Wakkanai Port North Breakwater Dome

Overview

The Wakkanai Port North Breakwater Dome is a dome-shaped breakwater, approximately 14 meters high and 427 meters long, constructed over a five-year period from 1931 (Showa 6). In addition to its role as a breakwater for Wakkanai Port, it also served as a connecting passage from the pier to the train station, deeply intertwined with the lives of the people at the time. Designed by Tsuyoshi Tsuchiya, a 26-year-old engineer working for the Hokkaido government, its design featuring 70 columns reminiscent of ancient Greek architecture showcases the advanced technology and innovative thinking of the era. It is now designated as a Selected Civil Engineering Heritage by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers and a Hokkaido Heritage site, reflecting its high historical value. The area around the dome has been developed into a park with walking paths and observation decks. Walking inside the dome allows you to imagine the bustling Karafuto shipping route and the hardships faced during its construction in the harsh natural environment. The views of Wakkanai Port and the surrounding scenery from the dome are breathtaking, creating unforgettable memories for visitors. The Wakkanai Port North Breakwater Dome is truly a representative tourist spot of Wakkanai, where history and nature converge.