▷ What This Article Will Help You Solve
If you’ve reached Wakkanai, Japan’s northernmost city, and are wondering how to access Cape Sōya (Sōya Misaki)—the actual tip of Japan—this guide will show you the best and most reliable way to get there.
Many travelers are confused by:
- Lack of frequent buses
- Whether taxis are worth the cost
- How much time is needed for a round trip
- What you can do once you arrive
This article provides you with specific, reliable routes, fare info, and seasonal advice, drawn from official sources and first-hand travel diaries.
🚍 Quick Answer: Take the Sōya Bus from Wakkanai Station
| Route | Duration | Fare | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wakkanai Station → Cape Sōya (宗谷岬) | ~1 hour | ¥1,600 (one way) | 2–4 round trips/day |
🛣 Step-by-Step: How to Get There
✅ 1. Get to Wakkanai Station
- You can arrive in Wakkanai via:
- JR Limited Express “Soya” (from Sapporo, ~5.5 hours)
- Highway bus “Wakkanai-go” (overnight, ~6.5 hours)
- Flight to Wakkanai Airport (from New Chitose or Tokyo)
✅ 2. Board the Sōya Bus (宗谷バス)
- From: Wakkanai Station Bus Terminal
- To: Cape Sōya (Sōya Misaki) Terminal
- Operator: Sōya Bus (宗谷バス株式会社)
- Travel Time: Approx. 50–60 minutes
- Cost: ¥1,600 one way / ¥2,560 round-trip ticket (with souvenir-style pass available)
- Tickets: Purchase at the bus terminal (cash only)
🕐 Buses generally run 2–4 times daily, and schedules change seasonally. Check in advance via Sōya Bus Website.
✅ 3. What to Do at Cape Sōya
- Northernmost Monument of Japan 🇯🇵
- Great panoramic view of Sakhalin Island (Russia) on clear days
- Lighthouse, WWII memorial, and wind farms
- Simple shops and toilets available
- Allow 30–60 minutes to explore before return bus
💡 Optional: Taxi or Rental Car
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi (round trip) | ¥8,000–10,000 | Recommended for groups or if buses are unavailable |
| Rental Car | ¥6,000–9,000/day | Need Japanese license or IDP |
🧭 Rental cars give you more flexibility, but require comfort driving in rural Japan.
📖 Real Traveler Experiences
▶ Case 1: Barely Caught the Last Bus Back
One Japanese traveler wrote that they only had 25 minutes at Cape Sōya before having to catch the return bus.
They underestimated the schedule and missed lunch because all the shops closed early.
Tip: If you’re visiting outside summer, check return times carefully and plan to bring snacks.
▶ Case 2: Crowded Bus, Especially in Summer
Another traveler reported that the Sōya Bus was completely full during July, as it’s a popular sightseeing route.
Seats are not reserved, and standing is discouraged for long trips.
Tip: Arrive at the terminal early and consider earlier buses to avoid peak times.
🗺 Seasonal Advice
| Season | Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Cool winds, clear skies | Few tourists, good visibility |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Peak season, lush greenery | Most crowded, but vibrant |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | Crisp air, fewer crowds | Unpredictable weather |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Harsh snow, limited buses | Travel not recommended unless well-prepared |
🧤 In winter, snow may block access roads, and ferry/flight disruptions are common. Always check transport conditions before departing.
🧳 Local Transport, Facilities & Accessibility
- Facilities at Cape Sōya are minimal but sufficient:
- Toilets, vending machines, a small museum, and souvenir stands.
- Wheelchair access is available at the main monument area.
- There are no large restaurants, only light snacks and souvenir shops.
- English signage is limited, but the monument is self-explanatory.
💬 Reflection: Is the Trip Worth It?
Visiting Cape Sōya is not just about the location, but what it symbolizes.
For many travelers, standing at Japan’s northernmost point evokes a sense of completion, solitude, and reflection.
Even though it’s a simple trip in terms of attractions, the journey itself—crossing vast landscapes, hopping local buses, and reaching a windswept cape—adds emotional weight.
The region is not commercialized, which enhances the raw beauty and makes the remoteness feel intentional.
This trip isn’t for everyone. If you seek bustling towns or shopping, you may feel underwhelmed.
But if you value quiet, meaningful geography, then Cape Sōya is one of Japan’s best-kept philosophical detours.
🎯 Summary: Travel Tips Before You Go
- Check bus times in advance – return options are limited.
- Buy a round-trip ticket to save money and time.
- Bring warm clothes, even in summer—Cape Sōya is windy!
- Plan buffer time at the monument—don’t rush the moment.
- Avoid winter unless experienced in snowy travel.
