Shakotan Peninsula

The Shakotan Peninsula (積丹半島) in Shiribeshi, on the west coast of Hokkaidō, Japan, is a mountainous peninsula which projects some 30 km into the Sea of Japan. The Shakotan Peninsula forms part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park.

Geography
The peninsula has a rugged terrain with few level areas. The coastline of the peninsula suffers from extensive marine erosion, which resulted in the numerous natural stone pillars which project from the sea. Mount Shakotan (1255 m) forms the highest peak on the peninsula. The peninsula has numerous scenic capes and inlets, notably Cape Shakotan and Cape Kamui.

Municipalities
The Shakotan Peninsula spans seven municipalities in Hokkaidō, all within Shiribeshi Subprefecture.


 * Iwanai (East entrance)
 * Kyōwa
 * Tomari
 * Kamoenai
 * Shakotan
 * Furubira
 * Yoichi (West entrance)

Economy
The area was once a thriving center of Pacific herring fishing, which was conducted from the villages of Furubira, Iwanai, and Yoichi.