Firstly, let’s aim for the top!
The Northernmost Point in Japan Monument
The extremities of Japan, where everyone wants to visit at least once.
Among them is Cape Soya in the city of Wakkanai, which is located at the top of Japan.
At the tip of the cape is the Northernmost Point in Japan Monument,
a popular commemorative photo spot visited by countless people from throughout Japan.
On clear days you may be able to see the silhouette of the island of Sakhalin in the distance.
The way the sunlight reflects creates particularly beautiful and mystical scenes at sunrise and sunset.
Superb, unique views that produce a range of different blues
Japan’s northernmost point, Cape Soya.
The Northernmost Point in Japan Monument at its tip is located at a latitude of 43°, 31′, 22″ north.
The monument is shaped like a pyramid in the motif of one ridge of the pole star,
with the letter N (north) in the center, and a circular pedestal that represents “peace and cooperation”.
If you stand here and face the sea, with Sakhalin 43 km away in the distance and the sea on three sides,
the sense of being at the northernmost tip is particularly strong.
Although both the sea and sky are blue,
the blues differ according to the height and angle of the sun, creating a scenic masterpiece.
In winter, drift ice arrives, and various expressions can also be seen depending on the timing of your visit.
Japan’s northernmost point, Cape Soya. The Northernmost Point in Japan Monument at its tip is located at a latitude of 43°, 31′, 22″ north. The monument is shaped like a pyramid in the motif of one ridge of the pole star, with the letter N (north) in the center, and a circular pedestal that represents “peace and cooperation”. If you stand here and face the sea, with Sakhalin 43 km away in the distance and the sea on three sides, the sense of being at the northernmost tip is particularly strong. Although both the sea and sky are blue, the blues differ according to the height and angle of the sun, creating a scenic masterpiece. In winter, drift ice arrives, and various expressions can also be seen depending on the timing of your visit.
A statue of one of Japan’s most esteemed explorers
Just before the Northernmost Point in Japan Monument is a statue of the late-Edo-period explorer Rinzo Mamiya.
Mamiya served as a “spy” for the Tokugawa family and is known for discovering that Karafuto
(currently the Russian Federation’s Sakhalin Oblast) was an island,
as well as the Mamiya Strait between Sakhalin and the Asian continent.
He is the only Japanese person whose name remains on world maps.
The statue was erected in 1980 – the 200th anniversary of his birth – to honor his achievements
and to nurture the dreams and courage of the youth of the times,
to make their own way in the world.
Just before the Northernmost Point in Japan Monument is a statue of the late-Edo-period explorer Rinzo Mamiya. Mamiya served as a “spy” for the Tokugawa family and is known for discovering that Karafuto (currently the Russian Federation’s Sakhalin Oblast) was an island, as well as the Mamiya Strait between Sakhalin and the Asian continent. He is the only Japanese person whose name remains on world maps. The statue was erected in 1980 – the 200th anniversary of his birth – to honor his achievements and to nurture the dreams and courage of the youth of the times, to make their own way in the world.
“The top,” which continues to enchant people
On the eastern side of the Northernmost Point in Japan Monument is the music monument to the local song
“Soya Misaki” (Cape Soya) in which the lyric “head to the farthest land in pursuit of happiness” is sung.
Since times gone by, the northern tip has tugged at the heartstrings of Japanese people,
and continues to be a place to which they aim.
With just the open sea ahead, the sun that rises from and sets on the horizon brims with indescribable sanctity.
Other things in the vicinity of Cape Soya include an observatory and the Cape Soya Sea Ice Museum,
which boasts Japan’s northernmost vending machine.
Why not come and ‘conquer’ one of Japan’s extremities, ‘the top’.
On the eastern side of the Northernmost Point in Japan Monument is the music monument to the local song “Soya Misaki” (Cape Soya) in which the lyric “head to the farthest land in pursuit of happiness” is sung. Since times gone by, the northern tip has tugged at the heartstrings of Japanese people, and continues to be a place to which they aim. With just the open sea ahead, the sun that rises from and sets on the horizon brims with indescribable sanctity. Other things in the vicinity of Cape Soya include an observatory and the Cape Soya Sea Ice Museum, which boasts Japan’s northernmost vending machine. Why not come and ‘conquer’ one of Japan’s extremities, ‘the top’.
- TOPICS
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Certificate of Arrival at
the Northernmost Point of Japan Only available from souvenir shops in the vicinity of Cape Soya.The date and time is filled in at the shop at the time of purchase.
- Cape Soya
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- Approx. 40 min by car from JR Wakkanai Sta.
- Alight at the "Soya Misaki" bus stop, approx. 50 min. by bus (Tempoku–Soya Misaki route) from JR Wakkanai Sta.
Approx. 25 min. by car from Wakkanai Airport