How to go from Asahikawa to Wakkanai ?
Access to the most northern city in Japan
The route is covered by the Soya Service, a limited express train which runs between Sapporo and Wakkanai and the Sarobetsu Service, which runs between Asahikawa and Wakkanai.
The route is covered by the Soya Service, a limited express train which runs between Sapporo and Wakkanai and the Sarobetsu Service, which runs between Asahikawa and Wakkanai.
Limited Express Soya between Asahikawa and Wakkanai
98 km - 1H15 - Bifuka station
259 KM - 3H46 - Wakkanai station
199 km - 2h46 - Horonobe station
The word Horonobe originates from Poro-Nup. InAinu language, poro means large and nup means grassland. The north 45° latitude passes through this town and is marked bya monument. Horonobe is also known for its reindeer; you can visit the Reindeer Ranch (398-1 Hokushin, Horonobecho, a 5-minute taxi ride from the station), and its wind turbines located on the beaches.
216 km - 3H - Toyotomi station
This is an access point to visit the Sarobetsu Plain.The plain is a marshy floodplain on the Sea of Japan, formed by the Teshio River and the Sarobetsu River. The Sarobetsu Plain was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 2005. They are home to more than 100 kinds of flowers and offer beautiful and much photographed scenery.
259 KM - 3H46 - Wakkanai station
Discover Wakkanai
What to see ?
Soya-misaki
Thirty kilometers from Wakkanai, this cape is mainland Japan’s most northern point. The cape is also a good spot for bird watchers. There are four return buses each day,departing from JR Wakkanai Station (one hour each way, ¥2430).
Rishiri-rebun-sarobetsu National Park
These two islands, Rishiri-to and Rebun-to, are the main attraction of the area, featuring native wild flowers, beautiful landscapes andfantastic hiking for all levels of hiker. To get to Rishiri or Rebun, take a ferry from Wakkanai (2nd class one way tickets to Rishiri or Rebun, ¥2200).
Wakkanai Koen
This is a large park on the grassy hills west of the town, from where you can get good views of the sea. Thereare nice walking trails to explore. If you are here during Hanami, there are more than 4 000 wild cherry trees in the park. To getan even better view you can go to the top of the 70-meter-high Motoe Hiraku Centennial Memorial Tower (daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jul-Sep, until 9 p.m.) for a 360° view. You can sometimes even see Sakhalin in Russia.
Where to Stay ?
Dormy Inn Wakkanai (Aka Tenpoku No Yu) 天然温泉 天北の湯 ドーミーイン稚内
4 minutes on foot from WakkanaiStation. It is reasonable, comfortable and a great location.Enjoy the hot spring on the top floor.
2-7-13 Chuo, Wakkanai, Hokkaido, 097-0022
Tel : 01-6224-5489/ www.hotespa.net/hotels/wakkanai
Crowne Plaza Ana Wakkanai 稚内全日空ホテル
Only 3minutes on foot from Wakkani Station. The rooms face the oceangiving a good view.
1-2-2 Kaiun, Wakkanai, Hokkaido, 097-0023
Tel: 01-6223-8111/ https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/reservation
Where to eat ?
Pechika ペチカ
A small but popular Russian restaurant, whoseproprietor will often sing in both Japanese and Russian.Located south, down the main street from Wakkanai Station.
Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., closed Tuesdays.
Tel: 01-6223-7070/ http://www.wakkanai-fukukou.com/pechika/index.html
Sushi Ryu 寿司竜
Fresh sushi located really close to Wakkanai Station. From the station, walk east; it is across the road from the post office.
Open daily, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tel : 01-6223-5631