Cape Erimo, a remote headland in southeastern Hokkaido, offers a powerful contrast to Japan’s urban centers. Rugged cliffs, fierce winds, and views of the Pacific Ocean make it a destination for those seeking raw nature.
But unlike popular destinations such as Sapporo or Hakodate, Cape Erimo isn’t easy to reach—especially if you’re traveling from Obihiro, a landlocked city in Tokachi. Many travelers find the bus routes unclear, the connections confusing, and the planning overwhelming.
This guide will show you exactly how to get there, with bus schedules, driving options, and real-world tips—plus some reflections on why this difficult-to-reach place might just be worth the journey.
🧭 Quick Answer: Two Main Options
| Method | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Public Transport | 3–4 hours | ¥3,000–¥4,000 | Two buses with limited schedules |
| 🚗 Rental Car | ~2.5 hours | ¥3,000+ fuel | More flexible, recommended for sightseeing |
🚍 Option 1: Public Transport (Obihiro → Hiroo → Cape Erimo)
You’ll need to make a two-step journey:
Step 1: Obihiro → Hiroo (広尾)
- Bus Operator: Tokachi Bus (十勝バス)
- Departure: Obihiro Station Bus Terminal
- Time: ~2 hours
- Fare: ~¥2,000
- Frequency: ~5–6 buses/day
Step 2: Hiroo → Cape Erimo (襟裳岬)
- Bus Operator: JR Hokkaido Bus
- Time: ~1 hour
- Fare: ~¥1,200
- Frequency: Only 2–3 departures per day
- Example: 10:05 a.m., 5:05 p.m. from Hiroo
📝 Important Notes:
- Timetables change seasonally. Always confirm exact times online or at the terminal.
- If you miss the last bus, there’s no easy alternative—overnight in Hiroo may be required.
🚗 Option 2: Driving from Obihiro to Cape Erimo
Route:
- Take National Route 336, known as the “Golden Road.”
- Distance: ~130 km
- Duration: ~2.5 hours
- The road hugs the coast, passing tunnels, cliffs, and vast ocean views.
Why Drive?
- Public buses are limited and inconvenient.
- You can stop at scenic viewpoints like:
- Horoman River cliffs
- Seals viewing points
- Erimo Wind Museum (Kaze no Yakata)
💡 Rental Tips:
- Cars are available at Obihiro Station or Obihiro Airport.
- Drive cautiously—Cape Erimo is famous for strong winds (over 30 m/s on extreme days).
🏕 What to Do Once You Arrive
1. Erimo Cape Observatory
- Panoramic views of crashing waves and cliffs
- Excellent spot for photography
2. Kaze no Yakata (Wind Museum)
- Learn about the extreme climate
- Wind simulation room lets you “feel” gusts up to 25 m/s
3. Golden Road Coastal Drive
- Stretch between Hiroo and Erimo
- One of Hokkaido’s most scenic (and quiet) drives
🧳 Real Traveler Stories
🚌 1. The Committed Public Bus Explorer
- A Japanese travel blogger documented their bus journey from Obihiro to Cape Erimo.
- Took a morning Tokachi Bus to Hiroo, had lunch near the port, and waited two hours for the rare JR Hokkaido bus to Cape Erimo.
- Enjoyed “Golden Road” views from the bus window: cliffs, sea spray, occasional deer sightings.
- Visited Kaze no Yakata, experienced the 25 m/s wind chamber, and wrote, “This place feels like the very edge of Japan.”
🛣 2. The Coastal Road Tripper
- Another traveler drove from Obihiro in early spring.
- They stopped at scenic points, took long-exposure shots of the ocean, and stayed overnight in a local minshuku.
- Key quote: “I expected harshness. What I found was silence, wild wind, and peaceful old fishermen who said nothing but nodded.”
☀️ When Should You Go?
| Season | Conditions | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Cool, clear | Easy roads, few tourists | Some attractions still closed |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm, windy | Best driving, museums open | Strong sun, potential typhoons |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | Cool, golden light | Best for photography | Shorter days |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Cold, harsh winds | Epic wind experience | Driving can be dangerous |
🔍 Reflection: Why This Hard-to-Reach Cape Matters
Cape Erimo is not popular. It’s not easy. But it asks travelers a deeper question:
“Do you only travel to be entertained? Or also to feel something real?”
1. Slowness as a Filter
Getting to Erimo takes time. For many, that’s a dealbreaker. But for some, that’s the filter that makes it special.
You won’t find crowds, tour buses, or selfie sticks here. Just wind, sea, and cliffs.
2. The Power of Landscape
Erimo isn’t a place where much “happens.” The land is the experience.
Standing at the edge of Japan, your thoughts echo louder. The salt stings more.
You feel small, and that’s beautiful.
3. Meaning Beyond the Destination
As one traveler put it:
“I didn’t come to Erimo for sights. I came to remember what it feels like to stand still.”
🧾 Final Summary
| Category | Recommended Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Travel | 🚌 Bus + Bus | Check schedule, may require overnight stay |
| Flexible Explorers | 🚗 Rental Car | Ideal for photography and day trips |
| Solo Spiritual Travelers | Either, with time | Go slow, soak it in |
