Hokkaido’s Remote Coast | Japan’s Wild North

Hokkaido’s Remote Coast | Japan’s Wild North

The journey north is more than just distance. It’s a leap into the unknown—and for 
me, a step beyond my comfort zone. Welcome back to the video. My journey 
starts here in Maizuru City on the Kyoto coastline of the Sea of Japan. I’m 
here to take the ferry from Maizuru all the way up to Otaru in Hokkaidō. I’ll 
be boarding the Shin Nihonkai Ferry, but I’ve got a few hours to kill, so I’m going 
to wander through Maizuru and bring you along. Here at the Maizuru Red Brick Warehouses—after 
Japan’s surrender in World War II—over 600,000 soldiers and civilians came home from 
overseas. Once built for the Imperial Navy, these walls became the first sight of 
home for so many returning from war. After waiting in line for two hours, we finally began boarding. Soon I was 
driving onto the ferry and heading north. We’ve just left the port of Maizuru, bound for 
Otaru. It’s a twenty-two-hour journey. Back when I worked on yachts, I 
used to get seasick sometimes, but this ship is far more stable. Still, it’s 
late—about 12:30 at night—so I’m heading to bed. For six months, every two weeks, my 
life was hospitals, waiting rooms, and treatments. The same routine, again 
and again. Now, for the first time, I’m free of that cycle. Heading north 
feels far from home, far from the safety of the familiar. But maybe that’s the 
point: to step out of my comfort zone. Out at sea, twenty-two hours gives you plenty of 
time to explore. The ship has lounges, cabins, even an onsen on board—it 
feels like a floating city. The next day, I caught my first sight of Hokkaidō. 
The air was cooler already, a welcome change from those hot, sleepless nights in the van. 
By evening, after nearly a full day at sea, we pulled into port 
under a huge glowing moon. I camped nearby for the night, and in the morning I woke up in the beautiful 
port city of Otaru. From here, my plan was to travel down the Shakotan Coast 
and explore its rugged landscapes. My first hike in Hokkaidō was along a trail a 
friend recommended. Out here I needed to take extra caution—it’s brown bear country—so 
I carried bear spray and a bear bell. The payoff was worth it: blue water, wild 
cliffs, and my first sight of Candle Rock. Further along, I reached the Ebisu and Daikoku 
Rocks. Locals see them as sacred—Ebisu, the god of fishermen, and 
Daikoku, the god of wealth. And then there was Cape Kamui. The name 
comes from the language of the Ainu, Hokkaidō’s indigenous people, and 
means “god” or “divine spirit.” With cliffs plunging into endless blue, 
it’s easy to see why this place carries that name. Walking the narrow trail 
feels like stepping onto sacred ground. I ended the day at the Shimui 
Cliffs—one of the best viewpoints on the Shakotan Peninsula, and the 
perfect spot to watch the sunset. After a few days of rugged coastal hikes, it 
was time to move inland toward Shikotsu-Tōya National Park. I drove two hours 
across Hokkaidō and set up camp under Mount Usu. That night I saw 
one of the most insane sunsets of my life. It’s been about a week since arriving in Hokkaidō, 
and it hasn’t disappointed. The Shakotan coast was stunning, and I’m excited to keep exploring. 
I’m now in Tomakomai, catching up on editing and work. But tomorrow, I’ll be hiking Mount Tarumae, 
an active volcano I’ve been looking forward to. As always, please like and subscribe—it 
really helps me out. We’re close to my goal of 200 subscribers. I’ll 
catch you in the next video.

A solo travel cinematic through Japan’s wild north.

Exploring Hokkaidō’s Shakotan Peninsula — one of Japan’s most rugged and beautiful coastlines. This solo travel cinematic film captures dramatic cliffs, hidden trails, and breathtaking ocean views along Japan’s wild north.

Join me on a journey through Hokkaidō travel, combining solo adventure, coastal hikes, and cinematic storytelling. From vanlife moments to iconic viewpoints, this is Japan’s wild side — raw, remote, and unforgettable.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan or searching for inspiration on things to do in Hokkaidō, this film is for you.

0:00 Intro
0:40 Maizuru Port City
1:40 Shin Nihonkai Ferry
6:26 Otaru
7:45 Shiripa Cape Hike
9:26 Ebisu and Daikoku Rocks
10:45 Vanlife by the Sea
12:30 Cape kamui
13:40 Shimamui Coast
15:30 Insane sunset
15:45 Outro

Shot on the SONY A1, DJI Osmo Action 4, MAVIC 4 Pro
Music used from Music Bed

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