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Takasago Shuzo Inc.

Established in 1899, Kohiyama Shuzo, a historical Sake brewery, called as Nada in Hokkai, was the 4th-established Sake brewery in Asahikawa. Merged with Ishizaki Shuzo in 1965, a new company restarted as the name of Takasago Shuzo.

• Asahikawa and Sounkyo
• Local Products Center & Souvenir Stores

I’d heard the name Kokushi Muso for a long time, but never really knew its background. This time, I finally had the chance to step inside the brewery and see its brewing world with my own eyes. The aroma of sake filled the air, making me want to stop and take it all in.

Besides tasting seasonal limited-edition sake, there were all kinds of related items to shop for.
From sake ware to sake lees products, each one carried a distinct local character.
By the time I left, my hands were full of great finds.

Rishiri Island

A small island floating in the Sea of Japan, about 50 km west of Wakkanai City at the northern tip of Hokkaido. The almost perfectly round island spreads out around Mt. Rishiri, which rises 1,721 m above sea level, and most of the island is designated as part of Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. The island has a circumference of Approx. 60 km, and you can drive around it in about 1.5 hours or cycle all the way around it.

• Wakkanai and Rumoi
• Famous Places

This is the mountain known as the “Shiroi Koibito” mountain, and its appearance changes constantly with the time of day and the weather.
Sometimes it feels gentle and poetic, and other times grand like a painting. I couldn’t stop taking photos of it.
June through October is the best time to visit the island. The weather is pleasant and great for hiking.
The information center at the ferry terminal also has helpful materials, which is very convenient.
Be sure to pay close attention to the ferry schedule when visiting.
The ferry service is limited, so our stay wasn’t very long.
But if you can stay one extra day, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the island’s relaxed atmosphere.
And you can feast on fresh seafood to your heart’s content.
That’s truly one of the happiest moments of traveling.

Soya Hills

Spanning across Wakkanai, the northernmost city in Japan, Soya Hills offers a breathtakingly vast landscape formed over 10,000 years ago during the Ice Age. This periglacial terrain, shaped by repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, features rolling hills with gentle, undulating curves. The Soya Hills Footpath Course allows visitors to immerse themselves in this stunning scenery while enjoying a leisurely walk through nature.

• Wakkanai and Rumoi
• Nature Spots

On the sprawling grasslands of the Soya Hills, cows graze peacefully, and the view is truly refreshing.
Especially along the White Path made of shells, which shines with a soft glow in the sunlight.
It felt like the most dreamy photo spot and check-in place to us.
Walking through these wide-open hills, it feels like stepping into Hokkaido’s peaceful world.
With fewer tourist crowds, you can relax and enjoy the calm atmosphere and gentle breeze even more.

Otokoyama sake brewery museum

Otokoyama, Hokkaido's famous sake, with a history of about 350 years. The Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum is operated by Otokoyama Corporation to convey the history and traditions of sake brewing where Otokoyama is produced and sold.

• Asahikawa and Sounkyo
• Museums

At Otokoyama Sake Brewery, you can sample 12 different kinds of sake all at once (paid tasting required), and even enjoy a scoop of their special ice cream surrounded by the aroma of sake. The gently boozy sweetness and cool, creamy texture come together beautifully, adding a delightful surprise to the trip. They also sell related products.
This place is more than just a brewery—it feels like a little adventure for your taste buds.

Karafuto Islanders Memorial – Gate of Ice and Snow

Located within Wakkanai Park, the Karafuto Islanders Memorial - Gate of Ice and Snow is a monument dedicated to those who lost their lives in Karafuto (now Sakhalin), which was once part of Japan. The memorial stands on ground that historically served as a vital link between Japan and Karafuto-a place where many people once came and went.

• Wakkanai and Rumoi
• Tourist Attractions

In Wakkanai Park, at Japan’s northernmost point, you’ll find not only stunning views overlooking the Soya Strait and Sakhalin, but also several memorials standing quietly throughout the park.
They silently tell the heavy history of the final days of World War II and the early postwar period—a time filled with heartbreaking separations and circumstances beyond people’s control.