Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

The village of Shosanbetsu is located along a stretch of the Sea of Japan’s coast. Running south to north, the Ororon Line transports people through the area. With the beautiful coast on one side, it is easy to see why droves of photographers have been making their way to Shosanbetsu. Especially popular is the red torii gates of the Toyosaki Konpira Shrine that stand alone and vibrantly off the coast of Cape Konpira. Why not visit this spot and try your hand at capturing the striking red structure contrasted against the beautiful blue sky and ocean? Or, maybe you are more of a romantic and would prefer shooting the setting sun glowing through the gate? Night owls might want to come out on a starry night and watch the torii be enveloped by the cosmos. Whatever your preference, the Toyosaki Konpira Shrine gates will not disappoint!

The Sarobetsu Wetland, located on the Sea of Japan coast in the northernmost part of Hokkaido, is the third-largest wetland in Japan. It is also the largest high moor in the country, and a slight natural oddity as high moors usually appear at even higher mountain altitudes. The Sarobetsu Wetland is part of the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, and you can get panoramic views of the park’s landscape colored by seasonal flowers with Mt. Rishiri towering over the horizon. Hundreds of varieties of wildflower bloom from spring through autumn changing the shades of the scenery over the course of the year. Because of its importance as a stopover point and breeding area for many migratory birds, Sarobetsu was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 2005. Grassland birds such as the common stonechat, reed bunting, and Siberian rubythroat visit and breed in the early summer. Bean geese and tundra swans stop by on their migration route every spring and autumn. While Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles visit the area in the winter when the land is hidden under heavy snowfall.

Looking to explore Japan’s most extreme frontiers? For the northernmost point, a visit to Cape Soya is a must. This location rewards travelers with stunning views of two beautiful bodies of water: the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan. From this vantage point, keen-eyed observers can even catch a faint glimpse of Sakhalin Island. While touring Cape Soya, be sure to seek out the Monument to Japan’s Northernmost Point. Passersby will immediately recognize the monument’s unique delta cone shape, inspired by the North Star – the perfect backdrop for your northernmost photos. To commemorate your adventure, don't forget to pick up a Japan’s Northernmost Point Certificate, a popular souvenir!

At Japan’s northern tip is the town of Wakkanai and the beautiful Soya Hills. Whether you enjoy cycling or a pleasant hike, the White Path, constructed out of crushed shells on the southwest side of Soya Hills, is a dream come true for nature lovers! Be sure to visit between May and November to snapshots of the vivid contrast between the white shelled path, rolling green slopes, and vast blue sky above. Those seeking more at the end of the 3-kilometer path should take the path to the main road and into downtown Wakkanai.

Standing tall along Wakkanai Port, the North Breakwater Dome is a striking half-arch structure built over 5 years to shield roads and railways from the fierce winds and waves that batter the coast more than 130 days a year. Rising 14 meters high and stretching 427 meters long, its 70 massive columns and gracefully curving colonnade evoke the elegance of ancient Greek architecture.

Once bustling with travelers heading to and from Sakhalin, this remarkable construction is now recognized as a Hokkaido Heritage Site and a popular filming location for TV commercials. Today, visitors come not only to admire its rare architectural beauty but also to capture unforgettable photographs beneath its sweeping arches. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a unique photo spot, the North Breakwater Dome is a must-see highlight of Wakkanai.