Notsuke Peninsula & Odaito

Notsuke Peninsula & Odaito

The Notsuke Peninsula is Japan's largest sand spit with a total length of 28 km, and it was formed by earth and sand carried by the current and piled onto the sea floor. It is described by the Ainu as resembling a chin, and it juts out from the Nemuro Peninsula in the shape of a shrimp's arched back. You can see great fields of wildflowers here, as well as seals taking a snooze in the summer. Erosion by the sea water has created forests of withered oaks and ash trees called Narawara, as well as those of fir trees called Todowara, making for a unique sight. Odaito is a bay that is wrapped in the arm of the Notsuke Peninsula. Traditional fishing boats with triangular sails and utasebane trawlers can be seen fishing for Hokkai shrimp in early summer. Visitors can also enjoy collecting shells or taking a sightseeing cruise between Odaito and the Notsuke Peninsula.