Nemuro, Hokkaido – Japan’s Easternmost Escape into Untouched Nature
Nemuro in Hokkaido is a quiet coastal city of about 31,000 residents and is known as the easternmost city in Japan. Located on a narrow peninsula that juts into the Pacific Ocean, Nemuro is where the country sees Japan’s first sunrise each day. This remote city may not be large or famous like Sapporo, but it offers something more valuable: raw, untouched nature and a sense of peaceful isolation that many travelers seek.
Coastal Beauty and Natural Wonders
Nemuro is surrounded by forests, wetlands, lakes, and rugged coastline that make it an ideal destination for eco-tourism and slow travel. One of its highlights is Cape Nosappu, the easternmost point of mainland Japan, offering dramatic ocean views and—on clear days—distant glimpses of the disputed Northern Territories. Sunrise here is a deeply spiritual experience for many visitors.
The region is also home to scenic spots like Lake Furen, Shunkunitai Marshland, and the Nemuro Strait, where migratory birds gather, and the changing seasons create spectacular displays of color and wildlife activity.
Paradise for Birdwatchers and Wildlife Enthusiasts
Nemuro is considered Japan’s birdwatching capital, with over 360 species of birds spotted in the area. From Steller’s sea eagles soaring over frozen coasts in winter to the elegant Japanese red-crowned cranes seen nearby in Kushiro, the diversity is stunning. Spring and autumn are especially popular for bird migration, attracting ornithologists from around the world.
You may also spot Ezo deer, red foxes, and seals in their natural habitats. Wildlife in Nemuro is not confined to zoos—it’s alive and all around you.
Fresh Seafood and Local Delicacies
Nemuro’s economy is built around fishing, and the local port consistently ranks among the top in Japan for seafood volume. Visitors can enjoy incredibly fresh uni (sea urchin), kani (crab), saba (mackerel), and sushi that rivals anything in Tokyo. The city is especially proud of its Sanma (Pacific saury), which is celebrated each year during the Nemuro Sanma Festival in autumn. Nothing beats the taste of charcoal-grilled Sanma enjoyed by the sea.
Local restaurants and market stalls also serve kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) featuring the catch of the day—simple, satisfying, and unforgettable.
A Remote Gem for Adventurous Travelers
Nemuro may be far from Japan’s major tourist circuits, but that’s exactly its charm. With fewer crowds, genuine hospitality, and dramatic seasonal contrasts, this city invites you to experience Japan in its purest form. Whether you’re exploring scenic drives along the Nemuro Peninsula, hiking in nature reserves, or photographing icy coastlines and migratory birds, Nemuro delivers something special.
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