Guest House Almelia - Hokkaido

Guesthouse 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.

Guesthouse Almelia

Guesthouse Almelia details

Dubbed the "Soya Hill Observation Rest Facility", Guesthouse 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.

Guesthouse 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 Guesthouse 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 Guesthouse Almelia

There are plenty of souvenirs to choose from

There is also a restaurant inside the Guesthouse Almelia

Soya Black Beef

Aside from the observatory facility, Guesthouse 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 that sells products from the Soya Subprefecture.

Guesthouse Almelia as seen from Cape Soya Peace Memorial Park

My family and I visited Guesthouse 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. Guesthouse Almelia wasn’t originally on our itinerary, but we were intrigued by the windmill, so we came to check it out.

Team Nicerio visits Guesthouse Almelia

We tried the soft cream

We first visited the souvenir store when we arrived at Guesthouse 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.

Guesthouse Almelia Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and enjoy the view from the observatory of Guesthouse 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.

Guesthouse Almelia Operating Hours:

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

Why visit Guesthouse Almelia?

Guesthouse 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 Guesthouse Almelia

 

From JR Wakkanai Station, ride the Soya Bus going to the Cape Soya bus stop. From there, you need to walk for about 10 minutes to reach Guesthouse 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-trip) is available at the Station Bus Terminal Ticket Counter.

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