H-15 Rishiri & Rebun,
the northernmost remote islands!
Wakkanai is the northernmost part of Japan, facing the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan, centered around the Soya Strait. To the west of Wakkanai there are two attractive remote islands. Rishiri Island, home to Mount Rishiri, one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, where you can enjoy delicious sea urchin, and Rebun Island, known as the “Floating Island of Flowers,” where about 300 types of flowers bloom in abundance. There are plenty of spots these islands where you can enjoy both natural scenery and gourmet food to your heart’s satisfied.
These two islands belong to the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park.
Best season for sightseeing
- Rebun Island: June to mid-September
- Rishiri Island: June to early October
Welcome to Rebun Island, the northernmost remote island in Japan
Rebun Island is the northernmost remote island, located 60 kilometers west of Wakkanai City in the Sea of Japan.
Long from north to south, the eastern coast of Rebun Island has a gently sloping hilly terrain that stretches out to the sea, but the western coast, which is hit by the harsh westerly winds in winter, is lined with steep cliffs.
Long long ago, this island, cut off from the continent, has retained its miraculous natural beauty to this day. That’s why this island is known as the scenic Flower Island where around 300 species of alpine plants bloom in summer.
History
In 1685, early in the Edo period, the Soya place (Wakkanai) was established as a direct territory of the Matsumae Domain, and Rebun was established as an affiliated place along with Rishiri. Since then, it has been gradually developed as a trading place between the Ainu people , who fished for dried sea cucumbers and herring, and Japanese people.
In 1974, it was designated a national park, and many tourists began to visit from all over the country, and it has also developed as a tourist town with its beautiful scenery and precious alpine plants.
A floating island of flowers where alpine plants bloom
Rebun Island, the northernmost remote island in Japan, has a cool climate even in summer, making it a precious place where you can observe alpine plants that can only be found on 2,000m-class mountains in main island in Japan without climbing a mountain. Trekking, which can only be experienced here, is very popular, as you can walk through flower-filled hills and look at the coastline beyond the greenery! There are routes for all levels, so it can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to advanced hikers.
Rebun Lady’s Slipper
This precious plant, with its adorable round flowers, is found only on Rebun Island. Currently, it can hardly be seen outside of the Rebun Lady’s Slipper Colony, a protected area. The garden is usually open from late May to early June. The sight of the lovely flowers blooming while being carefully protected is definitely worth a visit.
Access
- Ferry from Wakkanai Port
- Ferry from Rishiri Island
The scenic Rishiri Island,
which embraces Mount Rishiri
Rishiri Island is about 52km west of Wakkanai City. It consists of two towns, Rishiri Town on the west side and Rishirifuji Town on the east side, and the islanders live along the coastline surrounding Mount Rishiri, which stands in the middle of the island. It is an island of fishing and tourism, where a variety of alpine plants bloom from spring to summer, and blessed with seafood from the Sea of Japan, such as the nationally famous Rishiri kelp and sea urchin, as well as natural bounty and spring water.
Mount Rishiri, the symbol of Rishiri Island, is called “Rishiri Fuji” due to its beautiful shape, one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, has an elevation of 1,721m, many climbers visit here. There are also many spots around the mountain where you can enjoy the natural scenery.
Rishiri Island is characterized by the fact that many plants exist only in this island. It is also strange that there are no medium to large mammals, such as foxes, deer, and brown bears, or snakes, which can be found on the mainland of Hokkaido.
Popular scenic spot “Otatomari Pond” &”Hime Pond”
Surrounded by a primeval forest of red spruce, Otatomari Pond is the largest lake on Rishiri Island. It is a viewing spot overlooking Mount Rishiri (Rishiri Fuji), and depending on the weather, you can see the inverted Fuji reflected on the lake’s surface. You can enjoy a stroll along the water’s edge on the promenade, which takes about 30 minutes to go around, and in June and July, the irises bloom beautifully.
Sea urchins that grow up eating kelp
Rishiri Island is famous for its “Rishiri kelp,” which is used to make delicious soup stock, and is used in high-class restaurants all over Japan, including Kyoto, as well as in private homes. Addition, Rishiri Island is also famous for its sea urchins, which grow up eating this kelp. It is said that sea urchins become flavorful based on the food they eat, so the sweetness of Rishiri’s sea urchins is truly something special! The season is from June to August. Why not enjoying the luxurious raw sea urchin rice bowl, where you can fully enjoy the umami that spreads in your mouth.
Access
- Ferry from Wakkanai Port
- Ferry from Rebun Island
- Flight from Shin-Chotose / Sapporo
Arrangements we can make
- Creating an overall itinerary
- Transportation between mainland and remote islands
- Accommodation
- Transportation within the islands
- Transportation between islands
- Interpreter guide (mainly from Sapporo or Wakkanai
** In addition to these actual expenses, each arrangement fee is required.
See “Commission for Arrangements“
Since the capacity of accommodation and vehicles for transportation within the island is limited, it is ideal to travel by small group up to 8 people.
In addition, since transportation on remote islands is easily affected by the weather, we recommend you traveling with plenty of time.
There are few luxury hotels in the island like in the mainland, and there are many guesthouses (with shared baths and toilets) where only Japanese language is spoken. However, this is the style of travel that is typical of remote islands, and the food served is all fresh local gourmet.
It’s inconvenient, but simple and kind.
Be sure to experience such the remote islands!
/// Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy for above course;
| Days to Departure | Cancellation Charge |
| More than 31 days | 5% of trip price |
| 30-15 days | 50% of trip price |
| 14-8 days | 80% of trip price |
| 7 days or Less, No Show | 100% of trip price |
Please refer to “Price, Terms and Conditions” for other detailed regulations.
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/// Payment
Payment can be settled by credit card (Paypal or Stripe).
After your booking, we will send you an invoice, then after your payment by credit card, the booking would be completed.
/// Contact
If you have any questions or offer to book, please send an email. We welcome even little questions! Don’t hesitate, and see you in Japan!!
Contact us: info@i-travel-square.tokyo