Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

A shrine located at Konpira Cape in Shosanbetsu Village, popular as a photo spot for the sight of the red torii gate in the sea overlapping with the sunset.

Konpira Shrine, nestled below Konpira Cape, began when a local fisherman enshrined a Konpira talisman that had washed ashore on this cape. It is said that maritime accidents in this area decreased thereafter, and it has been worshipped in the region as a shrine protecting the safety of the sea. At the end of the approach continuing from the precincts to the sea, a red torii gate stands at the water's edge, showing both the appearance of being submerged in the sea and standing on land depending on the tide. The contrast of the vermillion of the torii gate with the blue sea and sky is beautiful, and especially at dusk, the setting sun overlaps beyond the torii gate, creating a breathtaking sight.

This spectacular view woven by the torii gate and sunset has gained popularity as a photography spot known to insiders among photography enthusiasts. Many photographers visit, aiming for the timing when the sunset sets right in the middle of the torii gate. Since you can also receive a goshuin stamp at the precincts, it is secretly popular among people making goshuin pilgrimages. It is a special place where the sacred atmosphere and the beauty of nature harmonize while feeling the sea breeze.

One of Japan's three great wetlands located in the center of Sarobetsu Wilderness. A 1km circuit boardwalk is maintained in the vast 6,000ha wetland, offering views of Mount Rishiri.

Sarobetsu Wetland, located in Kamisarobetsu, Toyotomi-cho, Teshio District, is one of Japan's three great wetlands in the center of Sarobetsu Wilderness. The vast wetland of about 6,000ha spreads to the horizon, and on clear days, Mount Rishiri can be seen far in the distance. From Sarobetsu Wetland Center at the wetland's entrance, a circuit boardwalk of about 1km is maintained, and from spring to autumn, while walking the wetland, you can observe wetland plants like Ezo day lily and cotton grass, and wild birds like red-crowned cranes and latham's snipe up close. Walking the boardwalk, the scent of damp earth and grass drifts on the wind, and the soft feel of the wetland ground is conveyed from underfoot.

Driving Route 444, vast wetland scenery spreads from the car windows, and the contrast of endless green land and blue sky beautifully stands out. In early summer, colorful flowers in yellow, pink, and white paint the wetland, and sweet flower fragrances fill the entire area. Only the quiet sound of wind rustling wetland grass echoes, and bird songs are heard from afar, allowing you to stroll in nature enveloped in silence. At Sarobetsu Wetland Center's rest house, you can taste the specialty "Imo-mochi," and enjoy Hokkaido flavors along with specialty Toyotomi milk in Japan's northernmost great wetland.

Gaze toward the horizon of Sakhalin from 45°31'22" North.

Cape Soya marks the northernmost point of Hokkaido, at 45°31'22" North. Known as Japan’s "Northern Terminus," it draws travelers with its dramatic location at the edge of the archipelago.

The vast, deep blue of the Sea of Okhotsk stretches before you. At the tip of the cape, the brisk northern wind and crisp air fill your senses. On clear days, when the horizon stretches out without a single obstruction, the silhouette of Sakhalin appears vividly about 40km away. It’s a moment when you truly realize you’ve reached the very edge of Japan.

In the center of the cape stands the "Monument of the Northernmost Point of Japan," an iconic triangular structure inspired by a single ray of the North Star. Nearby, the statue of Rinzo Mamiya—the famed explorer who once crossed over to Sakhalin—stands tall, gazing straight out at the sea. As you listen to the crashing waves and reflect on the journeys of pioneers who ventured into the unknown, the landscape takes on a deeper, more storied meaning. Cape Soya is a unique spot where the edge of Japan meets the endless sea and sky.

≪How to Get to Cape Soya by Route Bus≫ Soya Bus Official Website (Japanese)

Walk along a 3km trail paved entirely with crushed scallop shells, where lush green hills meet the deep blue ocean.

The White Path is a trail made from Wakkanai’s famous scallop shells, offering a landscape unlike any other. As you walk, the finely crushed shells provide a soft, cushioned feel beneath your feet, accompanied by a satisfying rhythmic crunch. The refreshing sea breeze carries a faint scent of salt and seaweed, letting you fully immerse yourself in Japan’s northern frontier.

On clear days, the horizon reveals the majestic Mt. Rishiri and, far across the Sea of Okhotsk, the distant silhouette of Sakhalin. The hills are dotted with 57 giant wind turbines, standing as silent sentinels along the white trail, creating a scene that feels cinematic in scale.

The White Path is part of the “Wakkanai Footpath” course and is ideal for walking or cycling. Whether on foot or by bike, this living piece of art invites you to experience the perfect harmony of nature’s colors, sounds, and textures.

Note: The trail is pedestrian-friendly; cyclists and drivers should take care.

Walk through a 427-meter corridor of 70 soaring pillars—a Hokkaido Heritage site where history meets the sea.

Rising majestically along the shoreline of Wakkanai, the North Breakwater Dome stands firm against the fierce northern tides. This semi-arched structure, with its massive Roman-style columns, creates a breathtaking sight unlike any other in the world.

The dome reaches 14 meters in height and took five years to complete. Originally built as a sheltered walkway connecting the harbor to the railway station, it protected travelers from the harsh northern winds. Today, its elegant curves evoke the grandeur of an ancient Greek temple, offering a one-of-a-kind spectacle that has captivated visitors for decades.

Step inside, and feel the cool touch of concrete and hear the resonant echoes of the wind whistling between the pillars. Imagine the travelers of the past, their hearts full of anticipation for journeys to Sakhalin. Now a designated Hokkaido Heritage site, the dome’s photogenic scenery makes it a popular filming location for movies and commercials.

Experience a serene space where history and modern life intersect, all while enjoying the crisp sea breeze unique to Wakkanai.