Wakkanai Park

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.