Soya Region’s highest peak soars heavenward, the spectacular Rishiri-to (利尻島) looks like little Mt Fuji floating in the sea. Many hikers aim for the top of the great mountain Rishiri-zan, however plenty of easy-going viewing platforms and pretty marshes dotted throughout the island. Rishiri-to boasts fresh sea urchin and the nationally-famous kelp.
PRACTICAL TIPS
Location 50km southwest of Wakkanai, 20km south of Rebun-to
Population 4000
Highlights Rishiri-zan, Otatomari-numa, Peshi-misaki
Tourist Information Rishirifuji Tourist Information Center (利尻富士町観光案内所): Oshidomari ferry terminal / 8am-6pm 15 Apr-15 Oct / www.town.rishiri.hokkaido.jp/kankou-annai
01 SCENIC CAPE
Peshi-misaki
ペシ岬 / Oshidomari, Rishirifuji-cho / 24hrs
The small rocky cape juts out into the north of Oshidomari port, Peshi-misaki (92.3m) is a good place to look around the mountain and ocean while waiting for a ship.
02 SCENIC VIEWPOINTS
Yuhigaoka Observatory & Fujimi Enchi
夕陽ヶ丘展望台 / Fujino, Oshidomari, Rishirifuji-cho / 24hrs
About 2km northwest of the ferry terminal, the small coastal hill of Yuhigaoka (meaning sunset hill) is worth a visit at dusk.
03 ONSEN
Rishirifuji Onsen
利尻富士温泉 / Sakae-machi, Oshidomari, Rishirifuji-cho / Noon-9pm Sep-May, 11am-9.30pm Jun-Aug / Closed Mon Nov-Apr / ¥500
If your legs are weary after hiking or cycling, pop into Rishirifuji Onsen at the foot of the mountain. The facilities including an open-air bath, restaurant, laundry and resting room.
04 LOCAL HISTORY
Rippu-kan
りっぷ館 / Sakae-machi, Oshidomari, Rishirifuji-cho / 9am-5pm May-Oct / Closed Mon May & Oct / ¥300
Just a short walk from Rishirifuji Onsen, the fair-faced concrete culture center of Rippu-kan has a collection of oil paintings, photos and old fishing gear. A projection room shows the island’s colorful four seasons (20min).
05 LOCAL HISTORY
Rishiri Fureai Onsen
利尻ふれあい温泉 / 90 Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho / 1-9pm / ¥650 / hotel.rishiri.jp
Inside the Hotel Rishiri, this public onsen is the best spring quality of the island. It has a rooftop deck and open-air baths (May-Oct) overlooking the ocean.
06 SEASIDE PARK
Senhoshi-misaki Park
仙法志御崎公園 / Senhoshi-misaki, Rishiri-cho 24hrs / Closed in winter / Soya Bus to Misaki Koen
The southern tip of the island overlooking the mountain, lava blown out from Rishiri-zan formed the scraggy rocky coasts. You can see a seal at the natural pool in summer.
07 WETLAND
Minamihama Shitsugen
南浜湿原 / Oniwaki-Minamihama, Rishirifuji-cho / 24hrs / Soya Bus to Minamihama
If the weather is good, drop by the island’s largest wetland near Minamihama bus stop. Alpine plants bloom from May to July.
08 SCENIC MARSH
Otatomari-numa
オタトマリ沼 / Oniwaki-Numaura, Rishirifuji-cho / 24hrs
Rishiri’s largest marsh with a great mountain view. A 20-minute loop trail traverse along the shore surrounded by the spruce forest.
RISHIRI-TO MAP
GETTING THERE
The main port is Oshidomari (鴛泊) on the northeast of the island. Heartland Ferry operates year-round ferries from Wakkanai (1hr 40min) and Kafuka (45min) on Rebun-to.
GETTING AROUND
Local buses A (clockwise) and B (counterclockwise) circumnavigate the island from Kutsugata (沓形), stopping at the major sights. A seasonal one-day pass (late Apr-late Oct / ¥2000) is available at Kutsugata bus terminal or from drivers.
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