Notoro Misaki Lighthouse, Coastal lighthouse at Cape Notoro, Abashiri, Japan
Notoro Misaki Lighthouse is a white structure standing 21 meters (69 feet) tall atop a 60-meter (197 feet) cliff on Hokkaido's northern coast. The site offers views over Lake Notoro, the Okhotsk Sea, and the distant Shiretoko Mountains.
The structure was built on this northern coast to serve as a navigation aid for ships passing through the Okhotsk Sea. This maritime function established it as an important landmark in the region's shipping history.
The lighthouse gained wider recognition after appearing in the 2008 Chinese film 'If You Are the One', which brought visitors from across Asia to this remote location. This connection to cinema has made the site a destination for travelers interested in film locations.
The site sits about 20 minutes by car from central Abashiri, with local taxis charging around 3,500 yen each way. Clear days offer the best visibility for viewing the distant mountains and sea horizons.
The grasslands surrounding the lighthouse allow grazing animals to roam freely against the backdrop of mountains and sea. This pastoral setting creates an unexpected rural quality for a maritime navigation point.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
