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Cape Kamui: What You Can Visit During the Trail Closure

If you are heading to Cape Kamui to walk the narrow ridge all the way to the lighthouse, change that plan for now. The trail beyond the historic gate is closed for construction from October 5, 2026, until early April 2027.

Cape Kamui extending into the sea beneath green ridges

The photograph above was taken in 2019, before the current works. The ridge trail beyond Gate B is closed from October 5, 2026 until early April 2027; it is not a walk available during that closure.

The whole park is not closed. Paths on the parking-area side and the observation plaza remain available, with views of the cape and Kamui Rock. Think of this as a coastal viewpoint visit rather than the full headland walk.

Is it still worth the detour?

That depends on what brings you here. If the ridge walk is the reason for making a special trip from Otaru, saving Cape Kamui for after the trail reopens may be the better choice. You cannot reach the lighthouse or recreate the walk through the closed section.

If you are already driving along the coast, a stop at an open viewpoint can still fit the day. Keep it flexible enough to leave early if the weather turns. A construction barrier is not an alternative route: stay on the open side of the closure.

The historic gate on the Cape Kamui walking trail

Two gates, two different restrictions

Gate A controls access from the main road to the parking area. Gate B is the historic gate at the start of the trail towards the tip. The construction closure begins at Gate B; the road entrance still has its own opening hours.

For August through October, the town lists park hours of 8am–5:30pm, with last entry at 4:30pm. Last entry is earlier than closing time. It moves to 3:30pm in November and 2pm from December through March.

Rain, wind or snow can change access on the day. Check the town’s park notice before leaving, then follow the signs and staff instructions when you arrive. A sunny forecast does not tell you how exposed the cape will feel.

Taking the bus: choose the return journey first

Shakotan Town publishes a connection sheet for Otaru Station, Bikuni Terminal and Cape Kamui. Use it to choose a return departure that connects all the way back—not simply an outward bus that gets you there.

The linked sheet is the summer 2026 timetable. Check its operating dates against your trip; do not carry its departures over into winter. With the tip closed, there is no need to build your stop around the usual full ridge walk. Work backwards from the return bus and allow time to get back to the stop.

If local buses are new to you, read the Japanese local bus guide before the journey, so boarding and paying are not another task to solve at the cape.

A short stop still means exposed weather

Bring a layer that blocks the wind, secure loose hats, and watch your footing while taking pictures. Open car doors slowly with a firm grip; this is an exposed coastal stop, not a sheltered city car park.

In winter, the road to the parking area is cleared of snow, but the park paths can remain snow-covered. The town recommends suitable boots. Decide how far to walk from the conditions in front of you, rather than from photographs taken in another season.

Choose the reason for your visit before choosing the day: the lighthouse walk can wait for reopening; a view of the cape may still make a worthwhile stop on a coastal drive.

Information checked: October 7, 2026.

Official information
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