Wakkanai, Rishiri & Rebun

Wakkanai, Rishiri & Rebun

This sightseeing area is at the northern tip of Hokkaido. Wakkanai, Japan's northernmost city, sits on Cape Soya. Here stands the Monument of the Northernmost Point of Japan, from which Sakhalin is visible. Dog sled amateurs gather every year for the Japan Cup Dog Sled Competition in Wakkanai. On Rishiri Island, Mt. Rishiri rises from the heart of the isle, and there are thick forests, lakes and marshes, as well as a lively fishing port by the sea. Farther north is Rebun Island, where there is a number of hiking courses starting at Cape Sukoton along which you can take in alpine vegetation like Rebun cypripediums and Rebun edelwiess. On the opposite shore of the Rishiri Channel is the Sarobetsu Plain, a treasure trove of precious water fowl and plants. There are plenty of places to enjoy the area's plentiful seafood, including specialties like Ezo Bafun sea urchins, purple sea urchins and Rishiri seaweed.


Photo by (c)Tomo.Yun (http://www.yunphoto.net)