Things to Do

Pinque

I’m from Taichung, Taiwan, and currently living in Tokyo.
I have a passion for capturing Japan’s fleeting seasonal landscapes through photography and videography.
Since I love traveling, I spend about half of each month away from home.
Through social media, I share the beauty of Japan as I see it with the world.
I hope my sharing inspires you with new travel ideas.

You Have to be There – Experiencing the Nemuro Beneath the Surface

＃seafood ＃yakitoribento ＃esukaroppu ＃localfood

On her trip to eastern Hokkaido, Pinque (瓶顆) had a list of things she was looking forward to. Everything more than lived up to the hype, but it was the stories you can only experience in Nemuro that truly blew her away.
The content of the article is correct as of 2025.

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Getting Up Close and Personal with Local Wildlife

Nemuro is a paradise for birdwatchers, so we ventured out with a local guide to see for ourselves. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the local nature and even told us stories about the birds, helping us to go beyond the surface and feel closer to the wildlife. I particularly loved the majestic red-crowned cranes. We got to see them from much closer than I was expecting. It was an unforgettable experience that felt unique to Nemuro.

Fishing for Fortunes

Another experience you can only have in the Nemuro area is standing at the easternmost point of mainland Japan at Cape Nosappu. I love going to places with that kind of “record-breaking” claim to fame, so I was delighted that you can get a certificate to commemorate your visit.

We also headed to Kotohira Shrine, which offered an amazing view over the sea at sunset. One part of our visit to the shrine that left a lasting impression was the omikuji fortune-telling slips in the shape of saury, a fish with a strong connection to Nemuro. I even got to “fish” for my fortune myself with a mini fishing rod, which made it even more special.

When in Nemuro, Eat as the Locals Do

With so many activities, we worked up a real appetite. I’d heard a lot about Hanasaki crab before I arrived, but the rich flavor was still beyond what I imagined. You simply have to experience it for yourself.

For a favorite among local people, esukaroppu is a must-try. This crisp cutlet served with demi-glace sauce and buttered rice is a real treat. I also loved the atmosphere of the restaurant, which felt reminiscent of a retro Japanese coffee shop.

In addition to the restaurants, we even found a convenience store offering a unique food experience. Taie is a store only found in Nemuro where the staff actually grill yakitori-style pork skewers fresh to order. It was interesting being in a convenience store where you can see your food cooked right in front of you. Not only did it taste amazing, it was great value for money.

Nemuro has so many highlights that I was excited to see before arriving, and everything more than met my expectations. Beyond that, actually being there let me scratch below the surface and enjoy experiences unique to this place, from seeing beautiful red-crowned cranes up close to enjoying delicious made-to-order food at a convenience store. The area has so much to discover, and I highly recommend heading out there to find out what makes Nemuro special to you.

This article was written by our editorial team based on our interview with Pink.