10BRENDA's Reviews Page 1/16

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.

Wakkanai Station

Wakkanai Station is the famed, northernmost railway station in Japan, located on the JR Soya Main Line. It sits just a 20-minute drive up from Wakkanai Airport, a 2-minute drive from the ferry terminal, and a 40-minute drive to Cape Soya, Japan's northernmost point. Swing by here for a smattering of different sightseeing delights, a bus terminal just off the front doorstep for routes to get you going, intercity buses to Sapporo, and regular sightseeing buses. For an added perk, check out Roadside Station Wakkanai just next door, the northernmost roadside station in Japan.

• Wakkanai and Rumoi
• Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers

The northernmost station.
When you arrive here and walk toward the station, what greets you is definitely not the noise of a big city or crowds rushing by, but a quiet atmosphere wrapped in the sea breeze of the north and a slow, easy pace of life.

Ueno Farm

A garden unique to Hokkaido, adorned with plants centering on perennial grasses that grow in the northern climate. The flowers bloom with different colors dramatically according to season, hence the name “Dramatic Garden”.

• Asahikawa and Sounkyo
• Parks & Gardens

Stepping into Ueno Farm feels like falling into a European fairy tale in an instant.
The owner has brought a warm English-style garden to Hokkaido, and the biggest surprise is the many little fairies hidden among the flowers and greenery. These delicate art installations add a fun, treasure-hunt-like fairy-tale charm to a walk through the garden.
Following the path up the hill, the row of colorful rainbow chairs at the top is a photo spot you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Sitting here and looking down, you can take in the patchwork-like garden and the wide-open rural scenery all at once. When the breeze blows through, being surrounded by all those colors and nature feels so soothing that it makes you want to sit there and lose track of time.

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.

• Wakkanai and Rumoi
• Tourist Attractions

I finally had the chance to stand at the northernmost tip of this island—Cape Soya. For travelers who love Japan, this is a sacred place you have to visit at least once in your lifetime.

The triangular monument standing at the meeting point of sea and sky was inspired by a ray of the North Star, a symbol of the north, sharply and firmly pointing due north.

Looking out from here, there’s a real sense of being at the edge of the world. The moment I stepped onto this land, the coordinates on the map finally became real.

I truly can’t put into words how moved I felt in that moment.

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.”

• Wakkanai and Rumoi
• Nature Spots

This is one of the most stunning sunset spots in Wakkanai.

When the glow of the setting sun spreads across the vast Sea of Japan and the Soya Strait, the shimmering orange-red tones on the water are genuinely moving.

The sea breeze can be pretty strong, and even in summer, it suddenly feels much colder once the sun starts to go down.

I'd definitely recommend bringing a windproof jacket or some warm clothing.

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.

• Wakkanai and Rumoi
• Shopping Streets

You can shop for fresh seafood and dried seafood products here, and if you buy seafood, the shops also offer packing services.
There are also several restaurants, so you can pick whatever you like.
We happened to visit right when sea urchin season was starting, so you definitely have to try it. It was really sweet and delicious, with your mouth full of that fresh ocean flavor.