Cape Erimo

Cape Wind-swept Japanese cape known for seals

Hokkaido’s Cape Erimo juts into the Pacific with a windswept lighthouse and seals along rocky shores; visitors come for coastal trails, seabird watching and a small cape museum.

Main image
01アザラシ朝寝P9172382.jpg
01襟裳で牛を衛る自衛隊IMG 6616.jpg
2013-09-08 Cape Erimo.jpg
Cape Erimo (1992-10 by sodai-gomi).jpg
Cape Erimo from ISS 2009 1.jpg
Cape Erimo from ISS 2009 2.jpg
Cape Erimo.jpg
Erimo cape - 襟裳岬 - panoramio.jpg
Erimo misaki 02.JPG
Erimo misaki 03.JPG

Cape Erimo is a rocky headland on Hokkaido’s Pacific coast, located at the southern end of the Hidaka Peninsula near the town of Erimo. It is a prominent local landmark known in Japan for its strong winds and exposed coastal scenery.

There are coastal observation points and short walking paths that provide views of the open Pacific and offshore waves. The cape’s wind-swept character makes it a regional destination for scenic photography and coastal observation rather than long beach recreation.

The promontory has long served as a coastal navigation reference for vessels along Hokkaido’s southeastern shore. Over time the area developed small facilities for visitors and fishery support in the nearby town.

Geographically it sits on Hokkaido’s southeastern seaboard, facing the Pacific Ocean and lying within Erimo Town in Hokkaido Prefecture. The surrounding area is rural with a narrow coastal plain backed by hills.

  • Location: Southeastern tip of the Hidaka Peninsula on Hokkaido's Pacific coast, adjacent to the small town of Erimo.
  • Winds: Frequently noted for persistent, strong onshore winds and a wind-swept landscape that shapes local vegetation and coastal views.
Cape Erimo
Cape Erimo, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan - southern tip of the Hidaka Mountains coastline
41.9255, 143.2483

How to Get to Cape Erimo #

Cape Erimo is reached by car or by local buses from Hiroo or Samani on Hokkaido’s east coast. Seasonal ferry or bus services may vary; consult local schedules in advance.

Tips for Visiting Cape Erimo #

  • Bring windproof clothing - Cape Erimo is famed for strong winds and dramatic sea spray.
  • Visit the cape's windmill park and the Erimo Wind Museum for context on local weather and fishing history.
  • Check ferry or bus schedules in advance; Hokkaido's east coast can be remote in winter.

Best Time to Visit Cape Erimo #

Cape Erimo is atmospheric year-round, but summer offers easier access and milder conditions; winter shows the cape at its most elemental.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
Jun-Aug · 15°C to 25°C
Mild weather and long daylight; sea conditions are gentler and roads are open.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Dec-Feb · -5°C to 5°C
Wild storms and harsh cold; dramatic but challenging for visitors.

Weather & Climate near Cape Erimo #

Climate

Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1026 mm/year), wettest in September.

Best Time to Visit
AugustOctoberJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
-11°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-9° -1°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.4h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-8°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.5h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
13.2h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
14.4h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
15°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
15.0h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
13° 18°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
14.7h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
16° 21°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
13.7h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (159 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 20°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

159 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.7h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.1h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Cape Erimo