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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Wakkanai.
Nestled on the edge of Japan’s northernmost point, Wakkanai opens up a treasure trove of experiences that will leave you spellbound.
From exploring the rugged coastline to immersing yourself in the town’s rich cultural heritage, there’s plenty to do in this gem of a destination.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Wakkanai:
1. Soya Hills Park
Soya Hills Park is a nature park located in Wakkanai, Japan, known for its stunning panoramic views and abundant wildlife.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a cable car to the top of the hill for a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. The park also features various hiking trails, a botanical garden, and a playground for children.
Don’t miss: The observation deck at the peak of the hill offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding area, including the Sea of Japan and the iconic Wakkanai Lighthouse.
In winter, visitors can enjoy snow activities like snowshoeing and sledding.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit the park early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Be sure to bring sturdy walking shoes and dress for the weather, as it can be quite windy at the top of the hill.
Additionally, make sure to try some of the local seafood in the nearby town of Wakkanai, known for its delicious crab and sea urchin dishes.
2. Cape Soya
Northernmost point of Japan located in Wakkanai, Hokkaido.
What to see or do: Enjoy panoramic views of the Sea of Okhotsk and Soya Strait, visit the monument and lighthouse, take a stroll on the beach.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to take a photo with the “Northernmost Point of Japan” monument.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the early hours to avoid crowds and witness the sunrise. 2.
Dress in warm layers as it can get chilly even in summer. 3.
Try local seafood delicacies at nearby restaurants.
3. Wakkanai Park
A scenic park located in Wakkanai city, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy panoramic views of the city, sea, and neighboring islands from the observation deck. Take a leisurely stroll around the park’s lush greenery and vibrant flower gardens.
Visit the nearby Wakkanai Lighthouse and its museum to learn about the city’s maritime history.
Don’t miss: The iconic “Hokkaido Love” sign which provides fantastic photo opportunities with its stunning backdrop of the sea and cityscape.
Insider travel tips: Come during the summer season to catch the park at its best with blooming flowers and clear blue skies. Take extra care when walking around the observation deck as it can be slippery when wet.
Free parking is available on site.
4. Wakkanai Lighthouse
Wakkanai Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in the northernmost point of Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb up to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy the panoramic view of the Sea of Japan and the surrounding islands.
There is also a museum nearby that exhibits the history of the lighthouse and the surrounding area.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take photos of the lighthouse against the backdrop of the stunning scenery. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset.
Insider travel tips: It can get very windy and cold at the top of the lighthouse, so make sure to bring appropriate clothing. The museum offers English audio guides for visitors who do not speak Japanese.
It’s also recommended to visit during the summer months when the weather is milder.
5. Hokumon Shrine
Hokumon Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the northernmost city of Japan, Wakkanai. It is dedicated to the gods of sea and fishing, making it a popular destination for fishermen.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a peaceful stroll around the shrine grounds and admire the stunning architecture and scenic views of the Sea of Japan.
The shrine also features a beautiful torii gate and a magnificent shrine hall with intricate carvings and decorations.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the shrine’s unique ritual of fish offerings.
Fishermen often present their first catch of the season at the shrine to show their gratitude towards the gods of the sea.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting during the winter, don’t forget to bundle up as the weather gets extremely cold in Wakkanai. Also, be sure to try the local seafood delicacies which are freshly caught from the sea.
6. Ryugon Observation Deck
The Ryugon Observation Deck is a popular tourist attraction located in Wakkanai, the northernmost city of Japan’s mainland.
What to see or do: The observation deck offers a stunning panoramic view of the sea, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains. From here, you can see the beautiful Rebun-Imaichi and Rishiri-Fujino-ura landscape across the channel.
Depending on the season, you might be able to spot whales or eagles too.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the sunset view from the observation deck.
The view of the sun disappearing into the sea and the sky turning into a spectrum of colors is a breathtaking sight that you shouldn’t miss.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is during the summer months when the Tsushima Current brings clear weather to the area, offering an unobstructed view.
7. Noshappu Aquarium
Noshappu Aquarium is a small public aquarium located in Wakkanai, the northernmost city of Japan’s main islands.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a variety of fish and marine animals such as salmon, scallop, sea urchin, and octopus that are indigenous to the northern region of Japan.
The facility is also home to a marine mammal, the spotted seal, which can be seen up close during feeding times.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Noshappu Aquarium is the outdoor exhibit area. Here, visitors can observe sea otters, seagulls, and other creatures in their natural habitat.
Another must-see is the indoor touch tank where guests can directly interact with starfish and sea cucumbers.
Insider travel tips: If you’re planning to visit Noshappu Aquarium during the summer, make sure to catch one of their dolphin shows, available on select days.
Additionally, the aquarium is located near the Wakkanai Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, so consider combining your trip with a visit to this scenic area.
8. Friends Park Wakkanai
Friends Park Wakkanai is a park and recreational center located in Wakkanai, Japan.
What to see or do: The park offers a variety of activities for visitors such as hiking, cycling, and camping. There is also a large playground area for children and a small zoo with animals like alpacas and rabbits.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the panoramic observation deck for stunning views of the Sea of Japan and the surrounding area. There is also a beautiful cherry blossom grove that is especially popular during the spring.
Insider travel tips: – The park can be quite busy during the summer months, so try to visit during the off-season for a more peaceful experience.
9. Wakkanai City Museum
A local museum dedicated to the history and culture of Wakkanai City, located in the northernmost point of Japan.
What to see or do: The museum showcases the natural environment, historic artifacts, and cultural heritage of Wakkanai City through informative exhibits and interactive displays.
Visitors can learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region, the history of the Ainu indigenous people, and the development of the city’s fishing and agricultural industries.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the impressive whale skeleton exhibit, showcasing the bones of a massive sperm whale that washed ashore in Wakkanai in 1962.
Other interesting exhibits include a replica of a traditional Ainu house, a collection of old fishing gear, and an interactive model of the harbor.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is conveniently located near Wakkanai Station and several popular hotels and restaurants.
10. Wakkanai Onsen
Wakkanai Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: – Soak in the natural hot springs with beautiful views of the Sea of Japan.
Don’t miss: – Trying the local specialty dish, “kani-jiru” (crab soup), made with fresh local seafood.
Insider travel tips: – Wakkanai Onsen is a great place to visit during the winter months when the hot springs are especially inviting and the surrounding landscape is covered in snow.
11. Wakkanai Rishiri Ferry Terminal
Wakkanai Rishiri Ferry Terminal is a transportation hub located in Wakkanai, Hokkaido connecting the mainland to Rishiri Island.
What to see or do: The ferry ride offers a picturesque view of the sea and surrounding mountains.
Once on Rishiri Island, visitors can hike or bike on Mount Rishiri, explore the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, or indulge in fresh seafood.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery of the Rishiri Island from the ferry during the cruise.
Insider travel tips: It is better to book ferry tickets in advance during peak season as it can get crowded. Additionally, it is recommended to bring warm clothing as it can get chilly on the ferry even during summer months.
12. Memorial Park of Northern Territories
Memorial Park of Northern Territories is a historic park in Wakkanai, Japan, dedicated to the history of the Northern Territories, a group of islands known as the Southern Kurils in Russia that are currently disputed between Japan and Russia.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various monuments and exhibits within the park, which detail the history of the islands and their significance in the Russo-Japanese War and World War II.
The park also includes a museum, library, and art gallery showcasing Northern Territories-related works.
Don’t miss: The park’s centerpiece is the Memorial Tower, a 19-meter tall monument that offers panoramic views of Wakkanai and the Sea of Japan.
Also, the park’s extensive collection of books, photographs, and other materials related to the Northern Territories provides insightful information about this fascinating, often overlooked region.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s extensive flower gardens are in bloom.
The park is easily accessible by public transportation, and admission is free. Don’t miss the beautiful sunset views over the Sea of Japan from the Memorial Tower.
13. Wakkanai Noshappu Fish Market
An indoor seafood market in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Shop for fresh seafood such as crab, salmon, scallops, and sea urchin. Take a tour of the market to learn about the local fishing industry.
Eat at one of the many seafood stalls and restaurants inside the market.
Don’t miss: Trying the “karafuto” scallops, a local delicacy. Watching the fishmongers process the fish using traditional techniques.
Insider travel tips: Come early in the morning for the freshest seafood and a chance to watch the daily auction. Bring cash as some vendors may not accept credit cards.
Don’t be afraid to ask the vendors for cooking tips and recipes.
14. Minatogawa Shrine
Minatogawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, Japan. It is an important religious site and a popular tourist destination.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk through the shrine’s torii gate and admire its beautiful architecture. The shrine is surrounded by lush greenery, and there are several statues and monuments throughout the grounds.
Visitors can purchase amulets and other religious items, and participate in various rituals and ceremonies.
Don’t miss: The shrine’s annual festival, held every July, is a lively celebration featuring drumming, dancing, and traditional food and drink. It is a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture and interact with the local community.
Insider travel tips: – The shrine can be crowded during peak tourist season, so it is best to visit early in the morning or later in the evening.
15. Ukishima Shrine
Ukishima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on a small island near the northernmost point of Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a short ferry ride to Ukishima Island to visit the shrine and explore the beautiful natural surroundings.
The island is a popular spot for birdwatching and has walking trails that offer picturesque views of the Sea of Japan.
Don’t miss: Be sure to see the impressive Torii gate that marks the entrance to the shrine, which stands in the water just off the shore of Ukishima Island.
The gate serves as a symbolic boundary between the human and spiritual realms.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, try to visit the shrine early in the morning or during the week. It can also get quite chilly on Ukishima Island, so dress warmly and be prepared for wind and rain.