Bus2Train

Hokkaido to Wakkanai

Updated: March 12, 2024 01:08 PM
Wakkanai

Hokkaido to Wakkanai

Language

The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, English is also widely spoken in major tourist destinations. In Wakkanai, you may find some people who speak English, but it is not as common as in other parts of Japan.

Currency

The official currency of Japan is the Japanese yen (JPY). You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and hotels. Credit cards are also widely accepted in Japan.

Distance

The distance from Hokkaido to Wakkanai is approximately 600 kilometers (373 miles). It takes about 8 hours to drive from Hokkaido to Wakkanai.

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Wakkanai from Hokkaido. You can take a train, bus, or plane.

  • Train: The JR Hokkaido train line runs from Sapporo to Wakkanai. The journey takes about 6 hours and costs around 9,000 yen (US$80).
  • Bus: The Hokkaido Chuo Bus operates a bus service from Sapporo to Wakkanai. The journey takes about 8 hours and costs around 7,000 yen (US$60).
  • Plane: Japan Airlines operates a daily flight from Sapporo to Wakkanai. The flight takes about 1 hour and costs around 10,000 yen (US$90).

Expenses

The cost of your trip to Wakkanai will vary depending on your travel style and budget. However, you can expect to spend around 10,000 yen (US$90) per day on average.

  • Accommodation: A night in a budget hotel in Wakkanai costs around 5,000 yen (US$45). A night in a mid-range hotel costs around 10,000 yen (US$90).
  • Food: A meal at a budget restaurant in Wakkanai costs around 1,000 yen (US$9). A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 2,000 yen (US$18).
  • Transportation: A one-way train ticket from Sapporo to Wakkanai costs around 9,000 yen (US$80). A one-way bus ticket from Sapporo to Wakkanai costs around 7,000 yen (US$60).
  • Activities: A visit to the Wakkanai City Museum costs around 500 yen (US$4.50). A whale watching tour costs around 5,000 yen (US$45).

Best time to go

The best time to visit Wakkanai is during the summer months (June-August). The weather is warm and sunny, and the days are long. However, Wakkanai is also a popular destination for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding. If you are planning to visit Wakkanai during the winter months, be sure to pack warm clothing.

What to Eat

Wakkanai is known for its seafood. Some of the local specialties include:

  • Uni (sea urchin): Uni is a delicacy in Japan, and Wakkanai is one of the best places to try it. It is served fresh and has a creamy texture and slightly salty taste.
  • Ikura (salmon roe): Ikura is another popular seafood dish in Japan. It is made from the eggs of salmon and is often served on top of rice.
  • Saba (mackerel): Saba is a type of mackerel that is commonly eaten in Japan. It is often grilled or broiled and has a slightly oily texture and strong flavor.

Where to Go

There are many things to see and do in Wakkanai. Some of the most popular attractions include:

  • Wakkanai City Museum: The Wakkanai City Museum is a local history museum that tells the story of Wakkanai and its people.
  • Noko Pass Observatory: The Noko Pass Observatory is a scenic viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  • Cape Soya: Cape Soya is the northernmost point of Japan. It is a popular spot for watching the sunset.
  • Shiretoko National Park: Shiretoko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife.

FAQ

  • What is the best way to get to Wakkanai?

    The best way to get to Wakkanai depends on your budget and travel style. If you are on a tight budget, you can take a bus or train. If you are looking for a more convenient option, you can fly.

  • What is the best time to visit Wakkanai?

    The best time to visit Wakkanai is during the summer months (June-August). The weather is warm and sunny, and the days are long.

  • What are some of the things to do in Wakkanai?

    There are many things to see and do in Wakkanai. Some of the most popular attractions include the Wakkanai City Museum, Noko Pass Observatory, Cape Soya, and Shiretoko National Park.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

Trips from Hokkaido


  • Okayama
    Hokkaido to Okayama

    The official language of Japan is Japanese. English is not widely spoken, but you can find English-speaking staff at major tourist destinations. The curren..

  • Noboribetsu
    Hokkaido to Noboribetsu

    The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, many people in Hokkaido and Noboribetsu also speak English and Chinese. The official currency of Japan..

  • Saitama
    Hokkaido to Saitama

    The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major cities. The currency of Japan is the yen (JPY). T..

  • Yamanashi
    Hokkaido to Yamanashi

    Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's four main islands. It is the second largest island in Japan, and it is known for its natural beauty, including its ..

  • Tokyo Station
    Hokkaido to Tokyo Station

    The official language of Japan is Japanese. The official currency of Japan is the yen (¥). The distance from Hokkaido to Tokyo Station is approximately 85..

  • Yamanochi
    Hokkaido to Yamanochi

    The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by many service industry employees. The official currenc..

  • Kagawa
    Hokkaido to Kagawa

    The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, English is also widely spoken in major tourist areas. The official currency of Japan is the Japanese y..

  • Gifu
    Hokkaido to Gifu

    ..

  • Nozawaonsen
    Hokkaido to Nozawaonsen

    Nozawaonsen is a hot spring town located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its beautiful scenery, its traditional Japanese architecture, and its..

Trips to Wakkanai


  • Otoineppu
    Otoineppu to Wakkanai

    The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, English is widely spoken..

  • Nakatombetsu
    Nakatombetsu to Wakkanai

    Japanese is the official language of both Nakatombetsu and Wakkanai. The offi..

  • Embetsu
    Embetsu to Wakkanai

    The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, in Embetsu and Wakkanai,..

  • Omu
    Omu to Wakkanai

    The official language of Japan is Japanese. The official currency of Japan is..

  • Rishirifuji
    Rishirifuji to Wakkanai

    This guide will provide you with all the information you need to travel from ..

  • Nemuro
    Nemuro to Wakkanai

    The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, many people in the touri..

  • Furano
    Furano to Wakkanai

    The official language of Japan, including both Furano and Wakkanai, is Japane..

  • Kitami
    Kitami to Wakkanai

    Kitami and Wakkanai are two cities in Hokkaido, Japan. Kitami is located in t..

  • Abashiri
    Abashiri to Wakkanai

    Abashiri and Wakkanai are two cities located in the northernmost part of Japa..