Soya Gurutto-Tomari Rally Rewards Overnight Guests in Japan’s Northernmost Region

The Hokkaido Soya Subprefectural Bureau is running the Soya Gurutto-Tomari Rally, a stamp rally for travellers staying overnight in Japan’s northernmost region, from August 1 to November 30, 2026. Participants who collect stamps at partner tourism facilities can enter a drawing for 245 gift prizes.

What happened

The rally rewards visitors who stay at least one night at accommodations, including private lodging, in the Soya region. After collecting stamps at partner tourism facilities across the region, participants submit their stamp cards either at drop boxes at partner venues or by post to the Soya Subprefectural Bureau. Winners are chosen by lottery.

Why it matters

The Soya region includes Wakkanai, Rishiri Island, Rebun Island and the wide agricultural plains of northern Hokkaido. Its scenery, produce and remoteness are strong selling points but harder to combine into a single day trip. A stamp rally that requires overnight stays is a direct tool for turning day visitors into overnight guests and moving traffic beyond the region’s most popular stops.

Key details

• Period: August 1, 2026 (Saturday) to November 30, 2026 (Monday).
• Eligibility: Individuals with a home address in Japan for prize delivery, who spend at least one overnight at an accommodation within the Soya region (including private lodging).
• Participation: Pick up a stamp card at your accommodation, collect stamps at partner tourism facilities, then submit by drop box or mail.
• Prizes: Lottery among applicants, with 245 winners receiving Soya specialty product sets and other prizes.

For international readers

The rally does not require Japanese residency to participate in the on-site experience, but prize delivery requires a Japanese domestic address. International visitors passing through can still use the rally map as a curated regional itinerary, taking in Wakkanai, Rishiri and Rebun over several days.

Source: Hokkaido Government press release.