RISHIRI ISLAND Last Updated: July 11, 2024

Of the several outings away from Sapporo one was to Rishiri Island. The reason for going there was that a very good doctor friend was working there in a hospital. 

There are two islands along  the north east coast of Hokkaido. Rishiri is one of the two small island about 20 kilometres off the northern tip of Hokkaido, with a circumference of about 60 kilometres and Mount Rishiri, a dormant volcano, at its center. Together with neighbouring Rebun Island, Rishiri belongs to the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. Many of the island’s 5000 inhabitants are making a living from tourism and fishing.Rishiri  island is formed by the cone-shaped extinct volcanic peak of Mount Rishiri.

Rebun Island is a longish island, about 10 kilometers north of Rishiri Island and 50 kilometers off the northern tip of Hokkaido. Together with Rishiri Island, Rebun belongs to the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park.

Rebun Island is most famous for its rich flora, which features many alpine flowers, some of which cannot be found anywhere else on the world. The flowers are in bloom from around June to August, the best time to visit Rebun. Not many tourists come to the island during the long and harsh winters. The alpine flora, the beautiful natural scenery of Rebun and views of nearby Rishiri can be enjoyed from a network of pleasant walking and hiking trails.

Rishiri island is dominated by the cone-shaped Mount Rishiri, a dormant volcano that rises to an elevation of 1,721 meters (5,646 feet). 

One of the main attractions is hiking up Mount Rishiri, which offers stunning views of the island and surrounding sea. There are several trails of varying difficulty. The mountain is often compared to Mount Fuji due to its symmetrical shape.

There is also a cycling road along the island’s northern coast. The island has a scenic cycling route that goes around its perimeter, offering views of the coastline and the opportunity to explore small villages.

Many spots around Rishiri Island offer incredible views of Mt. Rishiri.