido.

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If you want to include Cape Chikyu in your Hokkaido trip

The recommended route is,

New Chitose Airport
↓
Noboribetsu Onsen
↓
Muroran/Cape Chikyu
↓
Lake Toya

in that order.

If you have a car, it is easy to get around, and you can fully enjoy the scenery typical of Hokkaido.

A plan to enjoy the hot springs at Noboribetsu Onsen and head to Cape Chikyu the next day is also recommended.

Hokkaido travel involves long distances, but the charm is that you can even enjoy the travel time itself.

The vast scenery seen from the car window also becomes a memory of the trip.

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Points to know before going to Cape Chikyu

① Weather is important

The charm of Cape Chikyu is, after all, best displayed on a day with blue skies.

It is powerful even on cloudy days, but a clear day is exceptional.

It is recommended to check the weather forecast before your trip.

(2) It is often windy

Due to the nature of the location being a cape, there are days when the wind is strong.

It is a good idea to bring something to wear over your clothes, even in summer.

(3) It is convenient to go by car

If you are touring the sightseeing spots around Muroran, a rental car is recommended.

Since tourist spots in Hokkaido are far apart, having a car that allows you to move freely will help you enjoy your trip efficiently.

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Summary

A place in Hokkaido where you can feel the "Earth"

Cape Earth (Chikyu Misaki) in Muroran City, Hokkaido.

There, you will find magnificent nature that cannot be seen in the city.

The sea stretching to the horizon.

The blue sky.

A grand panorama viewed from the cliffs.

As the name suggests, it is a place where you can feel the "Earth."

There are many famous tourist spots in Hokkaido.

However, it is often the spectacular views found a little further off the beaten path that remain in your travel memories.

If you are traveling in Hokkaido and think,

"I want to feel nature,"

"I want to be moved in person, not just by photos,"

"I want to experience something extraordinary,"

then please visit Cape Earth.

You will surely be overwhelmed by the scenery spreading out before your eyes.

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3 recommended hotels to stay at around Cape Earth

(1) Noboribetsu Onsen Dai-ichi Takimotokan

If you are combining your trip with sightseeing at Cape Earth, Noboribetsu Onsen, a representative hot spring resort in Hokkaido, is recommended.

A long-established inn where you can enjoy abundant hot water and a variety of spring qualities.

The time spent healing your body, tired from sightseeing, in the hot springs will increase the satisfaction of your Hokkaido trip.

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(2) Hotel Route-Inn Higashi Muroran Ekimae

A convenient hotel to use as a base for sightseeing in Muroran.

It is easy to use before or after sightseeing at Cape Earth or the Hakucho Bridge, and is recommended for those who want to stay at a reasonable price.

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(3) Toyako Manseikaku Hotel Lakeside Terrace

Recommended if your travel plan takes you from Cape Earth toward Lake Toya.

A popular hotel where you can enjoy hot springs while looking out over the lake.

It is perfect for concluding a trip where you fully enjoyed the nature of Hokkaido.

Since tourist spots in Hokkaido are far apart, having a rental car or car sharing makes moving around much more comfortable.
If you only want to use a car for a short time, Rakuten Car Share is also convenient.