2025 Wakkanai Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

When we first arrived at Cape Soya, about five hours by express train from Sapporo, Japan's northernmost city of Wakkanai, and then just under an hour by bus, it was snowing heavily, visibility was poor, and the cold stung our skin. Still, when we stood in front of the monument marking "Japan's northernmost point," a sense of accomplishment from our trip and a special feeling welled up inside us. The ocean stretched out silently despite being exposed to the wind and snow, and the atmosphere was reminiscent of a foreign land, gave us a sense of dignified beauty in the midst of harsh nature. Afterwards, we were able to catch a brief glimpse of blue sky. Cape Soya was an experience that will remain in our memory for a lifetime. It was a place where we could truly feel like we were at the "end of the north." #Spring0yenTrip

Hokkaido Hokkaido Tourism The northernmost part of Wakkanai What is there in Wakkanai? You may be wondering that! There are many things to see Here it is! This time, I will share the northernmost station in Japan, Wakkanai Station 📍JR Wakkanai Station 📍 3-6 Chuo, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido The famous northernmost station in Japan, Wakkanai Station Finally arrived here! You may feel a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and sadness? ? I visited late at night, so there was no one there and it was quiet. But it's a tourist spot in Wakkanai that you should visit at least once! #Hokkaido #HokkaidoTrip #Wakkanai #WakkanaiTourism #WakkanaiTrip #WakkanaiStation #NorthernmostStation #HokkaidoTourism #777

Hokkaido, Hokkaido Tourism Wakkanai, the northern tip What is there in Wakkanai? You may be wondering that! There are many things to see Here! This time, I went to Wakkanai Fukuko Market, so I'll share it with you 📍 Wakkanai Fukuko Market 📍 1-6-28 Minato, Wakkanai, Hokkaido There are many tourist spots here, such as 📍Restaurants 📍Souvenir Shops 📍Wharf Alley But above all, I recommend 📍Natural Hot Spring Minato no Yu This place is great The spring quality is chloride spring, iron-containing spring, and bicarbonate spring, The floor is covered with non-slip stone tiles! Equipped with a hot bath, a medium-temperature bath, an open-air bath, a jet bath, a sauna, and a cold bath What's great about it is that it's a hot spring in front of the harbor, the view from the open-air bath during the day is amazing You can't go to Wakkanai and not take a dip in this natural hot spring! #Wakkanai #Wakkanai sightseeing #Wakkanai trip #Natural hot spring port bath #Wakkanai Souko Market #Hokkaido sightseeing #777

Hokkaido, Hokkaido Tourism Wakkanai, the northern tip What is there in Wakkanai? You may be wondering that! There are many things to see Here! This time, I went to the Wakkanai Port North Breakwater Dome So I'll share it with you 📍 Wakkanai Port North Breakwater Dome 📍 Kaiun 1-chome, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido The Wakkanai Port North Breakwater Dome was designed by a young engineer in his third year after graduating from university. At the time, the North Pier was the departure and arrival point for the old Sakhalin route, and the breakwater was built in 1931 to prevent wave splashes from hitting it. Afterwards, due to deterioration, a full-scale renovation was carried out Completed in 1980 Height 13.6m, 8m from inside of pillar to wall Total length 427m, total number of pillars 70 Surprisingly impressive with its semi-arched structure In 2001, it was designated as a Hokkaido Heritage Site A must-see when visiting Wakkanai Wakkanai Port North Breakwater Dome Surprisingly impressive! #Wakkanai #Wakkanai Tourism #Wakkanai Trip Wakkanai Port North Breakwater Dome #Hokkaido Tourism #777

Spot: Wakkanai Airport Address: 6744 Koetoi, Koetoi-mura, Wakkanai, Hokkaido 098-6643 Wakkanai Airport is a nationally managed airport located in Koetoi-mura, Wakkanai, Hokkaido. #trip2023 #airport #wintertrip #coupletrip #gourmettrip #japan #japan

JR Wakkanai Station has the northernmost railway line in Japan. It is the very end of the railway in Japan. Wakkanai Roadside Station is also here. There is a song that goes "The railway line goes on forever 🛤", but Wakkanai does not continue any further. Many people may remember it from Momotetsu. It is at the very end of the map. There is a convenience store Seico Mart and a market in the surrounding area. There are two gourmet spots at Wakkanai Station. Takara-ya ramen and Hitoshi's shop where you can eat a hearty seafood set meal. Both are popular with locals, so please stop by. #WakkanaiStation #NorthernmostRailway #NorthernmostStationInJapan #Railway #Hitoshi'sShop #Takaraya #KitaIchiba #trip2023

#Japan Attractions Rebun Island is an island in the Sea of ​​Japan, located 10 kilometers northwest of Rishiri Island. The two islands are separated by the Rebun Strait. There are ferries to and from Wakkanai, or you can fly directly from Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, to Rishiri Island, and then take a ferry to Rebun Island. Rebun Island is the northernmost inhabited island in Japan, rich in sea urchins, abalone, carp, kelp, etc. Rebun Island is part of Rishiri-Rebun-Sabetsu National Park. The highest point of the island is Mount Rebun, 490 meters above sea level. The ancient Ainu people built fortifications on the top of the mountain. The fossil remains of the long-finned pilot whale, now extinct in the North Pacific, were excavated on Rebun Island, and the remains of killer whales were also discovered. The last reliable record of sea lion extinction in Japan was also in 1974 at Leeuwen Island. #Overseas Travel #Japan Travel #Japan Destinations #Japan Tour #Island Holiday #Island Tour #Hokkaido Travel #Sea View

On Rishiri Island, at the very north end of the country, there is a famous ramen restaurant that some people visit just to try the flavors. Its name is Miraku. You can try the delicious soy sauce ramen, packed with the savory aroma of burnt soy sauce and the umami of Rishiri kelp, here and at the Ramen Museum in Shin-Yokohama. #HokkaidoTrip #KeihanGroupCampaign #RemoteIslandTrip

While exploring Rishiri Island, I was able to see a festival being held at the port of Kutsugata. It had been a while since the last summer festival, and the people attending seemed somewhat excited. It was great to attend a summer festival in the fresh air. #HokkaidoTrip #KeihanGroupCampaign #RemoteIslandTrip

The symbol of Rishiri Island is the beautiful mountain Rishiri Fuji. Basically, if the weather is good, it can be seen from anywhere on the island, but on this day, it was the only time I could see it. It is still beautiful. #HokkaidoTrip #KeihanGroupCampaign #RemoteIslandTrip

Miraku's Scorched Soy Sauce Ramen is always recommended when you go to Rishiri. They have miso and salt flavors, but they're both delicious. The egg noodles give it a Hokkaido ramen feel and are very satisfying! [Ramen Miraku] 67 Kutsugata Honmachi, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido #QuintessaCampaign #HokkaidoTrip #RishiriIsland #Ramen #Gourmet

I went there for dessert after dinner! When I went to Ramen Miraku, I found out that they have a sister store. I went there after dinner because they serve gelato! The pistachio was very rich and the raspberry was sour and delicious! UNBALLON soup curry dining 60-7 Kutsugata Fujimi-cho, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido 097-0401 Double gelato 500 yen #RishiriIsland #unballon soup curry dining #Hokkaido #HokkaidoTrip #QuintessaCampaign

We went to eat gelato at UNBALLON soup curry dining on Rishiri Island. They have a wide variety of gelato, and my family and I tried all of them, and each one was delicious. If you order a double, you can eat one more bite-sized type, so one person can enjoy up to three types. You can eat in the restaurant just for gelato, and it was a comfortable time in the cute restaurant. If you visit Rishiri, be sure to visit. UNBALLON soup curry dining 60-7, Kutsugata Fujimi-cho, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido 097-0401 #HokkaidoTrip #Hokkaido #Rishiri #SoupCurry #Gelato

From Wakkanai Port to Rishiri Oshidomari Port. The inside of the Amapola Soya is very comfortable. The boat trip is about 1 hour and 40 minutes, so there are no accommodation facilities, but there is a shop, hot water, a pantry with a microwave, and a bar counter corner where you can easily work. There are also illustrations on board that symbolize Rishiri and Rebun. There are similar areas, so use the illustrations as landmarks in case you get lost. #Boat Trip #Rishiri Island

📍 Hyosetsu no Mon Near Exit 3 of Susukino Station - A must-visit hot place in Sapporo when traveling to Sapporo! Hyosetsu no Mon (Hyosetsu no Mon) They even provide cute crab-shaped headbands, so when you wear them, the staff will shout "kawaii-" 😳 They served a crab-based course from start to finish, and it was so delicious! I remember bursting out laughing when I saw all the names of Koreans on the reservation list when I finished eating😂 That must mean it's a famous hot place in Sapporo, right?🦀🦀 #HotPlace #HyosetsunoMon #SapporoHotPlace #SapporoRestaurant #SapporoTravel

Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Hokkaido, is also the northernmost point of Japan. #Spectacularview #TravelinginJapan It's quite far from Wakkanai city, about 23km, and takes about 30 minutes by car. There are no buses or other connections, so you have to get there by car. The wind is very strong, so make sure you wear thick clothes.

When travelling to Rishiri Island by ferry, you will always need to use the Wakkanai Ferry Terminal. The Wakkanai Port North Breakwater Dome is located about a 15-minute walk from the Wakkanai Ferry Terminal. This quiet breakwater is reminiscent of ancient Rome. The breakwater, which is 427m long, has 70 columns and a semi-arched dome, was constructed between 1931 and 1936. A railway once ran through it, and it is also a symbol of the time when it was bustling with people crossing to Sakhalin. It has attracted attention both domestically and internationally as a unique piece of architecture, and was registered as a Hokkaido Heritage Site in 2001. ・Address: Kaiun, Wakkanai City ・Free of charge ・Access: 5 minute walk from JR Wakkanai Station 15 minute walk from Wakkanai Ferry Terminal The ferry in service on this day was the Cypria Soya The theme of the ferry is "A journey of the heart" and "A journey that awakens you to the kindness of nature", and you can enjoy a comfortable 1 hour 40 minute journey to Rishiri Island. #Snowscape #Wakkanai Ferry Terminal #Wakkanai Port #Rishiri Island

A forest park in Kutsugata, Rishiri Town Now that the snow has started to harden, you can go to the park on snow shoes and get close to places you couldn't go to in the summer and trees you looked up at. This time, the wild birds were also covered in winter fur. The main tourist season in Rishiri and Rebun is summer, but winter is recommended for leisurely strolls and enjoying the scenery. On this day, the branches were drooping under the weight of the snow, creating a natural arch on the road. In winter, there are few visitors, so you can enjoy Hokkaido's fresh snow to your heart's content. You can even jump into the snow and get buried! The forest park is a 15-minute walk from Kutsugata Port. The forest park is located on the mountain behind the city. The forest park is divided into about eight areas, including the Recreation Forest, Spring Forest, and Green Forest, and each has its own characteristics. The park covers an area of ​​about 76 hectares, and makes use of the rich forest as it is, making it the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. [Address] Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido [Transportation] Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Kutsugata Port [Parking] Available [Toilets] Available #Snowscape #Remote Island Trip #Rishiri Island

Wakkanai Station is the northernmost JR station in Japan, and when the train arrives at the platform, an announcement is made saying, "Arrived at Wakkanai Station, the northernmost station in Japan" 📣 The adjacent complex "Kitakarra" has various facilities such as shops, restaurants, and movie theaters! ✨ The hotel "Saphir Hotel Wakkanai Station" is about a 3-minute walk from there, which is very convenient 😊 ★ Facility name Saphir Hotel Wakkanai ★ Address 1-2-2 Kaiun, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido 097-0023 #trip2022

Wakkanai Airport operates one flight per day from Haneda Airport (twice in summer) and two flights per day from Sapporo New Chitose Airport all year round. ANA is the only airline that operates scheduled flights. The airport is located on the way from the center of Wakkanai to Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Japan. The only public transportation is the Soya Bus. As there are few buses, please be sure to check the bus stop and time in advance when visiting. There is a souvenir shop on the second floor, where you can find local Wakkanai and Hokkaido specialties. #WakkanaiAirport #SeasonalOperations #trip2022

Rishiri Airport is the northernmost airport in Japan. The two-story airport, with its completely glassed-in interior, has a fantastic atmosphere when combined with the snowy scenery. JAL operates one regular flight per day between Sapporo Okadama Airport and Rishiri Airport. In addition, seasonal flights to New Chitose Airport increase in the summer. ANA operates one flight per day between New Chitose and Rishiri Airport, mainly for a limited time in the summer. Flight cancellations are particularly common in the winter, so it is essential to check flight information. #RishiriAirport #NorthernAirport #SeasonalOperation #trip2022

This year is a snowy year❄️ From January, it was as snowy as usual in February, and the recent heavy snowfall was so heavy that the transportation network was completely paralyzed, which is rare in recent years. Everywhere is covered in white snow during this season. Once you come to the island, it may not be easy to leave depending on the timing, but please try to experience winter on a remote island. Oshidomari Port is a temporary boarding gate due to wharf construction. It is a rare experience these days to be able to get on and off using a gangway, so please do. The boarding gate is difficult to find due to the snow, so please ask a local for help. #snowscape #remote island trip #rishiri #trip2022

There's been a lot of snow this year, and snow removal is a struggle. The townspeople either have their own snow removal machines or borrow them from snow removal companies to remove the snow. It seems that if you ask the town hall, they can also do snow removal for you for about 50,000 yen a month. But the silver world is beautiful. #Snowscape #Rishiri Island

Rishiri Town Exchange Promotion Facility [Donto] This public facility has a variety of facilities, including: ○Local History Library ○Large Hall ○Stage ○Cooking Room ○Hands-on Learning Room ○Ceramics Room The local history library has a wide range of materials, including general books, specialized books, picture books, children's books, and materials related to Rishiri. The library also has DVDs, CDs, and VHS tapes, and an AV corner where you can freely watch them. There is also a PC corner with internet access and copying facilities, so you can get a sudden job request or submit documents while you're enjoying your trip to the island! We visited during Coming of Age Ceremony season, so the entrance hall was lined with photos of the Coming of Age Ceremony held in Rishiri Town. For some reason, there was also a snowplow next to it. The most noticeable place was a poster for the Rishiri Boys, a hip-hop group of active fishermen living in Rishiri Town with a combined age of 246. My dream is to perform at the Red and White Song Battle. lol ■Address 2-2 Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido ■Business hours 9:30~17:30 (library) ■Annual holidays Mondays (next day if Monday is a public holiday), New Year's holidays ■Access 10 minutes walk from Kutsugata Port Ferry Terminal #Remote Island Travel #Rishiri Island #Rishiri Town

Sea urchin fishing begins in June. The sea urchins harvested at this time of year are Ezo bafun sea urchins. They are characterized by their rich, sweet flavor. Compared to the Bafun sea urchins, the Kitamurasaki sea urchin, which is in season from mid-summer to autumn, has a lighter flavor. Humans aren't the only ones who enjoy sea urchins. Crows and seagulls eat them too. They prefer Ezo bafun sea urchins, which have a sweeter flavor. They borrow them from boats where fishermen keep the sea urchins they have caught in the sea, borrow them from buckets used by fishermen while peeling sea urchins, or even pick them themselves. They carry the borrowed sea urchins to a safe place to eat, so you often see the strange phenomenon of sea urchin shells lying around on roads, cycling paths, parks, etc. far from the sea. If you're unlucky, a sea urchin dropped by a bird might fall on your head...? If you want to enjoy a unique birdwatching experience, June is the month to go! The snow has finally melted, so the temperature is not too high and it is quite comfortable. By the way, at Kamui Coast Park in Kutsugata, you can experience picking sea urchins, making souvenirs from Rishiri kelp, and crab fishing (reservations required for 1 person or more). Kamii Coast Park [Address] Kutsugata Kamui, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido [Access] About 15 minutes by car from Kutsugata Port [Parking] Available #Remote Island Travel #Hokkaido #Rishiri Island #Rishiri Town #Birdwatching

"Rishiri kelp is sooooooooo long" ...(ﾟдﾟ)！ ？ I thought it was dried kelp, but it was an explanation about social distancing. It seems that one stalk of kelp is just right. I'd like to try it... I know it's difficult, but I hope it helps. Medical resources on remote islands are limited, and there are many elderly people, so they are putting a lot of effort into preventing COVID-19. At Wakkanai Port, the base of the sea route to Rishiri Island and Rebun Island, an original movie featuring mascots from each region was playing. In the unlikely event that an outbreak occurs, many lives could be at stake, so please be sure to get tested and reduce contact before coming to the island and take thorough measures. #Lip-kun #Lip-chan #Rishiri kelp #Rishiri Island #Snowscape #Remote island trip #trip2022

Wakkanai is famous as the northernmost city in Japan. Wakkanai is also a transportation hub with an airport, port, and train station. Wakkanai Airport is covered in snow in winter. You can enjoy a world of silvery white from the sky. The buildings are a vivid blue color. It looks quite bleak in winter, but the color makes you feel like you've arrived in the northernmost city in Japan. #WakkanaiAirport #SnowScenery #trip2022

Kutsugata Izumimachi Konpira Shrine This is a hidden gem that you won't find much information about even if you search online. There are several Konpira shrines on Rishiri Island, and the one in Izumimachi is the oldest. There is no resident priest, and the locals only come here to cut grass, so weasels live here freely. It seems that the shrine has a burrow that has been used for generations. From summer to autumn, weasels go out more often to prepare for winter. They go out not only around the shrine but also to the beach in front of it in search of food. I encountered a weasel while taking pictures of birds that had come to eat seaweed in the sea and black swallowtail butterflies that were there for some reason. *If you think that there will be no resident priest and therefore no goshuin stamps...be careful! [Address] Izumicho, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido [Access] Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Kutsugata Port #Remote Island Travel #Hokkaido #Rishiri Island #Rishiri Town