Gate of Ice and Snow - Hokkaido

The Gate of Ice and Snow (氷雪の門) is a monument that represents the anguish of the Japanese settlers of Karafuto who left everything behind when the Russian Army invaded Sakhalin. It is located at Yamuwakkanai, Wakkanaimura, Wakkanai City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Wakkanai City
Gate of Ice and Snow

Gate of Ice and Snow details

(Winter Edition)

Officially called "Sakhalin Island People's Memorial" and Karafuto Memorial Monument, the Gate of Ice and Snow was built in August of 1963 by Hongo Shin, a sculptor from Sapporo. It stands 8 meters tall.

氷雪の門
Gate of Ice and Snow - Wakkanai City, Hokkaido Prefecture

The most noticeable feature of the memorial is the statue of a woman who is in deep pain and anguish. With her back to Sakhalin, the woman has the appearance of a mother or a wife who received news that her son/husband had perished defending Sakhalin. The inscription on the memorial expresses "grief at the loss of everything she held dear." 

The pathway up to Wakkanai Park

From this side, you would see the tip of the Gate of Ice and Snow

Gate of Ice and Snow
Almost there...

Not everything about the Gate of Ice and Snow is tragic or dark. Ironically, behind the memorial is a beautiful panoramic view view of Wakkanai City and the Soya Strait. It's literally and figuratively saying that behind every tragedy is a new day full of opportunities and beauty. The Gate of Ice and Snow is one of the memorials in Wakkanai Park and is probably the most popular too. 

Pictures of the Gate of Ice and Snow

Gate of Ice and Snow



I visited Wakkanai Park and saw and paid respects to the Gate of Ice and Snow Memorial during my Wakkanai Solo Backpacking Trip last March 21, 2022, which was my 140th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. 

The view from the Gate of Ice and Snow

One of the inscriptions on the Gate of Ice and Snow

Karafuto Memorial Monument

Wakkanai City as seen from the Gate of Ice and Snow

Overall, I got to visit the Gate of Ice and Snow during the winter season hence it is literally surrounded by snow. I'm looking forward to revisiting this place again in the future and hopefully with my family. 

Gate of Ice and Snow Entrance Fee:

It is FREE to enter and explore the Gate of Ice and Snow.

Gate of Ice and Snow Operating Hours

The Gate of Ice and Snow is open 24/7.

Why visit the Gate of Ice and Snow?

The Gate of Ice and Snow is one of the several important landmarks of the city. Aside from that, the area where it stands has one of the most beautiful views of the city and the cape. Heads up though, if you don't have a car you would need to do a mini-hike up the hill.

Getting to the Gate of Ice and Snow


From Wakkanai Station, walk westward via Route 106 then turn right at Soya Sunset Road until you see a large torii going up the hill. Follow it up to the Gate of the Snow.

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Location: Yamuwakkanai-2816 Wakkanaimura, Wakkanai, Hokkaido 097-0000, Japan

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