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Aoi Cape

Unrivaled and Free Seats to Japan’s most Stunning Sunset spot

Quick Look

Adventure

Scenic

Photography

Outdoor

Free

About

Tucked away in the coastal town of Obama, Aoi Cape remains a cherished secret among locals. My own discovery of this enchanting spot was made possible by the guidance of a resident of the town. It's the perfect venue to relax and observe the sun's descent as it dips into the ocean.

Must Do's

Watch the sunset at Aoi Cape

Key Info

cost

accessibility

uniqueness

*Learn more about my Key Information methadology here.

Cost

Free! Observe the beautiful sunset at no cost.

Accessibility

Access shall undoubtedly be a challenge. Situated on a remote corner of Obama's coastline, unfortunately the site can only be reached by car.

Uniqueness

Unlike other destinations i've covered which may have a degree of media attention, Aoi Cape's secluded nature has allowed it to remain largely absent from the travel spotlight. Yet, this very obscurity is what makes it so special. I believe it ranks among Japan's premier locations for a sunset view. For any traveler with access to a car and a spirit of discovery, I cannot recommend a visit highly enough.

My Experience

As a guest on a friend's road trip through Shiga and Fukui, I was unaware of our planned destinations beforehand, which made the discovery of Aoi Cape the most delightful surprise of my 2024 journey to Japan. First and foremost, I do acknowledge that the site is challenging to access, as it lies beyond the reach of public transportation and requires a car. Nevertheless, the sunrise I witnessed left a profound memory that compelled me to write an article so that I can share with you all. Adjacent to the lookout point, a dedicated parking area is available to park your car. Once parked, you can make your way to the lookout point! You'll find a long, descending staircase that leads directly to a small, picturesque beach. This hidden shore offers a front-row seat to a breathtaking sunset over the water. To maximize your chances of a successful visit, I highly recommend verifying the weather conditions in advance. A cloudy or rainy forecast would likely conceal the sunset, so i'd recommend to wait for a day with clearer skies.