A super niche end of the world~ Notsuke Peninsula in Hokkaido
If it wasn't for a tourist bus trip from Shiretoko in Hokkaido to Lake Akan, Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center wouldn't have been in the original Hokkaido itinerary at all. It's said that even many Japanese people don't know about this place. An unexpected surprise, which is the most memorable part of the journey.
❤Must Experience
Notsuke Peninsula is located in Betsukai Town in Eastern Hokkaido, a peninsula connected to the Sea of Okhotsk, with a total length of 26 kilometers, and is the largest sandbar peninsula in Japan. Not far southeast from Notsuke Peninsula is Cape Nemuro, the easternmost point of mainland Japan. The forests of Notsuke Peninsula have withered due to the long-term soaking of seawater, and the withered fir forests have formed the wonderful sight of 'Todowara'.
1⃣️From January to mid-March, the inner bay of Notsuke Peninsula freezes, forming an endless ice surface horizon, hence the name 'Ice Horizon'. Crossing the Ice Horizon is a winter experience travel project of walking on the sea, and it is the most worthwhile experience on Notsuke Peninsula,
2⃣️The 40-minute ice surface journey is based on the number of tourists, with two motorcycle landscape cars driving directly to the frozen sea surface. Then tourists can stroll in the endless end of the world, and with some luck, they may see various wild animals, such as little foxes and so on.
All the guides and service staff for the activities are exclusively elderly grandfathers and grandmothers.
3⃣️You must try the signature Betsukai giant scallop burger and the super-rich Hokkaido milk.
💰Average cost:
1⃣️The ice surface experience activity has two price points per person, 2000 yen (for the snowmobile) or 2300 yen (about an hour's walk on the ice surface, including photography service), and the activity locations are different. The snowmobile option is highly recommended.
2⃣️The visitor center offers simple meals, with the signature being the Betsukai giant scallop burger, sold for 980 yen individually, or 1300 yen for a set meal. The delicious Hokkaido milk is only 100 yen, which is equivalent to 5 yuan per bag.