Wakkanai, located near the most northern point off Hokkaido is a place seldom travelled by most tourists. But this off the track destination is home to some beautiful scenery and nature can be found all around, including incredible sights such as Cape Soya, Cape Noshappu, and Wakkanai Park.
Exploring Wakkanai City
Being the northernmost city in Japan, It is a very remote and rural area. Ezo Deer are commonly seen roaming all around Wakkanai and the nearby area. These deer are completely wild, but have become accustom to living with humans. It is quite common to see the deer grazing in local parks – especially Wakkanai Park -, on the local resident’s property, and even down to the oceanfront.
Seafood in Wakkanai is among the freshest you can get. With fish markets plentiful, there’s no shortage off a fresh meal in Wakkanai.
Given the proximity to Russia, you may be surprised to find that Wakkanai has tri-lingual navigations street signs, and some shop names are in Russian. This is because there used to be a steady stream of Russians to this port town, as there used to be a direct ferry to Sakhalin from Wakkanai. As of 2024, this service is still suspended due to the on-going conflict betwen Russian and Ukraine. However, to this day you may still see Russians living and working in Wakkanai who were there long before the conflict began, many of which involved in the fishing industry
Cape Soya
At just under 50km to the North, you can see the most southern point of the Russian Island, Sakhalin, when the weather is clear. Views of Russia can be enjoyed best from Cape soya – the most northern accessible point in japan – about a 30 minute drive from Wakkanai City. You do need a clear day to see Russia, and preferably in the morning or evening when it is cooler, as the haze from the day’s heat can obstruct the view. It is completely free to visit Cape Soya.
Around Cape Soya, 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. 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. Cape Soya is often the closet and most easily accessible land to reach for many families and friends of those lost at sea or in the many battles and conflicts that have taken place in the waters beyond the Cape.
Wakkanai North Breakwater Dome
The Wakkanai North Breakwater Dome is an impressive structure located to the North of the city, mere minutes from Surfeel Hotel Wakkanai. This structure was first constructed in the early 1900’s as a way to improve safety to the port in Wakkanai during winter storms. Years of ocean storms, and the constant freezing and thawing of the structure resulted in the reconstruction of the Dome in the late 1900’s. The Breakwater Dome both breaks up the artic winds to the port, and also dampers the ocean current, creating a nice calm port area.
Wakkanai Park & Centennial Memorial Tower
As far as views go, Wakkanai Park was one of the most memorable. You can eithe drive up to the top of the hill, or walk up from the base of the hill. The walk to the top of Wakkanai park will take about 30 minutes to get to the Wakkanai Centennial Memorial Tower. From There, you can be treated to Panoramic views of the port city, for a small fee of 400jpy, open 9am to 5pm. Deer are quite often seen roaming around Wakkanai Park, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Cape Noshappu
Located much closer to Wakkanai city compared to Cape Soya, only about a 10 minute drive from JR Wakkanai Station, you can find Cape Noshappu. Cape Noshappu is again yet another scenic point in this small rural area. Cape Noshappu looks out towards the sea, and provides beautiful views of the Japanese Islands of Rishiri and Rebun, both of which can be seen on a clear day.
Rebun Island is the flatter of the 2 islands, and is much longer while Rishiri Island is characterised by the towering conical volcano, capped in snow for a large portion of the year. While these islands can sometimes be seen from Cape Soya, Cape Noshappu is much closer to the islands and have better views
Where To Stay in Wakkanai
Dormy Inn Wakkanai
Surfeel Hotel Wakkanai
Guest House Moshiripa
Accessing Wakkanai
Wakkanai is located near the most northern cape of Japan, and as such, transport opons are limited to this area.
Rental/private cars are key to exploring this region of japan, as trains to Wakkanai are length, infrequent, and can only get you so far. There is a bus service to help you get around should you require, but we do definitiely recommend using a car to get around.
You can either fly to Wakkanai from Sapporo or Tokyo Haneda Airport, or you can fly to Asahikawa Airport, and get a rental car from the Airport there, and driving to Wakkanai. This will take about 6 hours with stops, butthe drive is very plesant and there is plenty to see and do along the way.
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