Cape Soya

Cape Soya (Cape Sōya) is the northernmost point on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. It is the very top of Japan.

Cape Soya is located in Wakkanai, a small city at the top of Hokkaido home to some 35,000 people. Many tourists whether international or domestic don’t travel the distance up to the very top of Japan, so the cape is usually quite quiet with the occasional person who also made the journey to this remote location.  To reward those dedicated enough to travel the distance, there are a number of scenic photo spots scattered around the area.

The monument at Cape Sōya is the recognized northernmost point of Japan, however, Benten-jima – which is located another 1km off shore to the northwest, however, Benten-jima is essentially a small baron rock with a copious amount of birds residing on it, and is not accessible. Understandably so, the monument at Cape Soya marks the northernmost acessible point of Japan.

On a clear and calm day, the Russian island of Sakhalin is visible from the shores of Cape Sōya. Sakhalin is just over 40km away from Cape Soya to the North. 

Across the road and up the hill from the the northernmost point monument,  you will also find many monuments which commemorate and remember various noteworthy events in history, such as the downing of Korean Air flight 007 in 1983, off the coast of Sakhalin, not too far from Cape Soya.  The monuments of Cape Soya all speak of peace and for a brighter future, and you will find many memorial plaques and information boards in English, Japanese, and some even with Russian text. 

Like the rest of northern Hokkaido, Ezo Deer are commonly spotted in the area of Cape Soya and Wakkanai City. There are plenty of cautions for drivers nearby, urging those in a car to be alert for deer which may suddenly dart across the road.