Wakkanai – The Northernmost City in Japan

Wakkanai, the northernmost city in Japan, is a compact town between the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. It is windy with many fishing boats bringing in rich catches of seafood such as crab, sea urchin and scallop.

It also has ferries going to the Rishiri-to and Rebun-to islands, both of which are designated as national parks. There are many interesting things you can do in this beautiful town. Good thing is, most sights are 10-15 minutes of each other so you can easily walk around.

MUST go to Cape Soya

You HAVE to visit Cape Soya which is at the northeastern part of the city. “Monument of Japan’s Northern Most Point” for showing point of latitude 45 degrees 31 minutes is built at the tip of the cape, and many tourists form a line to take a picture themselves with the monument. There are also souvenir shops, restaurants, a restroom around there. There are also interesting shops around the area like “northernmost canteen” and “northernmost souvenir shop”. Diao.

See other islands from Cape Noshappu

Because Wakkanai is a very windy city, when you visit Cape Noshappu, there is a possibility that you may get blown away (just like us). But if you manage to stay grounded, or if the weather is clear, you can look over Rishiri Island, Rebun Island and the beautiful setting sun. Near to Cape Noshappu, visit the Breakwater Dome for a photo opportunity. This hallway is supported by 70 Roman style pillars and helps to protet against strong winds.

Address: Noshappu, Wakkanai, Hokkaido
Tel: 0162-23-6161（Wakkanai City Office)

Visit Former Seto House

A visit to former Seto House will help you to understand the life of Japan during its yesteryears. This house was built by “Tsunezo Seto” of a okigoteieigyogyo in the 20, Showa generation when Wakkanai was a busy fishery. Now, it has become a museum for tourists to see the fishery pieces of Wakkanai and its history. It is approximately 5 minutes on foot from JR Wakkanai Station and is open from April to October 31.

Address: 4-8-27, Chuo, Wakkanai-shi
Old Seto’s house telephone: 0162-23-5151

Shop at Wakkanai Fukuko Ichiba

To buy fresh seafood and local produce, you can shop at Wakkanai Fukuko Ichiba where you can find fresh seafood and souvenirs all in one location. You must also have a bottle of Wakkanai milk, it tastes soooooo good!

Address: 1-6-28,Minato,Wakkanai city
Tel: 0162-29-0829

Dine at Northern Taste Takechan

Wakkanai is a great place to spoil your taste buds with all of the fresh seafood. Be sure to try their sea urchin because they are of the highest quality. The best season is spring and summer. If you travelled in other seasons, not to worry as you can also feast on fresh fish and crabs.

Getting There

Scoot (www.flyscoot.com) started a direct flight from Singapore to Sapporo, with a roughly one-hour stopover in Taipei. The flight operates three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and takes about 10 hours. Airfares vary with the season, but regular return all-in economy tickets start at $418, excluding baggage and meals.

There are regular flights from Sapporo to Wakkanai. All flights to the airport are operated by ANA – All Nippon Airways. The airport is 20 minutes away from Wakkanai station by bus.