From the cape, you get a breathtaking view of the vast Soya Strait and the endless ocean. The scenery is truly stunning.

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Cape Soya
Japan's northernmost cape, from where you can see as far as Sakhalin.
Cape Soya is the northernmost tip of mainland Japan. The monument "Northernmost Point of Japan" stands proudly at latitude 45 degrees 31 minutes 22 seconds, making it an excellent photo spot. The monument is designed as a cone that reflects the facet of the North Star, a symbol of the northern lands. The letter "N" engraved in the center represents the north, and its circular base symbolizes peace and harmony.
Before reaching the northernmost cape, you'll find a statue of Mamiya Rinzō, who discovered that Sakhalin is an island and identified the Mamiya Strait between Sakhalin and the Eurasian continent. On clear days with pristine air, you can catch a glimpse of Sakhalin's silhouette off the coast, and in winter, drifting sea ice reaches this area. While the mild climate of summer attracts tourists, many also visit during the harsh cold of winter.
Nearby souvenir shops sell "Certificate of Arrival at the Northernmost Point of Japan" with the date and time mentioned. Don't forget to grab one! In the vicinity, attractions like Soya Hills and Cape Soya Park are worth exploring.
Highlights
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The freely accessible northernmost point of Japan.
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Monuments like the "Northernmost Point of Japan" and a statue of Mamiya Rinzō stand tall.
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You can sometimes view Sakhalin and drifting ice in the winter.
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Souvenir shops sell certificates confirming your visit to Japan's northernmost point.
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Various tourist spots are dotted around the area.
Photos
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A monument at Japan's northernmost point, inspired by the North Star.
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Statue of Mamiya Rinzō with a view of Sakhalin.
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The cape looks stunning during sunset.
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The monument is beautifully lit up at night.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
For paper media, they are available in Japanese and English.
The web version includes Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.
Road signs are in Japanese, English, and Russian.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
Yes, it is.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Not available.
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Are there restrooms available?
Yes, there are.
Reviews
If the original text is in another language, the AI will automatically translate and display it.
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Way Huang
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mizuiro_lawson
If you go to Hokkaido, you have to visit the northernmost point at least once.
It was cloudy when I went, but I still felt a sense of accomplishment!
I also recommend the 'White Road' near the cape, which runs through the Soya Hills. The unpaved road covered with scallop shells creates an amazing contrast with the scenery—definitely an Instagram-worthy spot. -
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 宗谷岬
- Postal Code
- 098-6758
- Address
- Soyamisaki, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido
- Telephone
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0162-23-6468
(Wakkanai City Hall Construction and Industry Department, Tourism and Exchange Division) - Closed
- Free to walk
- Business Hours
- Walk anytime
- Admission
- Free
- Access
- From JR Minami-Wakkanai Station, take a bus to Cape Soya (approx. 50 mins). It's a short walk from the bus stop.
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)