Cape Noshappu, Coastal viewpoint in Wakkanai, Japan.
Cape Noshappu is a headland in the Noshappu district of Wakkanai that separates the Sea of Japan from Soya Bay. The Wakkanai Lighthouse stands on the cape, and on clear days without sea fog, Rishiri Island with Mount Rishiri and Rebun Island are visible. Southwest of the lighthouse, the Esan Tomari Fishing Port Park holds the Noshappu Cape Monument and a dolphin monument.
The cape separates the Sea of Japan from Soya Bay, opposite Cape Soya, the northernmost point of the Japanese mainland. The Wakkanai Lighthouse stands nearby, and on clear days without sea fog, Rishiri Island (Rishiri Fuji) and Rebun Island are visible. In 2007, about 140,000 tourists visited the cape.
The name derives from Ainu not-sam, "beside the jaw", i.e. beside the cape; the final m later shifted to p, giving Noshappu. The cape is also written in katakana as ノシャップ岬. The nearby 恵山泊漁港公園 holds a dolphin monument, based on an old tale of a dolphin passing through the Soya Strait.
Cape Noshappu lies 5 km north of JR Wakkanai Station; from the Soya Bus stop "Noshappu" it is a 5-minute walk north. The cape faces the Sea of Japan and separates it from Soya Bay, with Soya Misaki on the opposite side of the bay. On clear days without sea fog, Rishiri Island and Rebun Island are visible from the area around Wakkanai Lighthouse.
A dolphin monument stands at the cape, marking the marine mammals that swim through these waters regularly. Visitors sometimes spot these animals from shore, making the memorial a reminder of what might be seen during a visit.
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