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Rishiri Island

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Rishiri Island

Enjoy outdoor activities and fresh seafood on this island, where rich nature unfolds around Mt. Rishiri.

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Supervised by :  Rishirifuji Town Tourist Information Center

A small island floating in the Sea of Japan, about 50 km west of Wakkanai City at the northern tip of Hokkaido. The almost perfectly round island spreads out around Mt. Rishiri, which rises 1,721 m above sea level, and most of the island is designated as part of Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. The island has a circumference of Approx. 60 km, and you can drive around it in about 1.5 hours or cycle all the way around it.

Scenic spots are scattered across the island, including Mt. Rishiri, Otatomari Marsh, Himenuma Pond, and Fujino-enchi, where you can enjoy beautiful views in every season. From June to October in particular, alpine plants bloom all over the island, making it the best season for hiking and trekking.

Dishes made with fresh local seafood are also popular, especially sea urchin raised on Rishiri kelp, one of the island’s signature summer delicacies. Two types of sea urchin are harvested on Rishiri, Kita-murasaki uni and Ezo-bafun uni, and can be enjoyed in dishes such as uni rice bowls and dobin-mushi.

To get to the island, you can take a ferry from Wakkanai Port. There are also limited flights to Rishiri Airport from airports within Hokkaido.

Highlights

  • Mt. Rishiri, rising 1,721 m above sea level, is the island’s symbol.
  • Scenic spots such as Otatomari Marsh and Himenuma Pond are scattered across the island.
  • The best season is from June to September, when alpine plants are in full bloom.
  • Sea urchin raised on Rishiri kelp is a local specialty.
  • Access to the island is by ferry or by plane from airports within Hokkaido.

Photos

  • Mt. Rishiri rising at the center of the island is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains

    Mt. Rishiri rising at the center of the island is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains

  • Mt. Rishiri rising at the center of the island is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains

    Mt. Rishiri rising at the center of the island is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains

  • Many plants found on Rishiri Island grow nowhere else in Japan

    Many plants found on Rishiri Island grow nowhere else in Japan

  • Activities such as cycling and sea kayaking are popular

    Activities such as cycling and sea kayaking are popular

  • Sea urchin harvested from the nutrient-rich waters where warm and cold currents meet is exquisite

    Sea urchin harvested from the nutrient-rich waters where warm and cold currents meet is exquisite

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

In general, it is available at facilities open to the public, such as the ferry terminal and the airport.

Reviews

1

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Mikiki

    I had the local sea urchin rice bowl, and it was insanely fresh. It practically melted in my mouth.

Details

Name in Japanese
利尻島
Postal Code
097-0401 (Rishiri Town), 097-0101 (Rishirifuji Town)
Address
Rishiri Town and Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido
Phone
Rishiri Town Tourist Information Center (0163-84-2349), Rishirifuji Town Tourist Information Center (0163-82-2201)
Access
Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes by ferry from Wakkanai Ferry Terminal
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
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