Wakkanai Centennial Memorial Tower / Hoppō Memorial Museum, Observation tower and history museum in Wakkanai Park, Japan.
The Wakkanai Centennial Memorial Tower is an 80-meter observation tower standing in a park at the tip of Hokkaido. The structure houses a museum dedicated to the geographical exploration and maritime history of this northernmost region.
The tower was built in 1978 to celebrate 100 years since the city was founded. The structure documents the development of this remote area and its importance in the exploration of the surrounding waters.
The museum displays the work of explorers and geographers who mapped this northern region. The exhibits tell stories of sailors and surveyors who studied the coasts and islands of these waters.
The tower is best visited between spring and fall when the weather is stable and visibility is good. The observation deck is at the top while the museum occupies the lower floors and is easy to reach.
On clear days you can see the border to Russian territory from the top, making this a unique geographical vantage point. This is one of the northernmost observation points on Japan's main islands.
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