Rishiri Island and Rebun Island

Rishiri Island (利尻島) and Rebun Island (礼文島) are beautiful remote islands located in northern Hokkaido, Japan. Both islands are part of the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, known for their rich natural environments.

Rishiri Island covers an area of about 182 square kilometers. Its main areas include Oshidomari, Kutsugata, and Senpoushi. Oshidomari, on the eastern side, serves as the main gateway with a ferry terminal and airport. Kutsugata, in the south, has another ferry terminal. Senpoushi is located on the western side. The island is dominated by Mount Rishiri, also known as Rishiri Fuji due to its resemblance to Mount Fuji. The entire island forms the base of this mountain, with settlements scattered along the coastline.

Rebun Island is smaller, covering about 82 square kilometers. Its main areas are Kafuka and Funadomari. Kafuka, in the south, is the primary entry point with a ferry terminal. Funadomari is in the northern part of the island. Rebun is often called the “Floating Island of Flowers” due to its diverse alpine plants. It has an elongated north-south shape, with Mount Rebun (490 meters) as its highest peak.

Both islands are accessible by ferry from Wakkanai Port, and Rishiri Island also has an airport. They are popular for outdoor activities, particularly hiking and trekking, with well-maintained trails. The islands are famous for their seafood, especially sea urchin and kelp. Various accommodation options are available, including hotels and guesthouses.

Rishiri and Rebun Islands are often visited together due to their proximity. Visitors can enjoy different experiences on each island: Rishiri offers the challenge of climbing Mount Rishiri, while Rebun is ideal for observing alpine flora and scenic trekking. The islands provide a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of northern Japan, combining stunning landscapes with rich biodiversity.

Getting there

By Ferry from Wakkanai

Heart Land Ferry operates the following routes:

• Wakkanai to Rishiri (Oshidomari Port):
  • Journey time: 100 minutes
  • Cost: About 2,800 yen one way
  • Frequency: 2-3 round trips per day
• Wakkanai to Rebun (Kafuka Port):
  • Journey time: 115 minutes
  • Cost: About 3,000 yen one way
  • Frequency: 2-3 round trips per day
• Between Rishiri and Rebun:
  • Journey time: 40-45 minutes
  • Cost: About 1,000 yen one way
  • Frequency: 1-2 round trips per day (varies by season and port)

By Air (Rishiri Island only)

• From Sapporo’s Okadama Airport:
  • Hokkaido Air System (HAC) operates daily flights
  • Journey time: 1 hour
  • Cost: Regular fare about 27,000 yen one way, discount fares from 12,000 yen

Getting to Wakkanai

• From Sapporo:
  • Train: 5.5 hours, 10,000 yen
  • Air: 1 hour, 18,000 to 24,000 yen
  • Highway bus: 6 hours, 6,200 yen
• From Tokyo:
  • Air: 2 hours, 25,000 to 50,000 yen