Cape Chikiu

Cape Chikiu（Japanese = 地球岬, Chikiyu Misaki）is a cape facing the Pacific Ocean in Muroran City, Hokkaido, Japan. It's derived from “Poro Chikepu” in “Ainu people Language” which means “Parent, Cliff” is accented and commonly referred to as “Cape Chikyu”.[1][2]

Location of Cape Chikiu
Cape chikiu Lighthouse

Overview

The Pacific side of the “Etomo Peninsula” is a scenic spot with cliffs of about 100m above sea level extending for about 14km, and is one of “eight Muroran Views”. Many people come to see first sunrise on new year's day, because they can see superb view of round horizon and usually full of tourists.

“Cape Chiku” got first place at “100 best natures of Hokkaido” by The Asahi newspaper in 1985, and at “Hokkaido scenic spot of your choice” by Hokkaido post Office in 1986, and at “100 new Japan sightseeing spots” by The Yomiuri newspaper in 1987. “Cape Chikiu” named “The Etomo peninsula outer Coast” with “Harkaramoi, Masuich beach, Tokkarisho” and designated as a national scenic spot “Pirikanoka”（It means “Beautiful shape” in Ainu people Language） in 2012.[3]

“Chikiu Lighthouse” first turned on in 1920, and has been selected as one of “50 lighthouses in Japan.” and “Civil engineering Heritage selected by Japan Society of Civil Engineers”.[4][5]

Green space of Cape Chkiu

Area from “Cape Chikiu” to Charatsunay where is located on west side where is a green area of about fifty hectares based on urban planning and has a walking path.[6] You can see flowers such as Katakuri, Ezokawaranadeshiko, Ōbaki violet in the spring.[6] The surrounding area is on a migratory birds route and is also known as Peregrine falcon nesting site for aim migratory birds. In addition, Woodpeckers and other wild birds can be observed, so citizen bird-watching event is held. The waterway which is located almost in the center of the green space is a valuable place for breeding of Hokkaido salamanders.[6]

Facilities

Observatory, Restrooms, Stands, Parking Lot

Access

From “Bokoi Station” on “JR Hokkaido Muroran Main Line” take “Donan Bus” bound for “Cape chikiu housing complex bus Stop” and get off there. It takes about 14 minutes on foot from there to “Cape chikiu Observatory”.

References
  1. "アイヌ語地名と伝説（in Japanese）" (PDF). 広報むろらん 2014年10月号. 室蘭市. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  2. "景勝地（in Japanese）" (PDF). 室蘭市. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  3. "名勝ピリカノカ 絵鞆半島外海岸（in Japanese）". 室蘭市. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  4. "日本の灯台50選（in Japanese）". 燈光会. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  5. "チキウ岬灯台（in Japanese）". 土木学会. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  6. "むろらんの森と散策路（in Japanese）" (PDF). 室蘭市. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
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