Highlights of the Soya Hills
White Road
Image: Yasu / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)The White Road is an approximately 3-kilometre road that continues near the end of the footpath through the Soya Hills. Its surface, covered with finely crushed scallop shells—a specialty of Wakkanai—sets off the blue sea and sky and the green hills. Although it looks like a sightseeing road, it is a public road also used for everyday life and work by pedestrians and cars.
Rolling hills shaped by periglacial terrain
Image: Yasu / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)The Soya Hills feature a periglacial landscape formed by freezing and thawing during the Ice Age. The gently rolling hills, with few trees and layered one behind another, create an impression distinct from Cape Soya along the coast. This landscape, designated as a Hokkaido Heritage site, can be viewed in depth from the White Road and footpaths.
Soya Hills Footpath
The Soya Hills Footpath has a short course of approximately 5 km and a long course of approximately 11 km. A car visit limited to driving along the White Road differs in both time required and equipment; for walking, prepare wind and cold protection, drinks, and comfortable shoes. Do not enter grasslands or private property, and wait in a safe place when passing work vehicles.
Basic information about the Soya Hills
The information below was checked against official sources on September 21, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- Check the White Road’s characteristics, the period when it is open to traffic, its location, access information, and the latest notices.
白い道｜観光スポット｜【公式】きた・北海道/稚内・利尻・礼文の観光WEBサイト特産のホタテの貝殻を敷き詰めた、約3kmの美しい道。青い海と緑の丘に映える、稚内随一の絶景スポット。緑豊かな宗谷丘陵の中を、紺碧のオホーツク海に向かってまっすぐに伸びる「白い道」。この道の正体は、稚内の名産であるホタテの貝殻です。...www.north-hokkaido.com - 📍 Address
- Soya, Wakkanai, Hokkaido
- 🕒 Open period
- Usually from late 4 to around late 10. The road cannot be used in winter. The opening and closing dates may change due to snow or construction.
- 🚫 Closing days
- There are no regularly scheduled closing days during the open period.⚠️ Temporary traffic restrictions may be imposed due to construction or weather.
- 💶 Admission
- Free
- ⏱️ Recommended time
- Driving along the White Road while enjoying the scenery takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The short course of the Soya Hills Footpath takes about 2 hour, and the long course about 4 hours. Stop and take photos only where you will not obstruct traffic, and allow plenty of time.⚠️ The time required varies with the weather, road conditions, and construction restrictions.
Access to the Soya Hills
By car
The White Road is approximately 10 minutes from Soya Cape, approximately 30 minutes from Wakkanai Airport, and approximately 1 hours from JR Wakkanai Station. The road is narrow, so follow the direction recommended in the official guidance. Avoid parking on the road or entering grasslands, and give priority to pedestrians and work vehicles.
Traffic restrictions related to renovation work on the wind power facility can be found in the Wakkanai Tourism Association’s notice.
On foot
If you walk the Soya Hills Footpath, you enter the hills from the Soya Cape side and pass along White Road near the end of the route. As the route involves some distance and elevation changes, check the sunset time and return transportation in advance.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Wakkanai: A guide to sightseeing spots, food, transportation and sample itineraries”.
