Cape Nyudo

Nyudozaki is a scenic cape at the northwest tip of the Oga Peninsula, located on the 40° north latitude line. Its iconic landmark is Nyudozaki Lighthouse, distinguished by bold black-and-white stripes and often compared to a panda by visitors. It is selected by the Japan Coast Guard as one of the "50 Lighthouses of Japan," and a lighthouse museum next door preserves its history and knowledge. Among the more than 3,000 lighthouses in Japan, this is one of only 16 that you can climb. On windy days, the ascent can be thrilling, but once at the top, the vast Sea of Japan spread before you is breathtaking. The sunsets from the cape are also beautiful, and Nyudozaki is selected among the "100 Best Sunsets in Japan." While some imagine a rugged, stormy headland facing the Sea of Japan, the area is actually covered with open grassland, and the panoramic contrast of blue sea and sky is well worth seeing. Another spot to check out is the monument marking the 40° north latitude line, carved from andesite rock sourced from the Oga Peninsula. Access: from JR Hadata Station on the Oga Line, take Chuo Kotsu bus bound for Nyudozaki for 50 minutes, then walk about 5 minutes from the final stop.