Blue Cave Hokkaido Summary Otaru, Shakotan, Hakodate Recommended Tours [2024 Edition]
Blue Grotto Speaking of which, the island of Capri in Italy is famous, but it is a popular tourist destination in Japan. Okinawa or Hokkaido Also, Blue Grotto Did you know there is a place called
In this article, Hokkaido Otaru and Shakotan , Hakodate It is in Location and access to the Blue Cave And so on. another, Age, clothes and belongings that can participate in tours and leisure I will also tell you about it, so please refer to it.
You can enjoy the beautiful nature of the blue cave Tours such as snorkeling, diving and clear kayaking We will also introduce the shops that hold. Guided tour If, Enjoy the Blue Cave casually So I recommend it.
table of contents
- 1 Hokkaido (Otaru, Shakotan, Hakodate) - Blue Cave | Location and Map
- 2 Blue caves nationwide｜Characteristics and attractions
- 3 Hokkaido (Otaru / Shakotan / Hakodate) Blue Cave | Features and charms
- 4 Otaru Blue Grotto | Features and charms
- 5 Shakotan / Blue Cave | Features and charms
- 6 Hakodate / Blue Cave | Features and charms
- 7 If you want to enjoy Hokkaido's Blue Cave empty-handed, we recommend a tour!
- 8 Editorial department recommended feature articles
- 9 Hokkaido (Otaru / Shakotan / Hakodate) Blue Cave Frequently Asked Questions
Hokkaido (Otaru, Shakotan, Hakodate) - Blue Cave | Location and Map
Blue Grotto In Hokkaido, there are three locations: Otaru, Shakotan, and Hakodate. Please refer to the map below to check the locations.
Blue caves nationwide｜Characteristics and attractions
Blue Grotto Is mainly A cave-shaped rocky area in the sea .. When the sun shines from the entrance of the cave, 6 of the 7 colors of the light are absorbed in the sea and only the blue color remains. The sea surface glows blue .. As I mentioned earlier, Blue cave all over Japan there is.
Go by small boat Iwate ・ Jodogahama The Blue Grotto and Diving Sites Shizuoka ・ Nishiizu of Dougashima Cave , Hyogo ・ Kinosaki Onsen Close to Genbudo in Sanin Kaigan Geopark Such. There are blue caves of different sizes and personalities in Japan.
Among them, the Blue Grotto is most commonly seen in Hokkaido When Okinawa is. With coral reefs Okinawa Main Island Blue Cave Then, the white calcareous seabed made of coral fragments acts like a reflector, and the blue color of the water surface is reflected in the cave. A fantastic view of the entire cave shining blue form the
Hokkaido (Otaru / Shakotan / Hakodate) Blue Cave | Features and charms
On the other hand, the blue cave in Hokkaido Central Hokkaido of Shakotan Peninsula Area called, Southern Hokkaido of Hakodate area are scattered in
facing the Sea of Japan Shakotan's Blue Cave teeth, The contrast between the rough rocks and the refreshing blue sea surface is beautiful Reputation. Especially Hakodate area Then from the small entrance When you enter by a small boat, the world of blue spreads out, just like Italy. You can meet.
In Hokkaido, Boat tours around the Blue Cave and snorkeling tours in the cave These tours include: Dolphin or Whale , Steller sea lion You might even encounter some of the marine life that is unique to Hokkaido!
When is the time and season of the Blue Cave in Hokkaido?
Okinawa, Kanto, Kansai, etc. In areas other than Hokkaido, tours to the blue cave are held almost all year round It has been. But, You can go to the blue cave in Hokkaido from spring to autumn ..
In Hokkaido, where the latitude is high, The sea gets rough in winter Because there are times. The tour is April to early October For up to, When the climate is mild Limited to.
Especially in summer, which is a popular travel season in Hokkaido, many tourists visit the blue cave. For those who want to avoid the busy season Early spring, Golden Week, Silver Week You should visit Tours around noon tend to have a lot of participants, so if you want to participate in a vacant time, Aim in the morning and evening is.
Below, we will introduce the location of Hokkaido's Blue Cave, how to get there, and the activities you can experience there!
Otaru Blue Grotto | Features and charms
Otaru Speaking of Sapporo northwest of Tourist city .. Otaru Port has a history of prospering as a trading port. Along the Otaru Canal Old warehouse district Is a fashionable cityscape and attracts tourists. In the city, there are glass works, music boxes, sake breweries, and sweets made with famous sake. Women's favorite shop Also abundant.
Otaru's kitchen " Triangular market Fresh seafood bowl and " Sushi restaurant street From gourmet foods using seafood such as nigiri sushi, local gourmet bread rolls made by wrapping surimi in bread, cheesecake popular as souvenirs, etc. Gourmet We have all of them.
Easy to visit from the center of Otaru Otaru Blue Grotto is.
15 minutes on foot from JR Otaru Station / 3 minutes by car to Otaru Port *Tours to the Blue Cave are also available from Otaru Station.
25 minutes on foot from JR Shioya Station / 5 minutes by car to Shioya Port
Recommended activity 1 in Otaru's Blue Cave: Cruise boat tour
Otaru Blue Grotto is the city's main station 10 minutes walk from Otaru Station About. Otaru Port There is a tour boat dock in . several companies boat cruise and during the season 5 or more flights depart daily doing. Tour time teeth About 60-80 minutes is.
The tour will take you to the Blue Cave as you pass through various coastal terrain and photo spots. Shortly after leaving the port, you can see it built by Amimoto, who made a fortune in herring fishing. Nishingoten or Otaru Aquarium .. You can see about 20 to 30 sea lions sleeping Todoiwa , 15 million years old strata can be seen Rock climbing sanctuary, Mt. Akaiwa And so on. Blue cave is the final destination is.
Otaru / Ao no Cave has a wider entrance than other caves in Japan, so it's a tour Look around the cave while on a small boat can do. Unlike snorkeling, if you are on board, you can use your smartphone in the cave You can also take pictures I'm happy. The sea shining in emerald green You will surely forget the time.
Otaru Blue Cave Luxury Cruise Prolomarine *A slightly luxurious cruise on a cruiser! ￥6,000
- 4.5
- (1 review/experience)
We will be traveling on a relatively large cruiser with a cabin, so you can enjoy the scenery at your leisure. The boat is equipped with flush toilets and can operate even in rainy weather. Cruising on the second floor deck is special. *Depending on the wind and wave conditions, you may not be able to enter the cave.
- 4.6
- (14 reviews/testimonials)
For exploring the Otaru Blue Grotto, the approach from Shioya is definitely recommended! !! Sewing between rocks and attacking the bottom of a cliff, the fun of a boat! Enjoy the mysterious scenery and go through the blue cave ... not just. The blue cave exploration cruise of Salt Valley 408 is different in change and fun because it attacks from the Shioya side along the complicated quay.
- 4.8
- (105 reviews and experiences)
A tour aiming for [Blue Cave] while listening to stories about the unknown nature, history, and culture of Otaru! We will guide you to [inside the blue cave] while you are on the boat. All weather (type with cabin) No splashing waves There is also an open deck space where you can enjoy a comfortable cruise even on rainy days, and you can feel the sea breeze. Safe for small children
[Hokkaido, Otaru] The original! Otaru Blue Cave Cruise
- 4.8
- (52 reviews/testimonials)
The original! Otaru Blue Cave Cruise Tsuusen Co., Ltd. Leave the popular Otaru Blue Cave to us! Starting from the Otaru Canal, a fun guide will take you on a quick 80-minute tour of the Otaru Canal, Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park, and Blue Cave, stopping the boat at various points. You can take great commemorative photos on the open boat! Feeding the seagulls is also a popular experience. The dark areas deep inside the cave are greedily lit up.
[Hokkaido/Otaru City] From Shukutsu! Blue Cave☆Glass Boat Tour
- 4.9
- (6 reviews / experiences)
You can enjoy a cruise on the only glass boat where you can see the seabed on the [Blue Cave Tour] in Otaru, Hokkaido. Let us guide you! A 40-year veteran captain who has been sailing in the sea of Shukutsu will guide you around the Otaru Blue Cave with a comical and humorous guide ♪ There are plenty of secret spots where you can see the bottom of the sea. Surprise everyone
Recommended activity 2: Sea kayaking in Otaru Blue Grotto
Otaru Blue Grotto In addition to boat tours, Sea kayaking or Clear kayak There are also tours for the Sea Kayak Tour. The meeting point for the Sea Kayak Tour is the closest to the Blue Cave. Shioya beach or Shioya Port .. Wear river shoes and life jackets at the beach and ride a sea kayak to the blue cave.
Instructors and guides will guide you on a safe route, so you can feel safe on the way. in the kayak You can see the inside of the cave from a position close to the sea surface, and you can feel the formation of the cave more dynamically. .. Even small children can participate So it's a good idea to enjoy the feeling of adventure with parents and children.
The blue cave that you visit while admiring the beautiful coastline scenery will surely be a special memory.
Recommended activities in Otaru Blue Grotto 3: Snorkeling
Snorkeling tour Then, take a boat to the vicinity of the blue cave, wear wet suits, underwater glasses, snorkels, fins and jump into the sea. Underwater scenery Enjoy
Unlike boat tours and sea kayaking, in snorkeling You can also enjoy the underwater appearance of the blue cave The feature is. You will feel like you are floating in the sparkling blue water.
Otaru Blue Grotto is highly transparent, View the inside of the cave from the sea and enjoy interacting with the fish And the satisfaction is also high. Depending on the tour The guide may also take pictures of you under the sea. I have!
Shakotan / Blue Cave | Features and charms
Superb view spot ・ Shakotan Peninsula Is a place that originally prospered as a herring fishing ground. Birthplace of Soran Bushi Also known as, in modern times Diving and snorkeling spots Loved as
The sea with high transparency Shakotan Blue It is called and attracts divers. Shakotan Blue Cave Diving and snorkeling are also popular in the surrounding area.
The peninsula has few plains in Hokkaido, and steep mountain roads continue. Complex terrain can be seen along the coastline, especially in the terrain where mountains protrude into the sea. Cape Kamui Or, you can see the clear sea and the coastline of the cliff from the observatory. Golden Cape (Ougon Misaki) "Is Famous as a superb view spot is.
Also, go around the peninsula National highway No. 229 teeth, A driving spot that represents Hokkaido .. The magnificent landscape unique to Hokkaido, where mountains, the sea and the sky intersect, is a must-see.
Shakotan Blue Cave Activity tours at Only during the period from July to October 31 every year It is being held.
Recommended activities in Shakotan / Blue Cave 1: Diving / Snorkeling
Shakotan Blue Cave What I would like to experience is diving When snorkeling .. Shakotan Blue While swimming in the sea Enjoy the blue cave from the water surface and underwater I can do it. After participating in a diving and snorkeling tour, change into a wetsuit and fins at the store at the meeting place, enter the sea as it is, and swim to the cave.
The guide will take the lead on the tour, so Safe for beginners is. You may be given a brief lesson before swimming. Until you go to the cave Dynamic terrain And you can enjoy the beautiful sea of Shakotan Blue.
In the sea Tuna , Damselfish , Yellowtail , Horse mackerel Such, Fish unique to the Sea of Japan In some cases you can meet. Like the southern sea No sharks or toxic starfish So you can immerse yourself in the seascape with confidence.
In the blue cave, you can have a unique experience of watching the clear water color from the sea while swimming. The time spent in the blue cave 45 minutes About. Children can also participate Therefore, it is perfect for making memories of your family's summer vacation.
- 4.6
- (7 reviews / experiences)
★ ☆ ★ The only hot shower in Hokkaido! Of course, you can use shampoo and body soap for free. ★ ☆ ★ The sea in Hokkaido is the warmest in September! Shakotan Peninsula Blue Cave located next to Otaru, Hokkaido, where the natural and scenic coastline continues. About 70km from Sapporo. The fertile sea, which is described as "Shakotan Blue" because of the blueness of the water, and the rough coastal beauty are in a natural state.
The sea in Hokkaido is warmest in September! Let's go see the summer sky, shooting stars, and an underwater planetarium! Depart for a Yakochu tour with a light in hand! The sea of fertility, which is described as "Shakotan Blue" due to the color of the water, and the beauty of the rough coastline have been preserved in their natural state. It has become a treasure. ☆
Recommended activities in Shakotan and Blue Cave 2: Sea kayaking and clear kayaking
You can see the underwater scenery from the transparent bottom of the ship Clear kayak It is also a recommended activity to enjoy the beautiful Shakotan Blue. After applying for the tour, gather at the store and wear a life jacket. Take a kayak and continue to the Blue Cave.
Before departure, there is a brief paddling lecture from the guide, so Even beginners can fully enjoy .. In addition, the guide can also ride a kayak and teach you not only how to row but also the highlights of the surrounding scenery.
The age at which you can participate 4 years and over .. Because you can enjoy the view of the cave from the ship Those who are not good at swimming, families with small children Also suitable for.
Life jackets can be rented, but sea kayaking by paddling over the sea can get your clothes wet. On the day Clothes that can get wet It is a good idea to participate in.
In the summer Hats and sunglasses With it, you can avoid the strong sunlight. Shoes Those with heels Is safer. Some stores rent out.
- 4.9
- (9 reviews and testimonials)
★ ☆ ★ Hokkaido's only hot shower! Of course, you can use shampoo and body soap for free. ★ ☆ ★ Shakotan Peninsula Blue Cave is located next to Otaru, Hokkaido, where the natural and scenic coastline continues. About 70km from Sapporo. The fertile sea, which is described as "Shakotan Blue" because of the blueness of the water, and the rough coastal beauty are left in their natural state, and are now in Hokkaido.
[Hokkaido / Shakotan] Superb view! Blue sea sea kayaking tour
- 5.0
- (10 reviews / experiences)
It is a tour to enjoy the sea of "Shakotan Blue" created by high transparency with a sea kayak. It is a "naughty expedition" where you can see the mysterious scenery and the almost transparent blue sea surface up close. It is a tour that even beginners of sea kayaking, women and children can participate with confidence. There are also cliffs, seabird nests and the western part of the sea that can only be seen from the sea side.
Recommended Activity 3 in Shakotan/Blue Cave: SUP
SUP Stand Up Paddleboarding is a type of water sport that originated in Hawaii. As the name suggests, standing on a board and using a paddle to paddle across the water is the most popular way to enjoy it.
SUP is Uses a special board with high buoyancy and excellent stability to Easy to balance even for beginners , regardless of the field such as sea, river, lake Popular as a water activity where you can relax while interacting with nature are collecting.
Shakotan Blue Cave Then, Private cave tour that can only be entered with SUP is being carried out, and of course you can enjoy the dynamic cliffs and the beautiful Shakotan Yoichi Blue up close, Includes gifts of video and photo data during the experience So, you can look back on the memories of the experience.
[Shakotan, Hokkaido] Held in Shakotan/Yoichi! Blue Cave SUP Experience Tour/GOPRO11 Photo Present
- 4.9
- (10 reviews / experiences)
Enjoy Shakotan Yoichi Blue, which is comparable to the sea of Okinawa. A private cave tour with two blue caves and only SUP. You can experience the contrast of the sea that changes depending on the time of day. ~ Flow of the day ~ ① Local gathering / reception / preparation ② Schedule explanation / tour start ③ Experience start Shakotan Yoichi Blue Let's SUP ④ Stand up! blue
- 4.9
- (14 reviews/testimonials)
A spectacular view of the Yoichi blue that everyone should see at least once in their life. It takes about an hour by car from central Sapporo. About 30 minutes from Otaru. A panorama of cliffs and sparkling blue sea. Cruising to the cave is truly an adventure♪ The view from a SUP is on a magnificent scale! You can enjoy something out of the ordinary, and it is sure to become a memory that you will cherish for the rest of your life! ★Recommended for first-timers! ★For people from elementary school students to those in their 60s
Hakodate / Blue Cave | Features and charms
Hakodate is the southern tip of Hokkaido, just across the Tsugaru Strait from Honshu. Aomori It is a bay city facing the The star-shaped castle is beautiful Goryokaku , And cookies and cakes are popular as souvenirs. Trappistine Monastery The Byzantine-style cathedral is also called the symbol of Hakodate. Hakodate Harristos Orthodox Church Famous for spots such as.
Hakodate / Blue Cave The cave called is from Hakodate Station 1 hour 30 minutes by car About Shiriuchi Town is in Along with Otaru and Shakotan, Hokkaido's three major blue caves Called, Shiriuchi Town / Yagoshi Beach It is a blue cave.
Yagoshi coast is a general term from the Kotaniishi fishing port in Shiriuchi town to the area around Tatami rock in the Iwabe district of Fukushima town. Around the coast, the coastline is lined with deep green cliffs. Unexplored region of southern Hokkaido The highly transparent sea is known as " Yagoshi Blue Is called.
Along the coastline Strange rocks and cliffs form a unique landscape, and sightseeing by cruise ship or small boat is popular is. The blue cave is a medium-sized cave that small boats can enter, and has been among fishermen for a long time. Between holes Called Sacred place Has been cherished as.
In Hakodate / Blue Cave Can only be reached by boat Therefore, although the locals know it, it was a place that they wouldn't normally see. There are no diving shops around the blue cave, so you can go to the cave Take a small boat tour It is normal to go.
Experience diving tour is mainly Held in summer It has been. In the harsh environment of the North Sea, beginners take a diving tour It is safe to enjoy swimming under the guidance of an instructor is. Diving license class Etc. are also held from time to time, so if you are interested, please join us.
In the sea of Hakodate, Okinawa You can catch a glimpse of the ecosystem of the sea that is different from that of Honshu. Scallop fry or Flock of squid , Horse mackerel , Striped beakfish It seems that you can meet such fish.
About 80 minutes by car from Hakodate Station
About 4 hours and 50 minutes by car from Sapporo Station (via Hokkaido Expressway, near Yagoshi Coast)
30 minutes by car from JR Kikonai Station to Shiriuchi Fish Port
Recommended activities in Hakodate / Blue Cave 1: Small boat tour / glass boat
The small boat that goes to the blue cave is in Shiriuchi Town Kotaniishi fishing port or Shiriuchi Fish Port And so on, from several fishing ports on the coastline. Ships are full during the July-September season Especially for those who want to visit with their family Book early Let's do it.
The ship Capacity 10 people By the way, ordinary small boats Glass-bottom boat with a transparent bottom And so on. On the tour, you'll head to the Blue Cave, admiring the views of the cliffs and listening to a guide's commentary on Hakodate's marine life.
While on board 121m high cliff, Cape Yagoshi Don't miss the sights on the coastline. May-June for Flock of dolphins Comes to the sea area. Sometimes Whales and killer whales May come. Sometimes on land Bears and herons Also the appearance of. If you are lucky, you may encounter these creatures, which will color your memories of your trip.
Hakodate / Blue Cave At high tide, the entrance is about 3.5m high and about 7m wide, but the inside of the cave is relatively spacious. With a depth of about 80m, a maximum width of about 45m, and a height of about 12m, the light that shines through the small entrance is beautifully reflected inside the cave.
In the blue cave A beautiful sight where the highly transparent water that can be seen to the bottom of the sea is dyed blue Is waiting. Depending on the tour, inside the cave LED light Some of them make the blue of the sea surface stand out by illuminating with.
In Hakodate / Blue Cave If you make a wish and drop a white stone into the water of the cave, your wish will come true. There is a legend. If you participate in the tour, the guide will hand you a white stone on board, so it is recommended to participate as a couple. Let's make a wish.
The transparency of the Hakodate / Blue Cave is high, and you can see small fish swimming in the cave from the surface of the sea. Glass boat Then More beautiful underwater conditions You can see it.
Some of the tours are those that see the blue cave and return to the harbor as it is, or that depart from the Yagoshi coast and go to the blue cave, which is a famous place along the coast. Chinai Onsen or Oyster hut There are also things that you can stop by.
Near Hakodate / Blue Cave Oysters and fresh seafood Fishing ground where you can catch. It seems good to fill your stomach with seafood after sightseeing in the cave.
- 5.0
- (6 reviews / experiences)
Departing from the Otariishi area of Shiriuchi Town, located in the western part of the Oshima Peninsula in Hokkaido, this 80-minute cruise tours the unexplored areas of southern Hokkaido, where unspoilt nature remains that can only be reached by boat. Once you go out to sea, it's another world. The beautiful and powerful scenery created by nature, such as strangely shaped rocks, waterfalls, and long cliffs, catches your eye. such
If you want to enjoy Hokkaido's Blue Cave empty-handed, we recommend a tour!
Even in spring and autumn, sea kayaking and boat tours depend on the time and the strength of the wind of the day. The sensible temperature may be lower than expected I have. You may be asked to lend winter clothes on the tour, but It is safe to prepare your own haori and hat is.
Hokkaido Blue Cave Then, Sea kayaking or Diving and snorkeling Various tours are available. Wetsuits, fins, paddles and other equipment can be prepared at the store, so it's nice to be able to participate empty-handed.
A wide range of target ages Many tours are suitable for small children Is also a point. You can visit the Blue Cave with your family and make memories.
Sign up for a tour that interests you and enjoy the mysterious seascape!
*The content of this article is current as of May 2024.
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Hokkaido (Otaru / Shakotan / Hakodate) Blue Cave Frequently Asked Questions
Q Where is the Blue Cave in Hokkaido?
A The Blue Grotto on Capri Island, Italy, is world-famous, but in fact there are places in Japan that are also called. Blue caves also exist in Otaru, Shakotan, and Hakodate in Hokkaido. The blue cave in Hokkaido is highly transparent, and the contrast between the rough rocks and the refreshing blue sea surface is characteristic. The nature around the cave is abundant, and you can enjoy the magnificent scenery that is typical of Hokkaido.
Q What are the recommended activities you can experience in the Blue Cave in Hokkaido?
A Various types of tours are available in the Blue Cave in Hokkaido. If you go around by boat, you can enjoy it without worrying about the coldness of the water, not to mention those who cannot swim. We also recommend glass-bottom boats and clear kayaks where you can see the sea from the transparent bottom. You can also try snorkeling and diving, so it may be a good idea to enjoy its beauty underwater.
Q Can the Blue Cave be visited all year round?
A Blue cave tours in warm regions of Japan such as Okinawa are held all year round, but the tourist season for Hokkaido and blue caves is generally from spring to autumn. Hokkaido in winter is not often practiced because it is cold and the sea is often rough. Some operating companies carry out tours in the fall and winter, but it is undeniable that there is a high possibility that they will be canceled due to the above reasons.
Q What is a blue cave?
A Blue cave is the name of a cave that exists all over the world. Most of them are composed of near-white limestone and are half submerged in the sea. When sunlight falls into the sea, most of the light is absorbed by the water, and the human eye recognizes only the remaining blue color. Furthermore, the white seabed of limestone reflects light and the surface of the sea inside the cave appears to glow blue, hence the name.