Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Cape Soya in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, is Japan’s northernmost point and a must-visit for those seeking the edge of the country. At the cape stands the “Monument of Japan’s Northernmost Point,” a striking triangular shape inspired by the North Star. Its circular base symbolizes peace and harmony, while the bold “N” points north. On clear days, you may even see Sakhalin across the sea, adding to the romance of this borderland view.

The drive from Wakkanai Airport along the Sea of Okhotsk is part of the adventure, offering sweeping coastal scenery before the cape comes into sight. Standing here, with vast horizons stretching endlessly before you, brings a sense of achievement and wonder. Cape Soya is more than a destination—it is the thrill of reaching “the top of Japan,” where nature and history meet.

"Path of White Shells" is paved with crushed scallop shells, a specialty of the area. The contrast between the blue sky and the white road is beautiful and has become a hot spot on SNS. Surrounded by a landscape of pastures and windmills in the Soya Hills, visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

*"Path of White Shells" has priority for pedestrians. Please be careful when passing by car.

From Wakkanai Ferry Terminal, Hokkaido’s northernmost port, a 100-minute ferry ride leads to Rishiri Island. The fresh sea breeze on deck turns travel into an experience itself. 

On sunny days, the elegant peak of Mt. Rishiri, known as ‘Rishiri Fuji,’ rises dramatically from the sea.

As the island comes closer, the excitement grows, marking the start of a journey surrounded by pristine nature and stunning northern scenery.

Rishiri Island has a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, traditional inns, and guesthouses. Hot spring hotels are ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing, while guesthouses provide friendly interaction with locals and warm hospitality. Fresh seafood, unique to Rishiri, is often served, adding to the island experience. On clear mornings, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Rishiri right from their stay.

Otatomari Swamp, the largest on Rishiri Island, offers breathtaking views of Mt. Rishiri. On calm days, the mountain’s image reflects beautifully on the water. In summer, alpine flowers bloom along the shore, creating a peaceful setting for a leisurely walk. The scenery is also said to inspire the design of the famous Hokkaido sweet “Shiroi Koibito,” making it a must-see stop for travelers.

At Kamui Kaigan Park on Rishiri Island, visitors can enjoy a unique hands-on experience: harvesting sea urchins just like local fishermen. After taking a small boat, you use a traditional viewing box and net to catch your own sea urchin. Crack it open on the spot and taste it immediately—the freshness is unbeatable.

Fed on rich Rishiri kelp, these sea urchins are sweet, creamy, and unforgettable, making this an exclusive memory of your trip.

After enjoying the natural beauty and highlights of Rishiri Island in the morning, it’s time to set sail for Rebun Island, known as the “Floating Island of Flowers.” From Oshidomari Port Ferry Terminal, the excitement of an island-to-island journey begins. The short ferry ride across the sea offers a refreshing sense of adventure, and at the end of the voyage, vibrant alpine flowers and breathtaking views of Rebun Island await you.

Your journey through Rebun Island, celebrated as the “Floating Island of Flowers,” begins at Kafuka Port. Here, about 300 varieties of blossoms welcome visitors with their delicate colors and charm. Renting a car makes it easy to explore the island’s flower-covered hills and scenic coastline, offering a breathtaking drive through landscapes unique to Rebun. With every turn, the untouched beauty of nature promises an unforgettable travel experience.

At the northernmost point of Rebun Island, Cape Sukoton offers a breathtaking view of the endless deep-blue sea. Standing at the tip of the narrow cape, you can truly feel the overwhelming power of nature. From the observatory, visitors can also see Todo Island, an uninhabited isle that adds even more drama to the panorama—perfect for memorable photos.

Cape Sukoton is also the starting point of the “Cape Tour Trail,” a popular trekking route stretching about 13 km. Along the way, you can explore other scenic spots such as Cape Gorota and Cape Sukai, enjoying Rebun Island’s diverse landscapes and untouched natural beauty.

Cape Sukai is one of the most popular scenic spots on Rebun Island, renowned for offering what many call the island’s most beautiful view of the sea. True to its name, the water here is strikingly clear and blue, with sunlight making the colors shine even more vividly on bright days. The breathtaking scenery is sure to captivate every visitor.

The area is also a treasure trove of alpine plants. Nearby lies the habitat of the Rebun lady’s slipper orchid, the symbolic flower of the island. From late May to mid-June, flower enthusiasts from all over Japan gather here to witness its delicate beauty. The harmony of brilliant sea and vibrant blossoms makes this a truly unique experience found only in Rebun.

Chanchan-yaki is a traditional Hokkaido dish where fish and vegetables are grilled together and flavored with miso. While salmon is most commonly used throughout Hokkaido, on Rebun Island the local specialty is chanchan-yaki made with hokke (Atka mackerel). Its savory aroma and rich flavor make it a must-try dish for visitors.

Another highlight is the restaurant’s ultra-fresh seafood rice bowl, proudly served under the direct management of the Kafuka Fisheries Cooperative. With its unbeatable freshness and local flavor, this is the perfect way to enjoy the taste of the sea on Rebun Island.

For lunch, a visit to Kaisendokoro Kafuka is a must. Famous for its signature uni (sea urchin) rice bowl, this dish is a true highlight of Rebun Island’s cuisine. The moment you taste the fresh uni, it melts in your mouth with a sweet, creamy flavor and a deep richness that makes it unforgettable—a bowl that can only be described as ultimate gourmet.

Operated directly by the local fisheries cooperative, the restaurant also offers an impressive variety of seafood dishes, each showcasing unbeatable freshness. From rice bowls topped with the catch of the day to hearty set meals, every option is a celebration of northern Hokkaido’s rich seas. Sampling and comparing different seafood delights here is one of the joys of traveling through Rebun Island.

How was your journey through Japan’s northernmost region? Perhaps you delighted in local gourmet flavors, found excitement in unique experiences, and felt a sense of peace surrounded by colorful seasonal flowers. Every moment spent here has touched all five senses, creating memories that will remain vivid long after your trip.

As you depart from Wakkanai Airport, these unforgettable experiences become treasures to carry with you, leading naturally to the anticipation of your next adventure in Hokkaido and beyond.