Tokyo Monorail
The Tokyo Monorail that runs between Haneda Airport and Tokyo, with an average interval of only 4 minutes, can take you to Hamamatsucho Station in as little as 13 minutes, where a transfer to the JR Yamanote Line can be made.
The train cars were very clean, and you can also enjoy views of Tokyo Bay along the way. It really feels like the trip has officially begun.
Cape Noshappu
Located at the northwesternmost point of Wakkanai City, Cape Noshappu juts out into the Soya Strait, offering breathtaking views of the sea. The name is derived from the Ainu words Not-Shamu, meaning “a cape protruding like a jaw” or “a place where waves break.”
The sunset view is amazing, and when the weather is nice, the whole ocean looks absolutely beautiful. It’s definitely worth stopping and taking your time to enjoy it.
Even casual photos give off that northernmost Japan vibe.
Wakkanai Noshappu Aquarium
Located at Cape Noshappu, the westernmost point of Wakkanai, Noshappu Aquarium is Japan's northernmost aquarium. It houses and exhibits approximately 1,300 creatures across around 120 species, primarily showcasing marine life adapted to the cold northern seas, such as fish and seals.
The seals are seriously adorable. They kept swimming around, and seeing them up close was so relaxing that I really didn’t want to leave.
The show isn’t very long, but it’s a lot of fun. The seals are really smart, and the atmosphere feels pretty relaxed too.
Cape Soya
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.
Japan’s northernmost point is really a meaningful place to visit. If you come here, you definitely have to take a photo.
Wakkanai Fukuko Market
This waterfront complex offers a full Wakkanai experience-dining, shopping, soaking in natural hot springs, and savvy hacks for sightseeing, all in one place.
You can eat right on site, which is super convenient. The prices are reasonable and not too expensive.
The souvenir area is fun to browse, and the environment is clean and comfortable. It’s a great place to stop by for a walk and some good food.
Tokyo Disneyland
Known and loved as the “kingdom of dreams and magic”, this full-scale themepark is just a 15 min. train ride from Tokyo Station.
Tokyo Disneyland really feels magical. The park is clean and has a great atmosphere, and the parades and fireworks are fantastic. There are lots of different rides, but the popular ones have long lines, so I’d recommend getting in early and spending the whole day there.
Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
Opened in 2016, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal stands as one of Japan’s largest highway bus terminals, located at JR Shinjuku Station’s South Exit. With around 90 bus operators serving the terminal, it connects destinations from Aomori in the north to Fukuoka in the south, with over 1,600 bus departures daily.
Taking an overnight bus from here is really convenient. You can board right here without having to go somewhere else, which saves a lot of time. The only downside is that it gets really crowded, especially on holidays, so it can feel a bit packed. Overall, I’d still definitely recommend it.
Owakudani
After changing from the cable car to the ropeway at Hayamiyama Station on the main route of the Hakone tour, While enjoying an aerial walk for a while the scenery suddenly changes.
The ride over by cable car was really impressive, and the overall experience felt very complete. The only downside was that the smell was a bit hard to appreciate.
Edosei Chinatown Main Store
Always bustling with crowds and often drawing long lines on weekends, Edosei in Yokohama Chinatown has been loved for generations. Established as a butcher shop in the Meiji era, the store has over 130 years of history and is now best known as a specialty shop for Chinese steamed buns.
Their pork buns are seriously huge and feel nice and hefty in your hands. The filling is packed and substantial, with lots of juicy meat, but it’s not too greasy. Pretty tasty.
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City, is a comprehensive marine leisure facility featuring an aquarium, attractions, restaurants, shopping stores, and hotels.
The aquarium is really big, and the underwater tunnel feels super immersive. Watching the fish swim overhead is so relaxing.
