Cape Nord, Japan

Cape Nord

HokkaidoJapan

Why You'll Love Cape Nord

Cape Nord is located on the northernmost tip of Japan's main island, Hokkaido. It is a rugged and mountainous region that offers stunning panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. Cape Nord is known for its harsh weather conditions, which make it a popular spot for surfing and winter sports. The area is also home to several hot springs, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak while gazing out over the ocean. During the summer months, fishermen can be seen hauling in fresh seafood from the waters surrounding the cape.

Getting to Cape Nord

From Wakkanai airport, take a taxi or rental car to Cape Nord. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus from Wakkanai station.

The closest city to Cape Nord is Wakkanai, in Hokkaido.

Travelling from Wakkanai Airport to Cape Nord

When to Visit

The best time to visit Cape Nord is in the winter months, from December to February, for skiing and snowboarding. Summer (June to August) offers better weather conditions for outdoor activities, such as surfing, fishing, and hiking.

Weather and Climate

Cape Nord experiences extreme weather conditions throughout the year. In the winter, temperatures can drop to -15°C and heavy snowfall is common. Summer temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C, with frequent rain and fog. Spring and autumn offer more mild temperatures, but also rain and wind.

Costs When Visiting

In Japan, the currency is the Japanese yen.
Some sample costs when travelling around Cape Nord are:

Sample Accommodation Costs

Accommodation options range from budget hostels to luxury resorts. A hostel bed costs around $20 per night, while a mid-range hotel room averages $100 per night. High-end resorts can cost upwards of $500 per night.

Sample Food Costs

Food costs in Cape Nord are relatively high, due to its remote location. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $20 per person, while groceries from a local supermarket are similarly expensive. However, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood from the local markets at reasonable prices.

Safety Rating

Cape Nord is considered a safe destination for travelers, with low rates of crime. Women can generally travel alone without issue, and the area is welcoming to LGBTQ visitors. Racism and discrimination can occur, but are not common.

Local Population

Cape Nord is a sparsely populated region with a total population of approximately 30,000 people. The majority of residents are ethnic Japanese, with a small number of Ainu people, the indigenous group of Hokkaido. Japanese is the primary language spoken, but many people in the tourism industry speak English.

Things to Do

Popular activities at Cape Nord include surfing, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy hot springs and local cuisine, such as seafood and ramen noodles.