Guest House Almelia - Hokkaido

Guest House Almelia (ゲストハウスアルメリア) is an observation and rest facility located on top of one of the hills of Soya Hills in Cape Soya, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Guest House Almelia

Guest House Almelia details

Dubbed the "Soya Hill Observation Rest Facility", Guest House Almelia is constructed on top of the Soya Hills. The structure is uniquely characterized by its windmill which looks like a cap to its indoor observatory.

Guest House Almelia (ゲストハウスアルメリア)

It will remind you of the Dutch windmills

The second floor of the windmill is actually an observatory

Second-floor indoor observatory

Speaking of which, the second floor of Guest House Almelia boasts a linked indoor and outdoor observatory. This provides tourists with a breathtaking view of the Soya Hills on the south and the north of the La Pérouse Strait. If you visit on a clear day, you would also see the former Karafuto Prefecture which is now Sakhalin across the strait.

Inside Guest House Almelia


There are plenty of souvenirs to choose from

There is also a restaurant inside Guest House Almelia

Soya Black Beef


Aside from the observatory facility, Guest House Almelia also houses a restaurant that serves the original brand "Soya Black Beef" and Wakkanai's delicacy "Tako Shabu." There is also a souvenir shop inside which sells products from the Soya Subprefecture.

Guest House Almelia as seen from Cape Soya Peace Memorial Park

My family and I visited Guest House Almelia for the first time during the 4th day of our 5-day "Drive Up North" road trip last August 15, 2022. This was my 287th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Guest House Almelia wasn’t originally on our itinerary but we were intrigued by the windmill so we came to check it out.

Team Nicerio visits Guest House Almelia



We tried the soft cream

We first visited the souvenir store when we arrived at Guest House Almelia and after buying some omiyage for my co-workers, we tried the soft cream as it was highly recommended because the area is also well-known for its fantastic milk. Other than that, we didn't miss the amazing observatory view, although it was ruined by the unexpected rain. Since we were short on time, we chose to pass on the renowned Soya Black Beef for the time being in the hopes that we would be able to return at another time.

Guest House Almelia Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and enjoy the view from the observatory of Guest House Almelia. Parking is also FREE. However, you need to bring money if you want to try the famed Soya Black Beef or buy some souvenirs.

Guest House Almelia Operating Hours:

Guest House Almelia is open from 10:30 AM to 3 PM. However, it might be closed during the winter season.

Why visit Guest House Almelia?

Guest House Almelia offers a fantastic view of the La Pérouse Strait and Sakhalin. It’s also a place where you can try the famed Soya Black Beef.

Getting to Guest House Almelia

 

From JR Wakkanai Station ride the Soya Bus going to Cape Soya bus stop. From there, You need to walk for about 10 minutes to reach Guest House Almelia.

The one-way bus price from Wakkanai Station Bus Terminal to Soya Misaki bus stop is 1,420 (720 for children and people with impairments). A low-cost remembrance ticket (2,560 round-trips) is available at the Station Bus Terminal Ticket Counter.

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating


Location: 3 Soyamisaki, Wakkanai, Hokkaido 098-6758, Japan

Comments

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Munting Buhangin Beach Camp - Batangas

Image
Located in the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require memberships for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired) and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas  One of the best places to go camping...  ...or rent nipa huts and treehouse You might want to try kayaking here too Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is ide
Keep reading

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

National Shrine of St. Padre Pio - Batangas

Image
Located in Barangay San Pedro in Sto. Tomas in the province of Batangas, the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio is a pilgrimage site dedicated and inspired by Saint Padre Pio. National Shrine of St. Padre Pio National Shrine of St. Padre Pio History The shrine initially started out as a bamboo and nipa chapel back in 2003. Then on November 7, 2005, a 1.6-hectare agricultural land was donated to the Archdiocese of Lipa by a generous couple. A year later, another generous individual donated 200 square meters of land to provide the right of way to the site. This land would be the site of the new chapel and later on the Shrine of St. Padre Pio . The salakot like roof as seen from the bell tower Devotees hanging handkerchiefs dipped in the Well of Hope or Bukal ng Pag-asa  St. Padre Pio welcomes the pilgrims to the shrine Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry - National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio St. Padre Pio belltower St. Padre Pio painting A relic inside the Reli
Keep reading

Quituinan Hills - Albay

Image
Located at Barangay Tinago, Camalig in the province of Albay, Quituinan Hills is one of the most beautiful yet least known tourist destinations of the town.  Quituinan Hills Quituinan Hills Details For those who have visited Quituinan Hills on a clear day, I bet they'd agree with me when I say that this place is among the top places in the province to view Mayon Volcano. Aside from that, the best way to describe Quituinan Hills is that it has a ranch-like feel. Well, that's probably due to the fact that the developed part of the hill is really a ranch named Quituinan Ranch .  Road to Quituinan Hills Welcome to Quituinan Hills This place is a great location for picnics with friends and family. You can either rent a cottage (small P100; big P500) or bring and pitch a tent (P100 space rental) in one of the allowable areas of the hill. Other activities offered here are horseback riding (P60 per 15 minutes) and ATV rental (P200 per 15 minutes). You can also explore
Keep reading

Barcelona Ruins Park - Sorsogon

Image
Located on the coastal area of the town Barcelona in the province of Sorsogon, Barcelona Ruins Park refers to the park where century-old ruins of Spanish colonial-era buildings are found. Barcelona Ruins Park Barcelona Ruins Park History Speaking of the ruins of Spanish Colonial-era buildings, there are two such ruins in Barcelona Ruins Park . The school building ruins at the southeastern tip of the park and the prominent Presidencia building ruins in the northwestern tip of the park.  The ruins of the Presidencia building as seen from across the street A closer look at the Presidencia Building The ruins of the school building at the far end of Barcelona Ruins Park The Presidencia building was once the office of the governadorcillo during the colonial period. If you're wondering why the building seems massive in size, well it's because it doubled as a fortress that guards the town against the pirates and Moro raider that once frequently attacks Spanish-cont
Keep reading

First Timer's Guide to Collecting Goshuin

Image
Japan has always been the best country when it comes to souvenirs. Each city prides itself on its own product which is perfectly suited for the different tastes of tourists. As a travel blogger whose interest is mostly culture and history, I'm naturally inclined to buy souvenirs that remind me of the rich history and culture of the places that I have visited. Oftentimes, I am left with no other option but to buy refrigerator magnets, key chains, and pins. However, during my last visit to Japan, I discovered and got a unique souvenir that I think you'd also love to take home (and bring back to Japan next time you visit). This souvenir would surely remind you of Japan's cultural, religious, and historic side... this souvenir is none other than a goshuin collection. First Timer's Guide to Collecting Goshuin A goshuin is described as a temple or shrine stamp/seal that is written by a temple priest called a kannushi in a special notebook called goshuincho which tran
Keep reading

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

Image
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected.
Keep reading

88 Hotspring Resort and Spa - Laguna

Image
Updated: October 30, 2020 Our adventure today will take us  46.11 kilometers south from kilometer 0 in Manila. The historic atmosphere still lingers due to the historical landmarks that you can see all around this place. One of the most famous landmarks this city has to offer is the Rizal Shine or more popularly known as Rizal's house. However I'm not here to give you a history adventure but instead, I will tell you the different side of this city. 88 Hotspring Resort and Spa Calamba City in the province of Laguna is a city that has more resorts than the number of days in a year. Because of the fast-growing number of resorts (661 and counting), this city earned the nickname Resort Capital of the Philippines.  88 Hotspring Resort and Spa - Calamba, Laguna Travelers and resort seekers who didn't read my blog  The Adventurer's List  would surely be unprepared for what's to come. It would surely take a day for you to choose and pick the most suitable resort f
Keep reading

Sato Auto Campground of Firefly - Hokkaido

Image
Sato Auto Campground of Firefly ( ほたるの里オートキャンプ場 ) is the nearest campsite to the famed Horoshin Spa of Numata. It is located at 612 Horoshin in the town of Numata in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Sato Auto Campground of Firefly Sato Auto Campground of Firefly details If you're looking for a tranquil getaway surrounded by nature, Sato Auto Campground of Firefly in Hokkaido is the perfect destination. The lush greenery of the Horoshin district provides an idyllic setting for your vacation. Sato Auto Campground of Firefly  - Numata town, Hokkaido Prefecture The campground is open from early June until September and offers a variety of accommodation options, including campsites and cottages. Reservations are accepted by phone from the second Monday of April and can be quite competitive, so be sure to book early to secure your spot. Administration Building Administration Building A miniature water wheel display Sato Auto Campground of Firefly map Upon reservation, customers receive a c
Keep reading