Hello.
We’ve arrived at Cape Noshappu. This is the westernmost point of Wakkanai, where a beautiful view spreads out before us. To the east is Cape Soya, to the west is Rebun Island, to the southwest is Rishiri Island, and far to the north is Sakhalin. It is also known as a beautiful sunset spot, where the entire sea is bathed in orange, creating a stunning silhouette of Rishiri Fuji.
“Noshappu” has two meanings in Ainu language: “a cape that juts out like a chin” and “a place where waves break.” At the Eisan Park near the lighthouse, there’s a monument for Cape Noshappu, along with a dolphin monument based on a local tale of dolphins passing through the Soya Strait. In the surrounding area, you may spot marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, orcas, seals, sea lions, and Steller sea lions.
We came to Wakkanai Fukkou Market for a late lunch. Here, local seafood and Hokkaido souvenirs are sold everywhere. Unfortunately, the seafood bowl I was hoping to have was sold out, which is a shame. After filling my stomach, we head to our next destination, Cape Soya.
Finally, we’re at Cape Soya. Located in Wakkanai City, Cape Soya is at latitude 45 degrees north, the northernmost point of Japan’s mainland accessible to the public. Other places at the same latitude include Milan in Italy, Montreal in Canada, and Lyon in France. The monument at Cape Soya is designed to resemble the North Star, combining the letter “N,” which indicates north, with a circular pedestal symbolizing peace and cooperation. With its magnificent view, many tourists visit this commemorative spot, and there’s usually a line of people waiting to take photos in front of the monument.
Nearby stands a statue of Rinzo Mamiya, an explorer known for his expeditions to Sakhalin during the Edo period. The average summer temperature here is about 20°C, and thanks to this cool climate, many alpine plants that can only be seen here thrive. The rich seafood is also one of the highlights. This is the northernmost cape in Japan, a dream destination for travelers.
After leaving Cape Soya, we drive along Route 238, also known as Soya Road, heading to Sarufutsu Park Roadside Station. Route 238 is the northernmost national road in Japan, extending over 300 kilometers from Wakkanai City to Abashiri City, running almost the entire length along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk.
We will enjoy a hot spring at Sarufutsu Park Roadside Station. Although we could also enjoy a hot spring at Kamiyubetsu Onsen Roadside Station, where we’ll be staying overnight, we probably won’t arrive there within business hours, so we decided to change our plans and stop at Sarufutsu Park Rest Area instead.
That’s it for today; next time, we’ll visit the Abashiri Prison Museum.
See you!