EDITORIALS
When you visit Hokkaido, aim for the farthest end of the island! Cape Soya" in Wakkanai, the northernmost point of Japan
There are many sightseeing spots throughout the large island of Hokkaido, but since you have come all the way to the north, wouldn't you like to stand at the northernmost point of Japan?
The northernmost point in Japan is Wakkanai City.
At the northern tip of Wakkanai is Cape Soya.
Let's take a peek at what you can expect when you actually go to Cape Soya, and what kind of place it is to begin with.
Cape Soya is the northernmost point of Japan's mainland, and anyone can go there without special permission. It is located at 45 degrees, 31 minutes, and 22 seconds north latitude. Whenever Cape Soya is introduced on TV, the monument "Monument of the Northernmost Point of Japan" is always on the screen. The sky-like triangle is based on the ridge of the North Star, and the circular pedestal represents "peace and harmony".
Looking out to sea from Cape Soya, Benten Island can be seen about 1.2 km offshore to the northwest on a clear day. Benten Island is the northernmost island in the area effectively controlled by Japan. It is also a landing place for Steller's sea lions, so if you are lucky, you may be able to see them.
Now that you have landed at the northernmost point of Japan, you will want something to commemorate your visit. There is a "Certificate of Arrival at the Northernmost Point of Japan" that is just what you need.
It can be purchased at the long-established souvenir store "Kashiwaya" located right next to the monument mentioned earlier. Also, if you refuel at Yasuda Oil, a gas station located only 200 meters from the monument, you will receive a "Japan's Northernmost Refueling Certificate". If you are visiting by car, why not commemorate your visit?
You can also find various other "northernmost points in Japan" in Wakkanai City. It might be interesting to find various northernmost points of Japan while visiting Cape Soya.
For more information, please visit Domingo's spot page.
Monument of the northernmost point of Japan
＜Thumbnail photo courtesy of
Wakkanai Tourist Association
Location: Kitakara 1F, 3-6-1 Chuo, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0162-24-1216
Official website: http://www.welcome.wakkanai.hokkaido.jp
The northernmost point in Japan is Wakkanai City.
At the northern tip of Wakkanai is Cape Soya.
Let's take a peek at what you can expect when you actually go to Cape Soya, and what kind of place it is to begin with.
Cape Soya is the northernmost point of Japan's mainland, and anyone can go there without special permission. It is located at 45 degrees, 31 minutes, and 22 seconds north latitude. Whenever Cape Soya is introduced on TV, the monument "Monument of the Northernmost Point of Japan" is always on the screen. The sky-like triangle is based on the ridge of the North Star, and the circular pedestal represents "peace and harmony".
Looking out to sea from Cape Soya, Benten Island can be seen about 1.2 km offshore to the northwest on a clear day. Benten Island is the northernmost island in the area effectively controlled by Japan. It is also a landing place for Steller's sea lions, so if you are lucky, you may be able to see them.
Now that you have landed at the northernmost point of Japan, you will want something to commemorate your visit. There is a "Certificate of Arrival at the Northernmost Point of Japan" that is just what you need.
It can be purchased at the long-established souvenir store "Kashiwaya" located right next to the monument mentioned earlier. Also, if you refuel at Yasuda Oil, a gas station located only 200 meters from the monument, you will receive a "Japan's Northernmost Refueling Certificate". If you are visiting by car, why not commemorate your visit?
You can also find various other "northernmost points in Japan" in Wakkanai City. It might be interesting to find various northernmost points of Japan while visiting Cape Soya.
For more information, please visit Domingo's spot page.
Monument of the northernmost point of Japan
＜Thumbnail photo courtesy of
Wakkanai Tourist Association
Location: Kitakara 1F, 3-6-1 Chuo, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0162-24-1216
Official website: http://www.welcome.wakkanai.hokkaido.jp
Writer Profile
Hokkaido Sightseeing Turtle Writer Bubu-Neko
I'm "Bubaneko," a writer with many connections to sightseeing spots and tourist facilities in Hokkaido. There are many wonderful resources, even the ones we take for granted when we live in Hokkaido. I will be sharing these wonderful attractions of Hokkaido with you.
