A single white road stretches straight through the lush green grass. If you follow it further, you will see the deep blue sea spreading out before you... This truly fantastical scenery can be found in Wakkanai, the northernmost point in Japan. The white road stretches for 3km and is a delight to the eyes of all who visit. How on earth did such a single road come into existence? And what is the true nature of the white color? I looked into some of the things that were bothering me. The white path is the Soya Hills Course of the Wakkanai Footpath. Footpath means a small path for pedestrians, and "footpath walking," which involves walking along a small path, originated in England. Footpaths have been established in various places in Hokkaido, and the "Wakkanai Footpath" was born in the Soya Hills of Wakkanai. The white road is the last 3km of the "Soya Hills Course." As you walk along the white road, you'll encounter a variety of things, including 57 large windmills, Soya black cattle grazing leisurely, and lovely alpine plants. Even just walking the 3km path will allow you to fully experience the splendor of the natural scenery of the Soya Hills, with their gently sloping ridgelines. Well, if you look closely at your feet, you'll see the true nature of the white color. It's actually scallop shells. Scallops harvested in this area are a local specialty that has been certified as a Wakkanai brand. However, the shells had no use and were disposed of as waste. In 2011, in an effort to put them to good use, the shells were crushed and scattered on the road, and that's how the White Road began.

(Photo courtesy of Wakkanai Tourism Association)

Spreading the shells not only reduces the strain on the feet of people walking along the road, but also has the effect of suppressing weeds. And best of all, the white road creates a fantastical sight, and is now a popular tourist spot. Be sure to add this extraordinary experience to your travel plans. However, please note that the road will be closed when it snows. <Interview cooperation and thumbnail photo provided> Wakkanai Tourism Association Address: Kitakara 1F, 3-6-1 Chuo, Wakkanai, Hokkaido Phone: 0162-24-1216 Official site: http://www.welcome.wakkanai.hokkaido.jp