Sōyamisaki Lighthouse

Sōyamisaki Lighthouse is a maritime beacon in Wakkanai featuring a cylindrical concrete tower striped in red and white, rising about 43 meters above the Okhotsk Sea coastline. The structure offers observation decks where visitors can view the Sōya Strait and, during winter months, the drifting ice that flows from northern regions.

The original signal station was established around 1900 at a nearby location to guide ships through this strategic strait. The tower was relocated to its current position in 1966 to make way for a military facility in the region.

The name Sōyamisaki comes from its location at the northernmost tip of Honshu, and visitors experience this geography directly when viewing the rough seacoast and the strait separating Japan from Russia. The site draws people interested in understanding the maritime traditions that shaped this remote northern region.

Visitor access to the observation areas typically begins in late spring and varies with seasonal and weather conditions. It is recommended to check current opening times in advance and wear appropriate clothing for the exposed coastal location.

This tower ranks as the tallest lighthouse on Hokkaido and holds the second position among all beacons in Japan. Only the Hinomisaki Lighthouse in Izumo stands taller, a distinction that reflects the varied coastal demands across different regions of the country.

Location: Wakkanai

Operator: 海上保安庁

Part of: 50 Lighthouses in Japan

GPS coordinates: 45.52145,141.93651

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:06