Shakotan Peninsula

The Shakotan Peninsula (積丹半島, Shakotan hantō) in Shiribeshi, on the west coast of Hokkaidō, Japan, is a mountainous peninsula which projects some 30 kilometres (19 mi) into the Sea of Japan. The Shakotan Peninsula forms part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park.^[1]

Shakotan Peninsula Shakotan-hantō
Peninsula
Cape Shakotan, Shakotan Peninsula
Location	Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan
Dimensions
• Length	30 m (98 ft)
Highest elevation	1,255 m (4,117 ft) (Mount Shakotan)

Location

Satellite image

Geography

The peninsula has a rugged terrain with few level areas. The coastline of the peninsula suffers from extensive marine erosion, which resulted in the numerous natural stone pillars which project from the sea.^[2] Mount Shakotan (1,255 metres (4,117 ft)) forms the highest peak on the peninsula. The peninsula has numerous scenic capes and inlets, notably Cape Shakotan and Cape Kamui.^[3]

Municipalities

The Shakotan Peninsula spans seven municipalities in Hokkaidō, all within Shiribeshi Subprefecture.

• Iwanai (East entrance)
• Kyōwa
• Tomari
• Kamoenai
• Shakotan
• Furubira
• Yoichi (West entrance)

Economy

The area was once a thriving center of Pacific herring fishing, which was conducted from the villages of Furubira, Iwanai, and Yoichi.^[1]

See also

• Cape Kamui (神威岬, Kamui Misaki); the Northwest point.