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Rugged sea cliff, Jomon archaeological sites, classic fishing villages, dramatic headlands and mountains, the area is designated as Esan Prefectural Natural Park that makes a worth-visiting another day trip from Hakodate. The highlight here is the active volcano E-san.
Sightseeing
E-san
恵山
Kako-gen Car Park: 4km north of Esan-tozanguchi bus stop (1hr walk)
E-san (618m) is a singular active volcano on the eastern edge of Hakodate, and has been a sacred place from the past. There are three trails up it. Among them, we recommend driving (6am-6pm mid Apr-late Nov) or walking to Kako-gen car park sits at 300m, from where it is a 2.9km, 1.5 hours hike to the top. Hiking to the top from Esan-tozanguchi bus stop on the coast takes about 2.5 hours.
Esan Fukushi Center ♨︎
恵山福祉センター
25min walk from Esan-tozanguchi bus stop
After a day of hike, E-san’s only public onsen offers a simple indoor bath.
Esan Kaihin Park
恵山海浜公園
1min walk from Natowa-Esan-mae bus stop
Something like Hokkaido’s Hawaii, this scenic seaside park along the Tsugaru Strait boasts gently curved sandy beach with a view of the Diamond Head-shaped volcano E-san. Strong currents prohibit swimming, but it is a good spot to surfing. Michi-no-eki Natowa-Esan (道の駅なとわ・えさん) inside the park has a shop and a seasonal restaurant. There is also a campsite (May-Sep)
Choshi Surf Beach
銚子サーフビーチ
1min walk from Choshi bus stop / 20min walk from Todohokke-shisho-mae bus stop
One of Southern Hokkaido’s best surf spots about 1.5km north of Todohokke, Choshi has a scenic stretch of sand and consistent waves. Being in the gulf, it is sheltered from the surf. There is an American-style cafe nearby.
Esan-misaki
恵山岬
4.5km from Todohokke-shisho-mae bus stop
On the eastern tip of the Kameda Peninsula, Esan-misaki (not to be confused with Esan-Misaki bus stop) is Southern Hokkaido’s prettiest cape, framed by a pleasant lawn. There are two onsen around the lighthouse, and you can walk down Jusan-magari Trail from E-san crater basin. It is about a 4.5km, one-hour walk from Todohokke-shisho-mae bus stop.
Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen ♨︎
水無海浜温泉
600m from Esan-misaki Hotel Cape
About 600m ahead of Esan-misaki, this mixed-gender rock onsen pool by the sea can be bathing at low tide (up to three times a day). It has changing facilities and you need to wear swim or bathing suit, especially busy seasons. Check out time schedule for bathing on the web before you go.
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Photo: じゃらんnet
Hotel Cape ♨︎