Highlights of Cape Nosshappu
Cape Nosyappu is a headland projecting northwest from Wakkanai’s urban area. “Nosyappu” is believed to derive from the Ainu language and describe the shape of the cape, which projects like a chin. Its pronunciation resembles that of Cape Nosappu in eastern Hokkaido, but they are different capes: Nosyappu is in Wakkanai, while Nosappu is in Nemuro.
Image: Mamusi Taka / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)Mount Rishiri on Rishiri Island lies straight ahead, while Rebun Island can be seen to the left. The area is known for sunsets over the Sea of Japan. Even on a perfectly clear day, clouds may hide only Mount Rishiri, so seeing it is one of the lucky moments of a journey.
Wakkanai Lighthouse and Wakkarium
Nearby stands Wakkanai Lighthouse, 42.7 meters high and striking with its red-and-white stripes. Also close by is “Wakkarium,” comprising the Nosappu Cold-Water Aquarium and the Wakkanai City Youth Science Museum, allowing you to combine the cape’s scenery with indoor sightseeing.
Basic Information about Cape Nosyappu
The information below was checked against official sources on September 21, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- You can check the cape’s highlights, address, parking, and travel time from central Wakkanai.
ノシャップ岬｜観光スポット｜【公式】きた・北海道/稚内・利尻・礼文の観光WEBサイト利尻・礼文の両島を望む絶景スポット。アイヌ語に由来する名を持つ岬は、特に夕日の美しさで知られます。稚内市の最西端、宗谷海峡へと突き出したノシャップ岬。「ノシャップ」とはアイヌ語で「岬が顎のように突き出たところ」あるいは「波が砕ける...www.north-hokkaido.com - 📍 Address
- Noshappu, Wakkanai, Hokkaido 2-chome 2-17
- 🅿️ Parking
- Free, 20 spaces
- 🕒 Hours
- The outdoor cape can be visited at any time. Hours for nearby facilities such as the aquarium and science museum are set separately.
- 🚫 Closures
- The outdoor cape has no regular closing days. In bad weather, do not force yourself to approach the coast.
- 💶 Admission
- Free
- ⏱️ Time required
- Allow about 20 to 30 minutes to visit the cape and monument, or about 45 to 60 minutes if you plan to wait for sunset and enjoy the scenery. If you visit Wakkarium, allow additional time for the facility separately.⚠️ Visit duration varies depending on the weather, sunset time, and crowd levels.
Getting to Cape Nosshappu
Route buses
From the front of JR Wakkanai Station, take the Soya Bus toward Nosshappu. The official website of nearby Wakkarium says that the bus ride from Wakkanai Station takes approximately 10 minutes. Check the timetable before your trip.
You can check the nearest bus stops and the Soya Bus timetable in the aquarium and science museum’s transportation information.
By car
Allow about 10 minutes from JR Wakkanai Station and about 40 minutes from Wakkanai Airport. Visitors may gather before sunset, so arrive with plenty of time to spare.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Wakkanai: A guide to sightseeing spots, food, transportation and sample itineraries”.
