White winter worlds contrast with lush summer greenery on these northernmost Japanese islands.
Rishiri Island and Rebun Island are located west of Wakkanai, Japan's northernmost city. Rishiri has the beautiful scenery of Mt. Rishiri, which is referred to as 'Rishiri-Fuji' (Rishiri's Mt. Fuji). Rebun is called the 'island of flowers,' as it is home to over 300 types of alpine plants. Both islands form part of Japan's Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park.
Don't Miss
- Walking around Rebun, where you'll find over 300 types of alpine plants in bloom from April to September.
- Undertaking winter sports and activities amongst the unspoiled scenery, and pure white powdered snow.
- Meeting the islands' unique wildlife and nature.
Activities
Hiking (Rishiri & Rebun)
Exploring the islands on foot will allow you to fully appreciate the special alpine plants, wildlife, marshlands, and superb views.
Seal watching (Rishiri & Rebun)
Observe seals at Senhoshimisaki Park in Rishiri, and amongst various capes on Rebun such as: Sukoton Misaki, and Kanedano Misaki. You can also join seal watching tours.
Food & Souvenirs
Seafood
A wide variety of seafood is available. Feast on sea urchins, crabs, scallops, and Atka mackerel. You can also sample activities like peeling the sea urchins.
Rishiri Kombu
A high-grade kelp, used to make Japanese soup stock. Taste the local Rishiri-kombu Ramen at restaurants, or alternatively, buy some Rishiri-kombu Ramen flavoured instant noodles. Kelp extract hair care products are also available.
Sightseeing Spots
Rishiri Fuji (Rishiri)
First on the list of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, the peak stands at 1,721 m and is likened to Mt. Fuji due to its similar beautifully shaped slopes. There are three full-scale hiking courses to take you around the mountain, while you can enjoy mountain views from around Rishiri and from the neighboring Rebun.
Himenuma Pond (Rishiri)
A small swamp with a circumference of about 1 km, where you can see Mt. Rishiri from the most beautiful of angles. On sunny days, with no wind, you can see the mountain's mysterious reflection on the swamp's surface.
Gorota-misaki, Sukoton-misaki, Sukai-misaki (Rebun)
These are the three main capes on Rebun, and they provide access to the stunning views of the island's west coast, with its striking flower topped sea-cliffs. At Sukai-misaki, you can enjoy the transparent seas. A walking course that will take you around all three capes takes about 4 hours to complete.
Momoiwa & Nekoiwa Rocks (Rebun)
Momoiwa is a huge, 249.6 m tall, spherical rock, which resembles a giant peach. Then you have Nekoiwa, a strange stone that sits in the sea, that looks like a cat sitting down with an arched back. Both rocks can be observed from the Momodai Nekodai Observatory.
Takayama Botanical Garden (Rebun)
From May to September, enjoy 50 kinds of alpine plants taken from all over Rebun. You can also observe Rebun's unique cultivar 'Rebun Atsumorisou.'