Travel across Hokkaido, visiting the northernmost island and Sapporo by public transportation

Travel across Hokkaido, visiting the northernmost island and Sapporo by public transportation
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Days required
3 days and 2 nights
Main methods of transportation
ferry, bus, plane, train, subway

[Three days, two nights] This model course is a trip to Rishiri Island and Rebun Island, the northernmost islands available for sightseeing in Japan, and Sapporo. Travel through different airports to and from the islands. By doing so, you can enjoy an extensive trip.


<Airports to be used for this trip>

Starting point: Wakkanai Airport

End point: New Chitose Airport


Check out what to wear for your trip to Hokkaido here.

  • * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Start
Day1

[START] Wakkanai Airport

There are direct flights from New Chitose Airport and Haneda Airport to Wakkanai Airport; as of December 2023, a flight departs from Haneda Airport at 10:45 and arrives at Wakkanai Airport at 12:35. An airport bus is available from Wakkanai Airport coinciding with the time of arriving flights.


For details, please check the Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd. website.

(From Wakkanai Airport) About 45 minutes by bus

Wakkanai Ferry Terminal

About 2 hours by ferry

Kafuka Port (Rebun Island)

Move to accommodation

[Accommodation] Kafuka District, Rebun Island

Rebun Island has hotels, guest houses, and youth hostels. If you plan to start activities early in the morning the next day, it is convenient to stay near the activity point. If you are having trouble choosing a place to stay, we recommend the Kafuka district, where the ferry terminal is located.

Day2

Rebun Island Sightseeing

There are two ways to visit Rebun Island by public transportation.

The first is to use local buses. Although there are not many buses, you can take a bus to Cape Sukoton in the north and Shiretoko in the south.

If you take the bus early in the morning, you can visit popular spots such as Cape Sukoton, Hamanaka (Rebun Lady’s Slipper Preserve), Momoiwa trailhead (near the spot for spectacular views of Momoiwa and Nekoiwa), and Canary Park by bus alone. (It will take a full day to visit all of them.)

There are also trekking courses on Rebun Island. You can take a bus to Cape Sukoton, Shiretoko, Momoiwa trailhead, and Nairo (Mt. Rebun trailhead) and enjoy trekking.

The second method is to use a regular sightseeing bus. This seasonal bus usually runs from May to September. Visitors arriving at Kafuka Port by ferry in the early morning can take the regular sightseeing bus in the morning. From the harbor, you can tour Cape Sukai, Cape Sukoton, Momodai Nekodai Observatory, and Canary Park. The tour takes about 4 hours.

The regular sightseeing bus will give you more time if you want to visit Rishiri Island after Rebun Island. It is also recommended if you want to tour around tourist attractions. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance because the bus is crowded during the high season.

Cape Sukoton

Cape Sukoton is the northernmost point of Rebun Island and the most scenic spot on the island. The cliffs on the coast are directly formed into a cape. You can see Kaibato Island in front of the cape and Cape Kanetano on the opposite shore. On a clear day, Sakhalin can be seen in the distance. The island is a difficult place for ships to navigate, and at night the Kaibato Lighthouse illuminates the route.

Address
Funadomari Sukoton, Rebun-cho
Telephone Number
0163-86-1001

Cape Sukai

Cape Sukai is the most popular tourist attraction on Rebun Island. The cape is located at the tip of a beautiful, arc-shaped cove. The crystal clear waters are so clear that one can see through to the bottom of the ocean. The color changes subtly with the sun's rays, and in summer you can see the jade-colored sea, known as "Rebun blue."

Address
Funadomari Nishikamidomari, Rebun-cho
Telephone Number
0163-86-1001

Momoiwa Observatory

From this lookout, you can see the huge peach-shaped Momoiwa in front of you. In the distance, you can also see Nekoiwa, which looks like the silhouette of a cat. There is also a popular trekking course called the "Momoiwa Observatory Course. From here, you can walk via the Motochi Lighthouse to the Shiretoko area at the southern tip of Rebun Island. This course is a treasure trove of alpine flora and is also known as the Flower Road. 2022 saw the designation of the Momoiwa area as a national natural monument for its alpine flora.

Address
Kafuka Motoji, Rebun-cho
Telephone Number
0163-86-1001
About 45 minutes by ferry

Oshidomari Port (Rishiri Island)

There are two ports on Rishiri Island. Oshidomari Port has a large number of ferry services. Kutsugata Port is close to Rebun Island. Kutsugata Port may only have services during the summer.

Travel by regular sightseeing bus

Although only available in summer, there is a regular sightseeing bus that leaves from Kutsugata Port in the afternoon, and is recommended for those who want to see both Rebun and Rishiri islands in one day. The bus will take you to places of interest such as Otatomari Swamp and the Rishiri Town Museum.

Otatomari Swamp

Otatomari swamp is the largest lake and marsh wetland on Rishiri Island. It is a beautiful swamp surrounded by a virgin forest of Japanese red spruce, the northernmost in Japan. It is also a popular viewing spot from which Rishiri Fuji can be seen in the distance. There is a walking trail that takes about 30 minutes to walk around the swamp, and from June to July, kakitsubata (Japanese snowbell) flowers are in full bloom.

Address
Oniwaki, Rishirifuji-cho, Rishiri-gun
Telephone Number
0163-82-2201
Closed
No access when there is snow

Rishiri Fuji

A beautiful mountain in the northernmost part of Japan

Mt. Rishiri is a 1,721-meter-high mountain located on Rishiri Island. It is also known as "Rishiri Fuji" because of its beautiful and gentle ridges like Mt. Fuji. It is the northernmost of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan and is popular among climbers. From the top, you can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view. You can see the entire island of Rishiri, as well as Rebun Island and the main island of Hokkaido across the sea. Alpine plants unique to this area, such as rishiri hinageshi (Papaver Fauriei) and rishiri ougi (Astragalus Frigidus), can also be seen.

Address
Oniwaki, Rishirifuji-cho, Rishiri-gun
Telephone Number
0163-82-1111

Senhoshimisaki Park

This is a nature park located at the southernmost tip of Rishiri Island. It is a viewing spot where you can see the crystal clear sea and the majestic Mt. Rishiri. When Mt. Rishiri erupted, lava flowed into the sea. Many oddly shaped rocks and stones formed by the lava can be seen here. Natural sea urchins and kelp can be seen at the observation site on the shore.

Address
Senboshimisaki, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun
Telephone Number
0163-84-2345
Move to accommodation

[Accommodation] Rishiri Island

Rishiri Island has hotels and guest houses near two ports.

Day3

Rishiri Airport

Flights to Okadama Airport (Sapporo) depart twice daily on weekends in summer. Please check the JAL website for flight times as they change depending on the season.

If you have finished sightseeing in Rishiri Island by the previous day, flights departing in the morning are also available. There is also a bus that goes past Rishiri Airport, but if the time does not suit you, you can walk from the nearby Hondomari bus stop.

About 55 minutes by plane

Okadama Airport

About 30 minutes by airport shuttle bus

Sightseeing in downtown Sapporo (night view)

The night view of Sapporo is famous as one of the most beautiful night views in Japan. It can be viewed from various observatory facilities in Sapporo. All of the spots are easily accessible, so visiting them is recommended.

Sapporo Night View Spots

Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway
Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway
The Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway is a popular spot for beautiful night views of Sapporo. It is one of Japan's new top three nightscapes. During the daytime, you can view the beautiful cityscape of Sapporo. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere at sunset and the night view as well. The observatory at the top of the mountain offers a beautiful 360-degree view. The "Fortune Bell," which is considered a sacred place for lovers, is located here, making it a popular date spot. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal while viewing the night view.
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10008.html
Okurayama Observation Lounge
Okurayama Observation Lounge
From the Okurayama Observation Lounge, you can enjoy the cityscape of Sapporo, which has been selected as one of the "New Three Great Night Views of Japan." The night view shining at the foot of the mountain is a scene that can only be seen from the Okurayama Observatory.
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10524.html
Sapporo TV Tower
Sapporo TV Tower
The tower stands at the east end of Odori Park and is 147.2 meters high. There is also an observatory from which visitors can enjoy the scenery of Sapporo. It is a landmark tower loved by many citizens and tourists.
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10011.html

[Accommodation] Sapporo

Day4
Travel by subway

Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Curb Market

A market where you can buy fresh Hokkaido products at reasonable prices.

The Sapporo Central Wholesale Market brings in fresh produce from all over Hokkaido every morning. The Curb Market is located adjacent to the outside of the market and is readily accessible to the general public and tourists. There are about 60 stores selling marine products, agricultural products, and restaurants. Seafood such as crabs and scallops, and fresh produce such as melons, potatoes, and corn are available for sale. You can buy them at reasonable prices.

Address
Kita 11 Nishi 21-23, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Telephone Number
011-621-7044
Open
6:00-17:00 (varies by store)
Closed
Varies by store
About 30 minutes by subway/on foot

Maruyama Park

Citizens' Park for Rest and Recreation

Maruyama Park is located on the north side of the Maruyama Primeval Forest, a natural monument. It is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Sapporo. The park is also home to a zoo, a baseball field, and tennis courts. The park is crowded with many citizens. The Hokkaido Jingu is also located next to the park.

Address
3 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Telephone Number
011-621-0453

Hokkaido Jingu

Popular as a power spot in Hokkaido

Hokkaido Jingu is located next to Maruyama Park. Located in a lush green forest, the shrine attracts many visitors from all over Japan. There are three shrines within the precincts of the shrine, which enshrine figures who have contributed to the development of Hokkaido. The vast precincts of the temple cover an area.

Address
474 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Telephone Number
011-611-0261
Open
(Summer) 6:00-17:00
(Winter) 7:00-16:00
(Prayer) 9:00-16:00
Closed
Open all year round
About 30 minutes by subway/on foot

Ganso Ramen Yokocho Sapporo

Sapporo's must-visit gourmet spot

This spot is said to be the birthplace of Sapporo's gourmet food, "Sapporo Miso Ramen." Around 1951, there was a "Koraku Ramen Meitengai" in Sapporo City. The shopping street was crowded with stores and restaurants. As the ramen stores in them flourished, the stores in the shopping street were replaced one after another by ramen stores, and finally all of them became ramen stores. Today, the area is still full of famous stores that support the culture of Sapporo miso ramen.

Address
Minami 5-jo Nishi 3-6, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
About 30 minutes by subway/on foot

Sapporo Beer Museum

Enjoy limited-edition beers while tracing the history of Sapporo Beer

It is the only museum about beer in Japan. The brick building was built in 1890 as a sugar factory. This building is designated as a Hokkaido Heritage Site.

The museum introduces the history of Sapporo Beer, which developed along with the development of Hokkaido, and the history of the beer industry in Japan in an easy-to-understand manner through panels and other exhibits. Visitors who participate in the premium tour can sample limited-edition beer only available here.

Address
Inside Sapporo Garden Park, 9-1-1 Kita 7-jo Higashi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
Telephone Number
011-748-1876
Open
11:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30)
Closed
Mondays (or the next day if Monday is a holiday), The New year's holiday, and temporary closing days
About 60 minutes by train > about 80 minutes by bus/JR

[Goal] New Chitose Airport

There are flights from New Chitose Airport to various domestic destinations.

For details, please visit the Hokkaido Airports Co. Ltd. website.

Goal
  • Cape Sukoton
  • Cape Sukai
  • Momoiwa Observatory
  • Otatomari Swamp
  • Rishiri Fuji
  • Senhoshimisaki Park
  • Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Curb Market
  • Maruyama Park
  • Hokkaido Jingu
  • Ganso Ramen Yokocho Sapporo
  • Sapporo Beer Museum

Please note that Google Maps may not display properly if the number of Google Maps page loads exceeds the daily limit.

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