Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Rishiri Island and Rebun Island are part of Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, Japan’s northernmost national park. Here, you can enjoy diverse landscapes including majestic mountains, vibrant flower fields, and expansive wetlands.

Both islands are home to a remarkable variety of endemic plants that can only be found here. These rare species captivate visitors year after year, making the islands a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers.

How to Get There

You can reach both islands by ferry from Wakkanai.

Rishiri Island is also accessible by plane or ferry.

Flights from New Chitose Airport or Okadama Airport take About 50 minutes.

Travel between Rishiri Island and Rebun Island takes About 40 minutes by ferry.

When it comes to must-see attractions on Rishiri Island, Mt. Rishiri tops the list.

Also known as Rishiri Fuji for its elegant, cone-shaped silhouette, this majestic peak is the unmistakable symbol of the island.

The mountain you see illustrated on the packaging of the famous confection “Shiroi Koibito” is none other than Mt. Rishiri.

The island is home to several scenic highlights, starting with the popular Otatomari Swamp, a serene lakeside location with breathtaking views.

Encircling Mt. Rishiri is the Rishiri 16 Scenic Views Stamp Rally, inviting travelers to explore diverse viewpoints. Among them, the most beloved is the Upside-Down Rishiri Fuji as seen from Himenuma Pond.

On calm, early mornings, this small lake—just about 800m in circumference—perfectly mirrors the mountain like a giant natural mirror. Surrounded by pristine virgin forest, the reflection is so breathtaking it will leave you speechless.

It’s absolutely worth waking up early to witness this magical sight.

Seasonal Splendor in Rishiri – The Yellow Carpet of Ezo Daylilies

From June to July, Rishiri Island offers a breathtaking seasonal spectacle you won’t want to miss.

During this period, the northern area known as Fujino Park bursts into bloom with countless Ezo Daylilies.

The vibrant yellow flowers spread across the land like a glowing carpet, with the majestic Mt. Rishiri rising in the background. This scenery perfectly captures the essence of Rishiri’s short but vivid summer.

The flower language of the Ezo Daylily is “forget your sorrows”.

Let the worries of daily life melt away as you immerse yourself in the grandeur of nature stretching out before you.

Yuhi-ga-oka Observatory: A 360-Degree Panoramic View on Rishiri Island

Located on a gentle hill at the northern tip of Rishiri Island, Yuhi-ga-oka Observatory offers breathtaking 360-degree views of both the sea and mountains.

From spring to summer, vibrant flowers bloom in full splendor, while autumn transforms the landscape with golden pampas grass shining under the sun.

Watching the sun sink below the horizon here becomes an unforgettable memory for every visitor.

Must-Try Gourmet in Rishiri and Rebun Islands: Fresh Sea Urchin

When you visit Rishiri and Rebun Islands, the number one gourmet delight you must try is definitely the ‘uni’ (sea urchin)!

Here, you can enjoy two special types: the light and elegant ‘Kitamurasaki Uni’ and the rich, flavorful ‘Ezo Bafun Uni.’

Raised in nutrient-rich seas, where the best Rishiri kelp grows, the sea urchins here are stored in saltwater without any alum additives, allowing you to savor their natural, pure taste.

The peak season for uni is from June to August each year.

Once you place it on your tongue, you’ll experience a melt-in-your-mouth texture, gentle sweetness, and rich umami flavor.

You won’t be able to stop after just one bite!

One famous dish you must not miss is the ‘Uni Don’ — a bowl of rice generously topped with fresh sea urchin.

It’s worth splurging on this specialty during your trip!

Known as the "Island of Flowers," Rebun Island offers a rare sight where alpine plants—usually found only at elevations above 2,000 m—bloom all around the island at less than 500 m above sea level by mid-May.

Located at Japan’s northernmost point, Rebun has a cool climate similar to that of a mountain summit. The constant sea breeze prevents tall trees from growing, creating the perfect environment for alpine plants to thrive.

This unique setting allows visitors to enjoy a variety of alpine flora without the need for strenuous mountain climbing.

Rebun Island is home to about 300 different types of flowers, including several species found nowhere else in the world.

One famous example is the Rebun Atsumoriso (Rebun Lady's Slipper Orchid),which inspired the island’s mascot character ‘Atsumon’.

This unique flower, with its yellow-white color and distinctive pouch shape,blooms from late May to early June, delighting all visitors who come to see it.

Explore 7 Scenic Courses to Experience the Charm of Rebun Island

Rebun Island offers 7 unique courses that let you fully experience its beauty, including encounters with its diverse flowers.

Compared to Rishiri Island, Rebun Island features more varied terrain. A short climb up a gentle hill reveals slopes leading down to the sea, or panoramic views stretching across the island. The scenery constantly changes, keeping every step exciting.

Even so, the highest elevation on the island is only about 500 m. For visitors who prefer a more relaxed pace, there are routes with minimal ups and downs, making it easy for anyone to enjoy.

Choose a course that matches your fitness level and schedule, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking nature of Rishiri’s surroundings.

About 75km south of Rishiri Island and roughly 25km west off the coast of Haboro Town, two charming islands float side by side: Teuri Island and Yagishiri Island.

The main gateway to both islands is Haboro Town, located about a 3-hour drive from Sapporo and about 2 hours from Asahikawa. From Haboro, it takes about 35 minutes by high-speed ferry to reach Yagishiri Island, and just about 15 minutes more to Teuri Island.

Though small in size, each island offers a distinct character. Teuri Island is a paradise for birdwatchers, home to countless seabirds and dramatic coastal cliffs. In contrast, Yagishiri Island boasts untouched forests covering one-third of its area, creating a lush and tranquil escape.

With each island’s circumference just over 10km, exploring by rental bicycle from the port is both easy and enjoyable. As you pedal along the well-maintained coastal roads, panoramic views of the shimmering horizon unfold before you.

Teuri Island is a true paradise for seabirds.

Despite having a population of only about 300 residents, the island hosts more than 1 million seabirds during the breeding season, making it one of Japan’s most impressive wildlife destinations.

From March to August, Teuri becomes a dream location for birdwatchers, attracting endangered species such as the Common murre (Ororoncho) and the Rhinoceros Auklet (Uto), along with many other seabirds.

The island’s towering cliffs, carved over centuries by strong winds and rough waves from the Sea of Japan, provide the perfect refuge where seabirds can safely raise their young, far from predators.

Sunset Spectacle – When the Sky Comes Alive

One of Teuri Island’s most magical moments unfolds at sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, seabirds begin to return from the sea to their nests.

At first, only a few silhouettes glide in, but the numbers quickly grow until the sky is alive with thousands of wings moving in unison — an awe-inspiring sight you’ll never forget.

Yagishiri Island is truly a land of primeval forests and sheep.

About one-third of the island is covered by untouched forests, home to about 50 species and more than 150,000 trees, creating a lush green tunnel. In spring and autumn, as you wander through the woods, you can hear the songs of migratory birds. Look closely at the trees, and you’ll notice some with unusual shapes. For example, at ‘Onko-no-Sho*,’ there are giant trees only about 1 meter tall but with branches spreading out up to 10 meters wide.

These strange, curved shapes are formed by harsh winter weather. The trees show a mysterious beauty shaped by strong sea winds and heavy snow, symbolizing their resilience and determination to survive against the elements.

*In Hokkaido, the Japanese Yew is called ‘Onko.’

Experience the Highland Pastures and Premium ‘Yagishiri Suffolk’ Sheep on Yagishiri Island

After passing through the dense primeval forest, you will suddenly find the view opening up to expansive pastures that evoke the serene landscapes of Scandinavia.

Welcoming you there are the charming Suffolk sheep, recognizable by their striking black faces peeking out from thick white wool.

Raised stress-free on this predator-free island, these sheep graze on mineral-rich grass, producing the renowned ‘Yagishiri Suffolk’ lamb, highly prized even in top French restaurants.

Yagishiri Suffolk lamb meat is known for its exceptional quality—it has almost no gamey odor and a naturally sweet flavor, making it one of Japan’s finest lambs.

However, with only about 200 sheep shipped annually, it remains a rare and almost mythical delicacy.

When you visit Yagishiri Island, be sure to savor this extraordinary lamb meat.

Okushiri Island is the only one among the five remote islands located in southern Hokkaido.

You can reach Okushiri Island by ferry from Esashi Town in about 2 hours and 10 minutes, or by plane from Hakodate Airport in about 30 minutes. One of the island’s iconic symbols is Nabetsuru Rock. This massive rock, standing 19.5 meters tall, has a large hole right through its center. It is named after its resemblance to a pot handle (‘nabe’ means pot in Japanese). At night, Nabetsuru Rock is beautifully illuminated, and the squid fishing boats’ lights in the background decorate the scene like a stunning illumination, creating a magical atmosphere.

The island’s sea, renowned for its crystal-clear emerald waters called “Okushiri Blue,” is perfect for marine activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). When you take a moment to gaze into the sea, you may even spot sea urchins beneath the surface thanks to the exceptional water clarity. The entire island also serves as an excellent fishing spot for enthusiasts.

One of the great attractions of Okushiri Island is its abundant gourmet cuisine!

Okushiri is said to be the birthplace of Sanpei-jiru, a traditional Hokkaido local dish now well known across the region.

Beyond that, the island is famous for its exquisite sea urchin and abalone. However, the must-try specialty is hokke (Okhotsk atka mackerel). Because hokke spoils quickly, it is usually enjoyed dried and split open elsewhere.

On Okushiri Island, thanks to the availability of fresh hokke, a unique local dish called hokke shabu-shabu has become a popular home-cooked meal. This luxurious dish features fatty hokke briefly dipped in piping hot broth, creating a delicate and flavorful experience you won’t want to miss.