What it's like on the northernmost tip of Japan 

Ever since I was a little kid I've looked at parts of maps that seemed isolated or removed and fantasized about traveling to those places. Thanks for the video. Takes me back to that wondering feeling.

You wondered what kind of businesses were up there… Since it’s the northern most point in Japan and closest to Russia every kind of Japanese military is up there as well, the Navy, army, the Air Force. And they all have bases and all kinds of radar and stuff. Also that is where some of the best kelp is gathered. Also, uni/ウニ and Hotate/ホタケare fished. I heard that those fishermen only work two or three months a year and they make a ton of money. Deer in herds come down into the city every night. My son runs a guest house up there and he says the deer are all over the place even downtown.

High quality content. Relaxed and genuine, unlike most vloggers.

Where are we? “Wakkanai”

Thank you for bringing me the memories from my childhood! :) I used to live on Sakhalin island, and I visited Wakkanai a few times, mainly because my dad used to work there every summer. He was an interpreter for Wakkanai Chamber of Commerce, and the business with Russia was thriving in the 90's and 2000's. Even the road signs were translated to Russian, because lots of Russian fishermen came to sell the goods (mainly crabs), and do some shopping in the town. I know that there's nothing much to see there in Wakkanai compared to the big cities, but if you're up for a change of pace - this town can still offer a few more things that you didn't see. First, you should've come in summer. It doesn't get really hot there, only 20-25 degrees Celsius in July - August, so don't expect it to be a beach resort. What you can expect, is the beautiful nature and the delicious seafood. I recall there was a ramen place that had a crab ramen, and and it was just perfect! Also, on the other side of Wakkanai bay there is cape Noshappu, and they serve sea urchin rice bowls there. Absolutely amazing! As for the rest of the attractions, there's also a Cold Current Aquarium at the tip of the cape Noshappu, they have seals, dolphins and even penguins. I totally loved it as a kid. In Wakkanai itself, there is a tower on top of the mountain. You can see it from pretty much every spot in the town. It has a decent history museum inside, and an observation deck. And yes, you can see Sakhalin from there, when the weather is good. There is a wooden onsen complex downtown. It is pretty good, and especially enjoyable when it's cold outside. And if I'm not mistaken, there's also a Russian cuisine restaurant nearby, also quite nice. And once you've seen it all and tasted it all in Wakkanai, you can take a ferry to Rebun and Rishiri islands. The the views are absolutely breathtaking. And if you're hungry - they can offer you a unique and delicious bowl of Rishiri kombu ramen. Well, that seems to be it. Man, I didn't even realize I missed this place so much. :)

"I can see Russia from my house." My favorite island of the Rising Sun, Hokkaido.

Just want to let you know that RU-vid is promoting your stuff brotha, I found you on my feed. Keep it up man. !!

Wakkani is my home town. This made me tear up so much because I haven't seen it in a decade. I also laugh so hard because you were disbelief that we live there. The town is very quiet. The snow does that which insulates sounds quite well. I love the snow and how cold it is there. Also at 23:56, coincidentally that's my name hahaha.

13:40 Crazy how Russia is so massive it's only 43 km away from Japan, meanwhile someone from Norway could stand on the same spot just on a different side of the Russian border.

I'm loving the sounds. Those pedestrian-crossing "beep-boop...beep-beep-boop" sounds transport me right back to my first trip to Japan. Thanks! :)

I’ve been there 25 yrs ago. It seems absolutely nothing has changed!!

When he walks in the snow it sounds like the Minecraft eating noise.

So, your going to the southernmost point after this, right?

I typically don't watch travel vlogs that are more than 10 minutes, but somehow this video is an exception. I really enjoy this trip of yours, thanks so much for sharing your journey with us.

Dude I love how you just talk like if you're talking to a friend everytime. No mask, no like "I'm a vloger" stuff. So cool, keep going

I lived for a year about 80 miles south of Wakkanai as a High School exchange student. Many people claimed that Hokkaido reminded them of Wisconsin. Lots of dairy, snow, etc. . . . Wakkanai is farther south than Portland, OR. The continental climatic influence from Siberia really cools it off. Excellent work again.

*Snowpoint City's music starts playing*

"Why Humans (stay) here? Why they stay on this cold environment?" My friend, you may start looking at Oymakon village at central Siberia. Where the cold is -71.2 Celcius or -96.16 Farenheit.

This is giving off such a nice whimsical curious vibe. I love how chill this content is it’s really relaxing. Keep up the good work.

I miss Japan, thanks for taking me back.

I love your shooting style. Love the background music that matches the scenes perfectly. A good balance of speaking and non-talking moments. Hearing the natural surrounding environment once a while in between scenes is a big plus.

Good point about how we treat each other. Thanks for taking us along on the Adventures.

The weirdest part about that place, in terms of northerly latitude... it's only about as far north as Portland Oregon, but looks more like Nome Alaska.

When you upload I save it until I come back home from work so I could shower, cook a nice food and sit down while watching because vlog is so relaxing and therapeutic. Thank you for sharing Robby.

Why did I get super excited when I saw a Lawson Store?! When I was Japan I remember the convenience stores were incredible! I never had so much and so many types of good food!

I'm from Wisconsin, and I've always imagined Japan as a warm place, but I forget how far north the islands really go. It's nice to see some hearty northerners across the pond!

Lived in Sapporo for a year, and it, along with Hokkaido, is my personal favourite area in all of Japan. I took a 7 hour journey up to the Shiretoko Peninsula back in summer 2018 by car, and I never got bored of the journey, beautiful scenery and this feeling of mystery as you drove past farm after farm.

I think i could live in Japan for a hundred years and find something new to do every single day. I love Japan so much

Your music choices in this video were superb.

First time viewer who thoroughly enjoyed your video. I immediately subscribed but have yet to check out your channel but will so as soon as I finish this post. I spent over 6 months in Japan in the early 70s while in the military. Fell in love with the culture but have never had the opportunity to return. Thank you for letting an old man vicariously relive his youth. Peace and Grace.

I know "Life where I'm from" already did a piece on how much Hokkaido looks/feels like the Canadian prairies, but I gotta say as an Albertan, so much of that B-Roll could've been shot in Kananaskis. Gorgeous.

Love your videos, I've been looking for some vlogger that travels Japan without the incessant "HEY GUYS!!! ". You really make me feel I'm with you on this journey. Keep up the good work!

Bahahaha. He was complaining so much about how cold it is, and the temperature on the shop at 17:25 is only "-1.2 C". I mean, I don't doubt it was a bit chilly with the wind. But that's funny. I enjoyed the video though.

The music makes me feel like I'm playing a city-builder game and I dig it. edit: I also love places like this. There's something that clicks in my brain as well when living in a densely populated area, and then I can shortly be out in a beautiful rural landscape. I live in CT now, and I absolutely love the ability to go from dense city to a beautiful farm, hills, or forests in 10 minutes or less. Not quite the breathtaking landscapes as northern Japan, but I guess I could travel a few hours further and be in the mountains of VT, NH or Maine. Thanks for taking us on this journey! edit2: I also always wonder what people do for a living besides farming or harvesting the natural resources of the area in more remote locations. As someone pointed out, military presence is always a factor, but there are people that service the military, they service the farmers, the fishers, ferry/boat workers, the miners, the turbine technicians. There are probably general contractors up there for new buildings and all the office staff that comes with running a small business. Then there's always going to be teachers/school staff, municipal workers, fed/state government workers, lawyers (for various small companies and for local courts), engineers, doctors and their staff, and then all the workers and companies there to service them. As long as the transportation is adequate, which a lot of Japan's is, businesses and work can spring up in surprising areas!

I love that you said you don't understand the existence of Wakkanai when its name is pronounced the same way as the Japanese word for "I don't understand"

People, buildings, and business exist there for much the same reason they do here in Minnesota; it's not always cold and snowing. We are just as far, if not farther north, than Wakanai, but right now it is currently 90 degrees (f) and incredibly humid. 4 months of snowy winter with a brisk 2 months on both sides and 4 months of heat gives us plenty of time to enjoy life and build.

This is probably every introvert's dream

Great video!

I enjoyed the entire presentation of this northern most point of Hokkaido in the midst of winter. I could literally feel the chill our young guide was experiencing As he questioned out loud, "Now what would any soul want to do or could do out here in this inhospitable place?" But it has it's charm and as to be expected, so clean, neat and comfortable. Definitely worth a visit perhaps 3 months hence!!

Yes Northern Japan has 4 season's. JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, and WINTER.

Truly well done! Totally immersive experience, felt like I was right there with you. And GREAT music choices, really helped round out the vibe.

I learn so much from these videos. Thank you so much for bringing us along!

This is very lovely. Thank you for the experience.

being locked up for months, this is just what I needed. thanks for taking us there hahaha can't even imagine how cold it was. it might have been tolerable if it wasnt windy

wow, there is actually russian labeling in Wakkanai, that's surprising

here"s a tip.....Next time, go in July

This just popped up on my recommended and I'm glad it did! Great content :D

Having gone to Sapporo last year in the usually hottest month that was August, I have to say it was *_easily_* the best Summer I ever had in terms of climate; the moderate breeze easily overwhelmed the warm temperature on a daily basis -- to the point that it felt like an European Spring/Autumn but with more drizzles than actual rain -- so even if there wasn't much else to do in the city besides sightseeing (especially since I don't drink alcohol), it was so enjoyable to walk around the area with bottled water in hand that I didn't even care if I was out in the middle of a sunny day. And as a fellow Winter guy myself, combining such a soft Summer with the soul-soothing snow layers and the solid urbanism the region is otherwise known for, it's precisely *_everything_* I could ever ask for in a place I'd love to settle down forever -- the jury's still out on the local culinary, granted, and I admittedly haven't done much progress with Japanese in a long while, but you bet I'm not gonna give up on the idea for so little. TL;DR Sapporo's the best place for us Winter City boys bar none.

Your story telling is very good, and your music is amazing.

Thank you for watching everyone! So the dead thing on the ground at 24:20 was a cat. It was pretty gruesome and mummified so I thought it was best not to show it. Hahah, sorry for piquing everyone's curiosity and then not giving you the answer.

I was at Satamisaki (Southern most point in Japan) a few years ago. I was actually contemplating making a trek out to Soyasaki on my next trip to Japan - which was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid. I am now living vicariously through your video. Thank you!

I love the wind, gray sky, snow, emptiness.... thank you for the awesome virtual trip.

Absolutely loving the Japan videos 🤩

Just started the episodes. I really hope you had a Sapporo in Sapporo!

Robby great adventure my friend ! You are a brave soul ! Thanks for taking us along for the ride. Safe Travels !

Very nice vlog! You're so relaxed and cool. I'll also added this to my vacation list.

You're living the dream man

That whole train ride looked a lot like where I live in interior BC. Mountains, coniferous trees, too much snow, small communities, cold as balls. But man, we do have pretty gorgeous summers. Wonder if it's the same in northern Japan.

It is -10C in Wakkanai right now as I watch this and 6C in Kagoshima just for reference. Japan is definitely COLD in winter. You should have done a John Daub and dip your toes in the water LOL. Too bad you were stretched for time. I believe Wakkanai airport has daily 737 service from Tokyo - might be worth checking air options. It is definitely nicer taking the train though and you get to see so much more scenery. Traveling Japan is not something to be rushed. Really enjoyed the video! Nice job.

I love this series man. I’m rewatching and binging the whole series again after I’ve watched it a few months ago already. It’s just sooo good. It reallly makes me wanting to go to japan.

Just by hearing the voice of the Japanese public transport makes me want to go back there.

Loving the series. Also that breakwater dome feel very cathedral-ish.

Thanks for sharing your Japan adventure. It's wonderful to see!

Really great video! I discovered you guys a couple years ago when I was binging hiking videos while locked away at work. I am definitely staying for the Japan content. I lived there for 5 years and your enthusiasm for the culture and the country as a destination is so genuine and frankly makes me super natsukashii for my time there. Would love to get back for good one day!

Man everything about Japan looks beautiful. This is one of the places I want to visit one day. I've never been anywhere out of California before :( Apparently though Japan is 93% the size of California. So since I've lived here all my life and haven't even been to many areas even in my own city that I've lived in my whole life, it's definitely possible that people could live their whole life in Japan without experiencing the whole place.

I want to go where the winter is as mild as it seems in Japan. It gets to be -51C/-60F here with terrible windchill. I would walk without a jacket there.

love the simplicity and depth of your vlogs

Thank you Robby for making these videos!

"Why do people need to be here?" :-DDDD You could ask the same question about the entire Finland. :-D Great content!

Me: hey, it's cold, grey, and desolate! That looks a lot like Winter were I grew up! (Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, United States) Him: This is a forbidding landscape that makes it hard to believe anybody lives here. 🤣 Yeah, that sounds exactly like the great lakes region in winter.

thank you youtube algorithm. I love learning about all these remote places, look at all the monuments and life that exist in places I may never see!

So happy to have found this channel. I've been wanting to travel to Japan for years and this just makes me want to even more so! This was such a interesting video.

"what's that dead thing on the floor?"... Aaaaaaand we'll never know! :D

i love AA.. love the change of scenry

Thanks for taking us along with you on this adventure!

Now i miss that place. Been there about 20yrs ago. Thank you that I’ve seen it again.

Great music on your videos!

Hokkaido - the Alaska of Japan. ♥

I really enjoyed this, especially the sceneries. I love places with vast flat grounds, 2-3 or 4 stories structures on an almost seemingly isolated empty uncrowded place. It's like straight out of a movie. And bro, winter is also my favorite season.

My favourite I've had on a train was on the way to Niseko/Kutchan from Sapporo. There's a stretch on the way to Otaru where the rain line runs right next to the beach and since I was travelling during winter it was covered in snow, on top of that it was sunset and lightly snowing so it was just this scenic, magical view of waves crashing onto snow during golden hour.

Ah, the hometown of one of my favorite bands, Galileo Galilei, or BBHF as they're now.

Looks like the Japanese version of Newfoundland.

Wow I’m happy RU-vid recommended this video, it’s actually really calming and feel good! Also your post editing is perfect :)

Nice. Appreciated the Lonely Island reference!

The KAL 007 flight is pretty tragic. You'd think the Russians would establish communication and fly an interceptor to correct their course. I guess that's too much to ask for. Great video, I am glad the Japanese have a monument to those lives lost.

Thank you uploaded the video.I was born in Sapporo.but I lives U.S.now.

Such a high quality video, just wow.

Growing up in japan, tell me why I can SMELL this whole video. God.

He reminds me of Abed from"community"

Love your channel man. Like someone said, none of that “I’m a vlogger” stuff. Awesome casual vibe.

Saw this this morning and started watching. Wish I had the opportunity to get out and see Japan more when I was there. Thank you for sharing. I’m continuing on thru your collection. My kind of entertainment. Thanks.

So someone who lives here can literally say, "I can see Russia from my house!" haha

"Northernmost tip of Japan" Russian: we call it south there

I am glad that this video was on my feed.

This is one of my most beloved comfort videos. I just love to go back and experience the journey.

I feel cold after watching this.

There is no bad weather. There is only inappropriate equipment.

Loved the quiet and calm editing style, maching up the footage with the music.

You make your travels feel like a JRPG :D keep it up, nice work

some legends say he's still looking for his sock