Travel to Japan's northernmost point, Cape Soya and Rishiri/Rebun
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Days required
- 3 days and 2 nights
- Main methods of transportation
- Car
[3 days/2 nights] Wakkanai, Rishiri, and Rebun Island area is blessed with great nature with wild birds, flowers, and the Soya Hills said to have been formed in the last ice age. There are also a variety of experience menus that make the most of the island's natural features.
The average temperature in summer is about 20 degrees Celsius. At night, it can be chilly unless you have something to wear. Thanks to this cool climate, there are many alpine plants that can only be seen here. The abundance of seafood is also an enjoyable experience.
Check here for summer attire!
- * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Around 13:00
Cape Soya
To the northernmost part of Japan!
The monument to the northernmost point of Japan, erected at the tip of Cape Soya, is based on the motif of a single ridge of the North Star. The "N" in the center indicates north, and the circular shape of the base represents "peace and cooperation. On clear days, the shadow of the island of Sakhalin can be seen in the distance. Japan's northernmost cape is a favorite spot for travelers.
- Address
- 稚内市宗谷岬
- Telephone Number
- 0162-23-6468
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Perfect for lunch!
■MAMIYADO
(about 5 minutes by car/15 minutes on foot from Cape Soya)
We recommend the "Scallop Ramen" which offers the texture of local scallops from Soya. Once you try it, you will be addicted to the taste.
TEL:0162-76-2453
Around 14:30
Path of White Shells
Beautiful contrast of blue sky, sea, and white road.
"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.
- Telephone Number
- 0162-24-1216(Wakkanai Tourism Association)
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Wakkanai Footpath
The Wakkanai Footpath is a walking course that allows visitors to enjoy the attractions of Wakkanai while walking. The "Path of White Shells" is part of the Soya Hills Footpath Course (about 11 km in length). You can enjoy it at your own pace, so if you have time to spare, choose a course and enjoy a stroll.
Around 15:30
Wakkanai Ferry Terminal
To Rishiri Island, a remote northern island!
The boat ride from Wakkanai to Rishiri takes about 100 minutes. Rishiri Fuji," which can be seen when the weather is fine, looks like a mountain floating on the sea. It is a mysterious sight that makes you want to take a picture of it.
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Wakkanai Port North breakwater dome
The Wakkanai Port North breakwater dome was constructed to prevent damage from frequent high waves. It is the symbol of the North Wharf and is designated as a Hokkaido Heritage Site. The 13.6-meter-high, 70-pillar structure is a sight to behold. The unique design is reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture. It is about a 5-minute drive from the ferry terminal, so be sure to stop by while you wait.
Around 19:00
[Accommodation] Rishiri Island
Around 9:00
Otatomari Swamp
The largest swamp on Rishiri Island, decorated with alpine flora
Otatomari Swamp is a scenic spot where Rishiri Fuji, the symbol of the island, can be seen beautifully. In season, lovely alpine plants bloom along the swamp's shores, providing a beautiful view. It is said that the package of "Shiroi Koibito," one of Hokkaido's famous sweets, depicts the view from here.
- Address
- 利尻郡利尻富士町鬼脇
- Telephone Number
- 0163-82-2201
- Closed
- Inaccessible when snow is present
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White Lovers’ Hill
Numaura Observatory, also known as White Lovers' Hill, is located near Otatomari Swamp. If you propose here and bring a photo of the proposal to the Rishirifuji Town Tourism Association, you will receive an Ishiya Seika-approved certificate of proposal. Couples are encouraged to visit!
Around 10: 00
Kamui Kaigan Park
You can eat sea urchin you picked yourself!
Kamui Kaigan Park is a hands-on tourist facility where you can "pick sea urchins. Visitors can enjoy picking sea urchins in the same way as local fishermen. You board a boat and use a net and box glasses to look into the water. The sea urchin should be cracked open immediately and eaten while it is still fresh. Sea urchins grown on Rishiri kelp are superbly delicious.
- Address
- 利尻町沓形字神居149-2
- Telephone Number
- 0163-84-3622
- Open
- (Jun. 1 - Sept. 30) 10:00 - 16:30 (last admission at 16:00)
- Closed
- Open all year round during the period
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Rishiri Ramen Miraku (about 5 minutes by car from Kamui Kaigan Park)
How about Yaki Shoyu Ramen for lunch?
The sweet broth made with lots of Rishiri kelp and yaki shoyu are combined in this flavorful dish. It is recommended to get there early, as there may be a long line at lunch time.
Address: 利尻町沓形字本町67
TEL:0163-84-3558
Around 13:15
Oshidomari Port Ferry Terminal (Rishiri Island)
Visit Rebun Island where beautiful flowers are in full bloom!
After enjoying Rishiri Island in the morning, we will next head to Rebun Island.
Around 14:00
Kafuka Port (Rebun Island)
Arrival at Rebun!
Rebun Island is also known as the "Floating Island of Flowers. There are about 300 kinds of flowers blooming on the island. Rent a car and start your trip Rebun Island.
Around 15:00
Cape Sukoton
You can enjoy a spectacular view from the northernmost tip of Rebun Island!
Standing at the tip of the narrow cape jutting out into the sea, the azure ocean spreads out before your eyes. From the observatory, you can also see the uninhabited Todo Island floating in front of you. This is also the starting point of the "Cape Tour Course," about 13-km trekking tour from Cape Scoton to Cape Gorota , Cape Sukai, and other points.
- Address
- 礼文町船泊順古頓
- Telephone Number
- 0163-86-1001
Cape Sukai
Looking out over the sea, which is said to be the most beautiful in Rebun!
From the cape, one can look out over the clear, blue ocean. A colony of the alpine plant Leven atsumoris is also located nearby. The best time to visit is from late May to mid-June. The area is a gathering spot for flower lovers.
- Address
- 礼文町船泊西上泊
- Telephone Number
- 0163-86-1001
Around 16:00
Sea Urchin Peeling Experience Center
Let's try sea urchin peeling which is surprisingly difficult!
Here, visitors can enjoy the "sea urchin peeling experience" while receiving a detailed lecture from the staff. The taste of sea urchin that has grown up eating Rishiri kelp and processed by yourself is exquisite.
- Address
- 礼文町大字香深村字キトウス
- Telephone Number
- 0163-87-2506
- Open
- 9:00-15:30
*Open only from Apr. to the end of Sept.
*Business is suspended due to the spread of the new coronavirus. Please inquire directly regarding reopening. - Closed
- Open irregularly, closed during winter
Kaisendokoro Kafuka (dinner)
A specialty of Rebun! Chanchan-yaki of Hokke
Chanchan-yaki is a local Hokkaido dish of grilled fish and grilled vegetables cooked with miso and other seasonings. Salmon is usually used, but here on Rebun Island, hokke (salmon roe) chanchan-yaki is a specialty.
Kafuka Fisheries Cooperative is also proud of its fresh Kaisen-don, a bowl of rice topped with fresh seafood.
- Address
- 礼文町大字香深村字トンナイ558-1
- Telephone Number
- 0163-86-1745
- Open
- 11:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 21:00 (open from May 1 to Oct. 15)
[Accommodation] Rebun
Around 8:00
Leontopodium Discolor Colonies (Momoiwa Observatory Parking Lot)
Flowers in Rebun town, best time to see them is from late June to August.
Drive to the Momoiwa Observatory parking lot and continue on foot along the Rebun Forest Road. You can view a variety of alpine plants. Along the way, there is a colony of the Leontopodium Discolor, a species endemic to the island. It is a pretty white flower. It is a member of the same family as the Alpine edelweiss and has a gentle, felt-like texture.
- Address
- 礼文町香深村
Around 11:00
Kitano Canary Park
A filming location for a famous movie!
At the Kitano Canary Park, the elementary school used for the filming of the movie "Canaries of the North" is open to the public and displays photos and costumes. Visitors can also take pictures with a panel of the actors at the entrance of the school building.
The view of Rishiri Fuji from the schoolyard is spectacular.
- Address
- 礼文町香深村奮部
- Telephone Number
- 0163-86-1001(Rebun Town Industrial Division)
- Open
- (May - Oct.) 9:00-17:00
- Closed
- open daily during this period
Around 11:30
Kaisendokoro Kafuka (lunch)
Try the exquisite sea urchin!
At Kaisendokoro Kafuka, which we also visited on the second night, we will next have a bowl of sea urchin rice topped with Rebun Island sea urchin. Kafuka boasts the freshness that only a restaurant directly managed by the Kafuka Fisheries Cooperative Association can provide. The sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture is the ultimate delicacy! Eating a wide variety of seafood dishes is another pleasure of traveling.
- Address
- 礼文町大字香深村字トンナイ558-1
- Telephone Number
- 0163-86-1745
- Open
- 11:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 21:00 (open from May 1 to Oct. 15)
(From Wakkanai Ferry Terminal) 25 minutes by car
Around 16:40
Wakkanai Airport
How was your trip to the northernmost part of Japan? We hope you will make many memories.