Day 6— Exploring Japan’s Geographic Extreme Points
What is the northernmost point in Japan?
My name is Billy, and I am a software engineer currently working at HENNGE.
Ever wonder what are the cardinal extreme locations of Japan?
Before we dive into this exploration, let’s set aside the territorial disputes that can influence the answer, making it variable depending on the perspective. Today, our focus is tourism: the northernmost, southernmost, easternmost, and westernmost points of Japan that are accessible to the general public.
A few years ago, I set these four extreme locations as a challenge for myself with 100% public transport.
Yeah… but why?
It is basically just setting a little goal and motivating myself to travel around. Similar to those who are undertaking the JP Level Challenge (制県レベル).
Now that we have the background covered let’s begin to explore the locations!
Cape Sōya
Wakkanai, Hokkaido
Let’s begin with the most famous one: Cape Soya (宗谷岬). This location is well-developed as a tourist spot. If you talk the bikers around, they often share their stories from Tokyo all the way to Cape Soya. Various branded “northernmost” objects exist, such as the northernmost restaurant and the northernmost Ronald McDonald, and recently, locals might proudly introduce you to their first Lawson convenience store, which is also the northernmost, by the way.
Cape Soya is likely the most accessible one; there’s even a detailed English guide titled “Getting from Wakkanai Station Bus Terminal to Cape Soya” available on the bus company’s website.
The real question lies in how to get to Wakkanai city. The simplest route is by air. As of today, in 2023, there is a daily domestic flight connecting Wakkanai and Haneda, utilizing the city’s small airport. Alternatively, I recommend taking a train from Sapporo. Boarding the express trains Soya or Sarobetsu, the five-hour journey unfolds the essence of Hokkaido. Along the way, a blend of solitude and excitement gradually builds up, preparing you for the destination.
East
Cape Nosappu
Nemuro, Hokkaido
Turning our gaze eastward to the Pacific Ocean, we have Cape Nosappu (納沙布岬), representing the easternmost point. Engaging in conversations with the locals might reveal a poignant chapter in history — one that reflects the profound sense of helplessness experienced by some of the locals with the Northern Territories issues.
For a visit to Cape Nosappu, the most straightforward approach is to fly to Nakashibetsu Airport, then take a shuttle bus passing through Bekkai (別海町) for a two-hour journey to Nemuro city. If traveling by train, board the Ōzora Express train bound for Kushiro, one of the largest cities in Hokkaido. From Kushiro, transfer to the local Hanasaki Line (花咲線) train heading to Nemuro. Finally, from the city, hop on a local bus to reach Cape Nosappu.
While Obihiro and Kushiro are well-known for tourism, give a try to journey further east to Nemuro. Explore the captivating Cape Nosappu, witness the country’s first sunrise, and immerse yourself in the charm of this undiscovered city.
South
Hateruma Island
Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa
3000 Kilometers away from Hokkaido, in Hateruma Island (波照間島), a tropical paradise in Okinawa, where you’ll find the southernmost point. The island is compact, with minimal variations in altitude. It is recommended to rent a bicycle for the exploration.
There is a relatively new airport on the island, but due to various issues, regular commercial flights are not in operation. To access the island, take a domestic flight to Ishigaki Island, a relatively large city in Okinawa prefecture, mainly based in the city, and take a high-speed ferry to Hateruma Island for a day trip or an overnight stargazing adventure.
Among the Yaeyama Islands, Hateruma Island might not be among the most popular, but it’s precisely this lesser-known status that makes it an unforgettable experience to visit — an escape from the crowds of tourists while still enjoying the beauty of Japan’s tropical scenery.
West
Yonaguni Island
Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa
Last but not least, Yonaguni Island (与那国島). On clear days, you can see Taiwan on the horizon. Some people even mention that their cellular network occasionally switched to Taiwan’s provider.
To reach Yonaguni Island, take a 25-minute domestic flight from Ishigaki Island. Unlike Hateruma Island, Yonaguni Island is much larger and has more variations in altitude. Even with an electric bicycle, cycling around the island would still take almost a day.
In 2024, a previously discontinued ferry route connecting Hualien, Taiwan, and Yonaguni will be reinstated. By then, I believe traveling to Yonaguni Island would be far easier than now.
Yonaguni Island is also renowned among divers for its mysterious underwater rock formations — some believe these to be ancient ruins. Unraveling the secrets of this underwater frontier between Taiwan and Japan may require a diving license. So it’s again on my other bucket list!
Epilogue
A brief introduction to the four extreme points of Japan leads us back to the question:
Why am I ACTUALLY caring these?
I believe that geographic uniqueness is nothing more than an excuse — an initial point and motivation to plan for a trip. What truly matters are the people we meet, the stories we hear, and the scenery we witness along the way. Now that I’ve unlocked this “achievement,” it’s time to discover another “excuse” to explore different parts of Japan.
Check out other 2023 HENNGE Advent Calendar articles here.
