The views at Wakkanai Park are stunning and the air is so fresh. It's a great place for a relaxing walk. There are also playgrounds, so it's perfect for families. The vibe is super chill. 🌸
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Wakkanai Park
A scenic park perched on a hill, offering sweeping views of the city below. Popular for its panoramic vistas from the observation deck and its beautiful night views.
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Wakkanai Park spans approximately 45.2 hectares and sits on the hills west of Wakkanai’s city center, offering sweeping views of the cityscape and harbor. It's one of the city's top cherry blossom spots, with Ezoyamazakura (Ezo mountain cherry trees) blooming around mid-May. The park is also recognized as part of the “Japan Night View Heritage” thanks to the stunning city lights seen from its elevated vantage points.
One of the park's main attractions is the Centennial Memorial Tower, which houses the Hoppo Memorial Hall, introducing the history of Wakkanai and Sakhalin. The observation deck, located 70 meters above ground, offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view. On clear days, you can see Rishiri and Rebun Islands, as well as the silhouette of Sakhalin across the Soya Strait.
The park is dotted with monuments such as the iconic Gate of Ice and Snow, the Monument of the Nine Maidens, and the Memorial for Karafuto Dogs trained for Antarctic expeditions. These landmarks make for a meaningful walking tour. Also within the park is the Wakkanai Hokutan Botanical Garden, where visitors can admire rare northern flora found only in Japan’s northernmost regions.
Highlights
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A sprawling park in Wakkanai City covering approximately 45.2 hectares.
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Located in the hills, offering sweeping views of downtown Wakkanai.
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Renowned for its night views, designated as part of the "Japan Night View Heritage".
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The Centennial Memorial Tower features a popular observation deck 70 meters above ground.
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The park is dotted with various monuments and memorials throughout the grounds.
Photos
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A hillside park offering panoramic views of the cityscape
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The Gate of Ice and Snow monument stands facing Sakhalin
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The park’s night views are registered as part of the "Japan Night View Heritage"
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The Centennial Memorial Tower features a popular observation deck
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You may even spot Ezo deer within the park
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Wakkanai City Northern Plant Garden showcases rare northern flora
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?)
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
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Yes, it is.
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Are coin lockers available?
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Not available.
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Are there restrooms available?
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Yes, there are.
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Are there any smoking areas?
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Not available.
Reviews
2
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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The park has beautiful scenery, and you can see views of Soya Bay and Mt. Rishiri from afar! It's a great place for a relaxing walk. Lush and green in spring and summer, with stunning autumn leaves in the fall 😆. There are lots of monuments and a rich sense of history—highly recommended!
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 稚内公園
- Postal Code
- 097-0000
- Address
- Yam Wakka Nay, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido
- Telephone
- 0162-23-6468 (Wakkanai City Tourism and Exchange Division)
- Closed
- Closed for the winter season from mid-November to mid-April
- Business Hours
- Walk anytime
- Admission
- Free (Centennial Memorial Tower requires a fee)
- Access
- About 10 minutes by car from JR Soya Main Line’s Wakkanai Station.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)