Ah, this is Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Japan, answer me, world🌍

#Overseas travel #Japan travel #Hokkaido travel #Northernmost point #Wakkanai #Soya Cape #Sea travel #稚内 #稚内旅行 #宗谷岬

The border area always makes me feel that the world is one.
If airplanes feel like they “go beyond” the world, then land transportation and the sea feel like they “connect”.
Just like when you see Tsushima Island and Japan from Busan…
It makes me feel a clear sense that I can find the other side at any time.

Soya Cape is exactly like that.

On a good day, you can see Russian land with your own eyes.
It’s even more touching because Russia is currently at war.
It’s connected like this, but the only thing that’s drawn is a border line.
Why do we hate and fight so much?
I hope that Cape Soya will be an opportunity for us to feel that together.

Address: 3 Soyamisaki, Wakkanai, Hokkaido 098-6758

Accessibility: 50 minutes one way from Wakkanai Bus Terminal.
Cost: 2,880 yen round trip.
Note: Please note that there are very limited times.

1) Japan's Northernmost Monument

This is a monument indicating the northernmost point of Japan.
It is a famous photo spot, and many tourists line up to take pictures.
However, there are many other things to see, so please do not spend too much time here.
Especially if you come by bus!

2) Mamiya Rinzo Statue

This is a major attraction, just like the Northernmost Monument. This explorer from the Edo period, who visited this place at a time when there were no proper means of transportation other than walking or animals, is awe-inspiring.

3) Soyamisaki Shrine

This is the northernmost shrine in Japan. However, it is not particularly decorated, and the materials are scattered inside, so it is not very emotional. Some people pay a light visit.

3) Milestone

It shows the locations of the suburbs, sister cities, and friendship cities. It makes you realize once again that Russia is close. When the weather is good, you can see Sakhalin from Cape Soya, but unfortunately, it was not visible today even though the weather was good.

4) Akebono Statue

This statue was created to commemorate the production of 500,000 tons of Hokkaido milk. Even the milk we drink without thinking about it is always behind someone's efforts.

5) Former Navy Watchtower, Peace Monument, and Memorial Monument

These are traces of the Pacific War. How you accept and interpret the past is up to each individual. Regardless, the view from the Navy Watchtower is very beautiful, so I hope you visit it.

6) Former Site of Soya Middle School

This is where the school used to be. I am impressed by the children who went to school here.

7) Tower of Prayer

This is a memorial to the Korean Air plane crash. It was built because there were many Japanese victims, and the names of all passengers are written regardless of nationality. I hope this tragedy will not be repeated.

8) Bell of Peace

This is a bell of peace that you can knock on yourself. It was created through collaboration between 19 countries and has a very elegant sound. It is said that if you knock on it three times, you will receive good fortune, so knock on it.

9) Others

Unfortunately, I could not look around more. The bus arrives at 2:20, but the next one to Wakkanai is at 3:20. In reality, you have to look around in just one hour, which is practically impossible. This is even though I took the first train from Sapporo. I recommend that you plan to stay for 2 days and 1 night and spend a full day at Cape Soya or rent a car.

10) Souvenir Shop

The souvenir shop has a mix of Hokkaido products and Cape Soya products. I bought Sanrio Hokkaido magnets and Cape Soya magnets. The certificate of arrival is also on sale, but for some reason, the tourist center didn't distribute them (I may have missed it. Please check), so I bought them in card form for 200 yen. I want to keep them as a symbol of adventure.

11) Overall atmosphere

The endless sea seems to wash our hearts. At the border where the sky and the sea meet, we dream of many dreams. One of them may be world peace. I hope that the world will move towards peace a little more in the remaining 25 and a half years.