Soya Cape

Cape Soya is the northernmost point of Japan, and there is a monument that reads "The Northernmost Point of Japan." The view from Japan's northernmost point is somewhat mystical and moving. In addition, during sunset, you can see the light from a lighthouse on Russia's Sakhalin Island. On clear days, you can enjoy the beautiful blue sky and the Sea of Okhotsk, while on rainy days, you can feel the harsh nature of the northern land. This is a spot that you should definitely visit at least once in your lifetime.

Hokkaido is an area rich in fresh seafood, and you can enjoy delicious seafood around Cape Soya. Sushi, sashimi, seafood bowls, crab, and scallop dishes made with fresh seafood delivered directly by fishermen are a must-try. In addition, the city of Wakkanai, where Cape Soya is located, is famous for its scallop ramen. The gentle salt flavor of the ramen base is condensed with the umami of scallops. Please be sure to taste the delicious local seafood at the northernmost tip as a commemoration.

At Cape Soya, there is a vast expanse of beautiful sea and sky, making it a perfect spot for a stroll. You can enjoy the beauty of Hokkaido's unique nature while refreshing your mind and body. Especially on top of the hill overlooking Sakhalin, there is the "Soya Hills Observatory Rest Area," where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the natural surroundings of the northernmost part of Japan. On a clear day, you can even see Sakhalin across the sea!

When it comes to tourism in Hokkaido, more people tend to escape the summer heat rather than brave the harsh winter blizzards. While Cape Soya is bustling with tourists during the summer, it's not a popular destination during the cold winter months when temperatures can drop to below -10 degrees Celsius and feel like -20 degrees Celsius along the coast. However, it's during the winter when you can truly experience the lonely atmosphere of Japan's northernmost point. For those who want to experience the harshness of nature at the actual northernmost point of Japan, we recommend visiting Cape Soya in the winter rather than just as a tourist destination.

From Cape Soya, it takes about an hour by car to get to the ferry terminal in Wakkanai Station. From there, you can take a ferry to Rishiri Island and Rebun Island, the northernmost islands in Japan that Japanese people can visit. Rishiri Island has a mountain called "Mt. Rishiri," which is about 1700 meters high and is popular among climbers. Rebun Island is known as the "Floating Island of Flowers" and you can see alpine plants that can only be seen at an altitude of 3000 meters on Honshu. Why not visit the northernmost islands while you're at Cape Soya?