Cape Soya is the northernmost point of the main island of Hokkaido. The island of Sakhalin can be seen in the distance. The "Monument to the Northernmost Point of Japan" is located at 45 degrees, 31 minutes, and 22 seconds north latitude, at the very tip of Cape Soya, at the very top of Japan. The monument is designed as a triangular pyramid in the shape of a ridge of the North Star, the symbol of the North, with the letter N in the center of the tower representing "North" and the circle on the base representing "Peace and Cooperation. There is also a standing statue of the explorer Rinzo Mamiya, which attracts many tourists as a memorial spot with a magnificent view.

In 1988, the monument was moved about 20 meters offshore to make it more difficult to see from car windows due to the widening of National Route 238 and to provide more parking space. The monument was rebuilt to be larger than it is today.

Many tourists from all over Japan visit this monument to see the top of Japan. In addition, the area around the "Monument to the Northernmost Point of Japan" is lined with souvenir stores, lodging and eating establishments, and is bustling with activity during the tourist season.