Nemuro Travel Guide

Discover the culturally and naturally rich Nemuro in Hokkaido, Japan, and explore the must-see places, activities, food, accommodations, and local culture and customs.


Introduction to Nemuro

Nemuro is a beautiful city located in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. It is situated at the easternmost point of Hokkaido Peninsula, which faces the Pacific Ocean, and it offers a stunning sea view. With its rich heritage, beautiful nature, and wide variety of outdoor activities, Nemuro has become a popular tourist destination for both locals and foreigners.

List of Places to Visit in Nemuro

There are many places to visit in Nemuro, from historical and cultural sights to natural treasures.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Nemuro City Museum: This museum is a great place to learn about the history of Nemuro and its surrounding areas. It exhibits many cultural relics and archaeological specimens from as far back as the ancient Jomon period.
  • Nemuro Historical Museum: Situated near the Nemuro Port, this museum showcases the history of Nemuro’s fishing industry and its cultural heritage.
  • Chashi: One of Nemuro’s best-preserved historical sites, this fortress dates back to the Edo period.

Natural Attractions of Nemuro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cape Nosappu: Eight kilometers east of the city center lies Cape Nosappu, the eastern end of Hokkaido. It is renowned for its beautiful lighthouse and the observation deck that provides a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Shunkunitai: Shunkunitai is a national nature reserve that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna species. Visitors can stroll along the footpath or take part in different activities, such as bird-watching.
  • Lake Furen: This beautiful lake is a natural treasure located in the eastern part of Nemuro. It is a popular fishing spot and offers stunning scenery throughout the year.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nemuro

  • Cape Nosappu Hike: Visitors can trek a scenic circular route that takes around 2-3 hours during summer and 3-4 hours during winter. It affords beautiful views of the coastline and the lighthouse.
  • Shunkunitai Walking Trail: The trail runs through some of the thickest woodlands in Hokkaido, where visitors can spot different animals such as Hokkaido deer, foxes, black woodpeckers, and even brown bears in spring and fall.
  • Lake Furen Cycling Course: Visitors can enjoy a leisurely cycle around Lake Furen on the 12.5-kilometer trail that takes around 1-2 hours.

Best Things to Do in Nemuro: Activities and Tours

  • Whale Watching: Nemuro is one of the best places in Japan to go whale watching, especially during the summer months, when visitors can see humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins.
  • Sea Kayaking: Visitors can rent sea kayaks and paddle out for a unique view of Nemuro’s coastline and the Pacific Ocean’s beauty.
  • Fishing: Nemuro is renowned for its fishing industry and is an excellent place to try your luck at catching the delectable Pacific saury and salmon.

Week-Long Itinerary for Nemuro

Day Activity
1 Nemuro Port Fish Market and Nemuro City Museum
2 Cape Nosappu and the Shunkunitai Walking Trail
3 Akkeshi Bay and the Akkeshi-ko Oyster and Sea Urchin Festival
4 Lake Furen and the Kushiro Wetland
5 Whale Watching
6 Sea Kayaking or Fishing
7 Day Trip to Abashiri Prison Museum or Chitose River Salmon Aquarium

Food and Drink Scene of Nemuro

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kaisendon: A dish made of fresh seafood rice bowls, such as salmon, squid, crab, shrimp that is commonly found in Nemuro’s fish market.
  • Robatayaki: A local specialty of shrimp grilled on skewers and seasoned with salt.
  • Sea Urchin: Nemuro’s sea animals are a must-eat dish in the city’s specialty restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Hokkaido Beer: Hokkaido is famous for its variety of craft beers, which are available at nearly all the restaurants.
  • Nemuro sake: This local sake is brewed with pure natural water harvested from the surrounding mountains and used in many of Nemuro’s luxury restaurants.

Where to Stay in Nemuro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Nemuro Kaiyoutei: A five-star hotel featuring traditional and modern Japanese-style rooms, with free Wi-Fi access and a hot spring bath.
  • Nemuro Grand Hotel: The hotel offers Western-style rooms, four five-star restaurants that serve local seafood, and a hot spring bath.
  • Nemuro Hanayubestay: Guesthouse and a hostel with affordable rooms and facilities for backpackers, including Wi-Fi, shared kitchen, and a BBQ area.

What to Buy in Nemuro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can purchase some souvenirs or locally made products, such as:

  • Tuna flakes: Nemuro’s famous fish flakes can be used to make dashi broth for Japanese dishes.
  • Shio ramen: Packaged salt ramen, which is considered one of Nemuro’s soul foods, with a simple, yet savory taste.
  • Traditional Japanese sweets: Nemuro has many traditional Japanese confectioneries that are produced using organic ingredients, such as Okashino Hompo.

Local Culture and Customs of Nemuro

Nemuro is the stage for the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and their unique culture. Visitors can learn about the Ainu culture in Nemuro’s museums and cultural centers, see traditional crafts such as woodcarving, and enjoy Ainu folk dances and music performances.

Best Time to Visit Nemuro

The best time to visit Nemuro is from May to October, when the weather is mild and comfortable, and the natural scenery is at its best. The summer months of July and August are peak seasons, while the winter months of December to February are snow-covered, giving visitors a new experience of outdoor winter sports and the Aurora’s appearance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nemuro

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Bring warm clothes during the winter months.
  • Follow the local rules and regulations when participating in outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the public spaces.
  • Touch the animals or birds in the nature reserves.
  • Enter private property without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Nemuro

Nemuro is a safe place with low crime rates. However, visitors should take the usual precautions, such as locking their valuables and keeping an eye on them.

Health in Nemuro

Nemuro has many medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, and visitors can access emergency medical services. However, visitors should prepare a medical kit, including insect repellent and sunscreen, and follow proper food hygiene practices.

Getting to Nemuro: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Nemuro

The closest airport to Nemuro is Hachijojima Airport. Visitors can also fly to airports such as Haneda, Narita, or New Chitose, and take domestic flights or other transportation options.

Bus Stations Near Nemuro

Nemuro has a bus station located near the Nemuro Port, and visitors can use buses to travel to other Hokkaido cities and towns.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent cars or bicycles, use taxis, or take train services from nearby stations such as Kushiro Station or JR Nemuro Station.

How to Get Around in Nemuro

Visitors can use public transportation options such as buses or taxis to move around the city. There are also rental car services, and bike rentals are available to tour the city on a cycle.

Where to Go Next from Nemuro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can take day trips from Nemuro to nearby attractions such as:

  • Kushiro: Japan’s home to some stunning landscapes including the Kushiro Marshlands and the Akan National Park.
  • Sapporo: Japan’s fifth-largest city and the capital city of Hokkaido, offers a blend of history, culture, and modern attractions.
  • Obihiro: The gateway to the Tokachi region, known for its vast fields and meadows, and its delectable food trails.

Conclusion

Nemuro offers much for its visitors, with its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Explore the city’s cultural landmarks, museums bustling with art, history, and natural beauty, and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Indulge in the delicious seafood and satisfy your wanderlust with the fantastic itinerary options Nemuro offers.

Nemuro City (dark blue) and subprefecture (light blue), in Hokkaido Nemuro City (dark blue) and subprefecture (light blue), in Hokkaido House of Nostalgia and The North House of Nostalgia and The North Hanasaki Lighthouse Hanasaki Lighthouse Sunset at Shunkuni-tai Nature Park Sunset at Shunkuni-tai Nature Park Cape Ochiishi Lighthouse Cape Ochiishi Lighthouse