Rishiri travel guide and discussion

I woke up at 4:00 AM today to a brisk 18°C outside. Had breakfast right on the dot at 4:45 AM (my first time staying at a hotel that serves meals this early). At 6:30 AM, I took a leisurely 10-minute stroll to the ferry terminal. I caught the 7:15 AM ferry from Wakkanai Port and arrived at Rishiri Island (Oshidomari Port) at 8:55 AM. Right outside the ferry terminal exit, I hopped onto the sightseeing bus I had pre-booked on the official Soya Bus website. We departed at 9:05 AM and returned to our starting point by 12:15 PM. (There was absolutely no way to catch the 12:05 PM ferry back to Wakkanai, and the next one wasn't until 4:40 PM. Honestly, it feels like a deliberate move to keep visitors on the island for a few extra hours to boost local tourism spending?!) Rishiri Island is a circular volcanic island floating in the Sea of Japan, northwest of Hokkaido. It is famous for its stunning natural landscapes and premium seafood—especially its kelp and sea urchins. The entire island is part of the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. With a circumference of about 63 kilometers, it only takes 1 to 1.5 hours to drive or take a bus around it, making it a highly popular destination for eco-tourism and island hopping. Standing proudly in the center of the island is Mount Rishiri, an extinct volcano reaching an elevation of 1,721 meters. Its striking resemblance to Mount Fuji has earned it the nickname "Rishiri Fuji." I took the ferry back, arriving at Wakkanai Port at 6:20 PM. I couldn't stop thinking about the sea urchin bowl on Rishiri Island—it was barely enough for a bite! Fukuko Market was already closed, but thankfully, the Aizawa Supermarket next to Wakkanai Station was still open. The star of my dinner was Wakkanai-produced sea urchin, accompanied by beef, striped shrimp, and a Hokkaido-exclusive beer. This dinner was absolutely fantastic! Note: I walked 4,940 steps today.

Japan's No. 1 duty-free snack is a product called Shiroi Koibito. In Japanese, the name means "White Lover." Mount Rishiri—also known as Rishiri Fuji—is the actual mountain featured in its background. The story goes that the snack was named this way because the year-round snow-capped mountain, which resembles Mount Fuji, evokes the pure image of a lover. Located at the northernmost tip of Japan, Rishiri Island shares this remote region with Rebun Island. It is a place renowned for its stunning sunsets and famous for its sea urchin (uni) farming. It takes less than an hour by plane from Sapporo, or about 1 hour and 40 minutes by ferry from Wakkanai. A trip to Rishiri will treat you to breathtaking natural landscapes. Please make sure to drop by when you visit Sapporo. Thank you!

Rishiri Island, a remote island in Hokkaido, is about 55 minutes from Sapporo Okadama Airport. You can get there via Hokkaido Air System, part of the JAL Group✈️. In the center of the island stands Mount Rishiri, which was beautifully visible from the airport! I visited in late October, and Mount Rishiri was covered in snow. It seems to have turned white over the past week. I rented a car and drove around the island🚗. With few cars and people, you can enjoy a leisurely drive! The island has many scenic spots and parking areas, allowing you to take in the beautiful views☺️. Rishiri Island is famous for its seafood! There’s plenty, including sea urchin, kelp, and abalone. You can purchase these ocean treasures at souvenir shops and fish markets!! Rishiri Island is a recommended destination for a relaxing trip!

Hello, fellow island-loving travelers✈️ This time, I’m introducing a 2-day, 1-night travel plan to Rishiri Island, departing from Wakkanai, Japan’s northernmost city🇯🇵✨️ If you love nature, sea urchin, or ramen, this is a must-see‼️👀 Rishiri Island is packed with charm that will make you want to visit again and again. You can access Rishiri Island by plane or ferry✈️ (departing from New Chitose or Okadama Airport). For those looking to save money or enjoy scenic views from the sea, the ferry is recommended🚢. ✅ Day 1 Near the ferry terminal! A fascinating supermarket full of surprises 📍Aizawa Food Hall Address: 3-5-8 Chuo, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido 097-0022 Hours: 9:00-19:00 It’s like the northern version of Seijo Ishii, offering bento boxes, fresh seafood, and freshly baked bread made with local ingredients. Perfect for enjoying a meal on the ferry🍞. 📍Wakkanai Ferry Terminal🚢 At the terminal shop, don’t miss the local sweets “Northman” and Wakkanai Milk🐮 (I drank it almost every day for two weeks during my stay🫶. It’s as rich as fresh cream and the best milk I’ve ever had🥇). Upon arrival, head to a popular café where travelers and regulars gather. It’s right near the car rental shop🚗³₃. 📍PORTO Coffee☕️ Address: 200 Oshidomari Port Town, Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0101 ✍️ Check Instagram for operating hours. The bread sold at the café is also very popular🥐, and all the drinks are so delicious you’ll have a hard time choosing✨️. 🚨Must-visit!!!🚨 The most difficult-to-access yet highly sought-after ramen in Japan🍜🍥 📍Rishiri Ramen Miraku Main Store Address: 67 Kutsugata Honcho, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Hours: 11:00-14:30 (Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays) This ramen, packed with the rich umami of kelp, will captivate ramen lovers🍜. The roasted soy sauce ramen is highly recommended‼️. I gave some souvenir ramen to a friend, and they ended up visiting the store themselves✨️. Rare and unique local ice cream 📍Hokurindo Address: 4-5 Kutsugata Midorimachi, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Innovative ice cream made with Rishiri’s sea urchin and kelp. Stir it with a kelp spoon, and it transforms into a texture similar to Turkish ice cream⁉️. You can even eat the kelp spoon😋. The ultimate souvenir spot❄⛄️ 📍Shiroi Koibito Hill (Numanoura Observatory) Address: Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0211 Did you know the motif on the Shiroi Koibito cookie box is actually Rishiri?✨️. A local izakaya serving delicious dishes made with local ingredients🍺🏮 📍Wayo Sosaku Iroha Address: 71 Oshidomari Honcho, Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0101 Hours: 17:00-22:00 (Closed Thursdays) Have you heard of “Tachikama”? It’s a rare delicacy made from pollock roe and salt, usually only available in winter. But here, you can enjoy it even in summer🥹. Enjoy the starry night sky and head to your hotel🏨. *This photo was taken with an iPhone Night Mode📸. Stunningly beautiful😍. ✅ Day 2 Indulge in a luxurious breakfast at the hotel🎶 📍Island Inn Rishiri🏨 Address: Fujimicho, Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Although I usually prefer budget accommodations, I stayed here just to try their buffet🍽. Sea urchin rice, self-serve seafood bowls with unlimited salmon roe, Hokkaido asparagus... I ate so much I needed a break😂. After a rest, take a leisurely walk while admiring Rishiri Fuji🚶♀️. 📍Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park Address: Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Enjoy rare plants and the flow of clouds over the mountain peak while soaking in nature🌱. You can complete the loop in about 30 minutes. Don’t forget souvenirs and trying Hamanasu & Kumazasa tea soft serve🍦. 📍Otatomari Marsh Address: Numanoura, Oniwaki, Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0211 On sunny days, the reflection of Rishiri Fuji on the water’s surface is stunning🗻. The Hamanasu flower scent and the mild Kumazasa tea flavor are distinct and worth trying👏. Highly recommended soba that impresses even the locals🥢 📍Bonten Address: Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Hours: 11:00-14:00 / 17:00-20:00 (Closed Mondays) The tempura here is exceptionally delicious. They also serve sea urchin bowls, perfect for treating yourself◎.

Japan's northernmost whiskey distillery Kamui Whisky A whiskey distillery opened on Rishiri Island in July 2022! A festival lottery was held on June 23, 2023 to sell Kamui Whisky's raw liquor that had just been completed before aging. A numbered ticket was given to those who wanted to buy it, and only the winners could purchase it for 3,000 yen. I went with an acquaintance and managed to win one bottle! The aged whiskey will be released in the future! There are already restaurants on the island that sell and serve raw liquor, and the taste is endorsed by the islanders. If you are planning a trip to Rishiri Island in the future, why not try some raw liquor? Access information · Location: 128-2 Kutsugatakamu, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido · Access: 21 minutes by car from Oshidomari Port Ferry Terminal #Domestic travel #Hokkaido travel #Hokkaido tourism #Local whiskey #Rishiri Island gourmet #Rishiri whiskey #Rishiri Island 060-0005 2-1 Kita 5-jo Nishi 7-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Rishiri Island Kutsugata Cape Park Because it is close to the coastline, you can see kelp fishing, sea urchin fishing, and kelp drying up close during the summer season. There is a stone monument of the lyricist Shigure Otoha, who was born in Rishiri, and music is played here. There is also a campsite nearby. Conveniently located near convenience stores and hot spring accommodations. The campsite has a great view of Mt. Rishiri and is equipped with a BBQ area and a kitchen, making it a convenient and open-feeling campsite. Access Information · Address Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido · Access 5 minutes walk from Kutsugata Port Ferry Terminal · Opening period May 1st to October 31st · Campsite accommodation fee 500 yen per tent per night ※Camping or sleeping in a car #Domestic travel #Rishiri #Rishiri Island

Rishiri Rishiri Island Station Self-sufficient Old-style House Cafe Rishiri Ni Koishi This is a popular restaurant that serves stone-grilled lunch menu items such as cheese curry and pasta made with Rishiri kelp broth (980 yen each, including salad and soup)! The interior of the restaurant is designed in the style of an old-style house, and although it is old, it is well-maintained and provides a relaxing space where you can enjoy your meal. We ordered original blend herbal tea and homemade chiffon cake to take away. The chiffon cake was fluffy and moist. It had a firm elasticity and went well with the herbal tea. Please stop by when you visit Rishiri Island. Access information · Address 51 Honmachi, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido (inside Rishiri Island Station) · Business hours 9:00-17:00 · Closed days May-October: Open everyday November-April: Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays · Access 11-minute walk from Kutsugata Port Ferry Terminal 25-minute drive from Oshidomari Port Ferry Terminal #Domestic travel #Rishiri Island #Rishiri #Remote island travel #Remote island travel #Rishiri travel #Rishiri sightseeing #Hokkaido sightseeing #Hokkaido travel #Hokkaido remote islands #Rishiri kelp #Rishiri Island Station #Old folk house cafe #Self-sufficient cafe

There are several hot spring facilities on Rishiri Island, located at the northern tip of Hokkaido. One of them is Rishiri Fureai Onsen, located near the Kutsugata Ferry Terminal. This hot spring is attached to the Rishiri Hotel, and is open to non-guests. In addition to the hot spring, there is a spacious tatami lounge and a spring water server. The spring is made of hydrogen carbonate, and it is said to have the highest content in Japan. The water looks brown and murky, but when you soak in it, it's wonderful and warms you to the core. Please visit. Access: About 5 minutes walk from the Kutsugata Ferry Terminal, parking available *If you are only going to bathe, please note that the entrance is behind the Rishiri Hotel #Domestic travel

Rishiri Fureai Onsen is a hot spring facility attached to Hotel Rishiri on Rishiri Island in Hokkaido. It is the only natural hot spring attached to an accommodation facility on both Rishiri Island and Rebun Island. The warm brown water boasts one of the highest hydrogen carbonate contents in Japan. When it comes into contact with air, it turns a metallic brown, so it is also called golden water. It also has high and low temperature saunas! You can enjoy the unobstructed view of the Sea of ​​Japan from the open-air bath. The day-use hot spring is open all year round, so please visit it. The main entrance may be closed in winter. Please go straight from the hotel entrance towards the sea and turn right, and you will see the entrance to the day-use hot spring. When I visited, it was just New Year's season, so there were cocoon ball decorations at the reception. Another attractive point is that you can feel the four seasons that are typical of Rishiri. Rishiri Fureai Onsen 90 Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido #Hot Spring

The Rishiri Route is famous as the northernmost sea route in Japan. Hotel Rishiri was originally operated as a national lodging house. It is located on the cape of the Kutsugata region on the west side of Rishiri Island, and is located close to Kutsugata Port, where the ferry terminal connecting Rebun Island and Rishiri Island is located. The accommodation is open only seasonally from spring to autumn each year, but the hot spring facility is open all year round. The hotel is attractive for its sunsets on the horizon and its rare reddish-brown natural hot springs that flow directly from the source. The sunsets in particular are spectacular. There is also a Soya Bus stop, so if you enter Rishiri Island from Oshidomari Port, please consider taking the bus. Hotel Rishiri 90 Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido *Reservations for 2023 will be accepted from 2/1. #Snowscape

The school building of Kutsugata Junior High School, which was no longer in use after merging with Senboushi Junior High School in 2017, has been reborn as a cafe. The former technology room has been beautifully renovated into a stylish cafe! Most of the desks, chairs, and displays have been reused from the school building and Rishiri Island. It's a little hard to find, but it's a blissful moment to have a cafe while watching the snow falling, especially in the silence of winter. Address: 55 Kutsugata Hinode-cho, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido Behind the old Kutsugata Junior High School building, just before the cycling road Opening hours: 9:30-16:30 #cafe #abandonedschoolrenovation #abandonedschool #snowscenery #trip2023

Spot: Rishiri Airport Address: 1143 Oshidomari Hontomari, Rishirifuji-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido 097-0101 Rishiri Airport is a locally managed airport located in Rishirifuji-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido (Rishiri Island). #trip2023 #japan #japan #wintertrip #greatview #coupletrip

Oniwaki Menushoro Swamp It is located on the route from Oshidomari Port, where the ferry from Wakkanai arrives, to Kutsugata via Oniwaki and Senboshi. A small 6-hectare marshland in Minamihama Marshland, a designated natural monument in Rishiri-Fuji Town. The marsh is generally called Menushoro, but in Ainu language it is called Menushoro. Nearby is an area called Numaura, which has many marshes, including Mikazuki-numa and Otatomari-numa. Otatomari-numa is a famous tourist spot where tourist buses always stop. There is a souvenir exhibition, so there are many tourists, but there are not many people here. Since there are no people, you can see wild birds resting their wings, playing, and eating. Recommended for those who want to take quiet and leisurely photos, and those who want to observe migratory birds and wild birds! The skunk cabbage was in full bloom, so I was able to enjoy taking photos. [Address] Oniwaki, Fujicho, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido [Transportation] About 30 minutes by car from Oshidomari Port About 1 hour and 30 minutes by bicycle [Parking] Available [Toilets] Available #Flower field #Hokkaido trip #Rishiri Island #Remote island trip #gw2022jp

Sea cucumber fishing is carried out all year round. Of course, it is also done in winter. It's almost March, but snow still continues to fall in Rishiri. In the morning, fishing boats wash off the snow that has accumulated on the boat into the sea before setting off. This time, seagulls were also fishing with the fishing boats. Could it be a sea cucumber that the fishing boat dropped? After this, the seagull flew away with the sea cucumber still in its mouth. I could tell that it was determined to eat it, but I wonder if it was able to eat it safely. I hope it doesn't choke on it. I was given some pickled sea cucumber, and contrary to its appearance, it is delicious. Sea cucumber. In the past, fishermen would go to work away from home in the winter because there was nothing to catch, but nowadays, due to public works on the island and the rising shipping price of sea cucumbers, the number of people going away to work seems to be decreasing. Kutsugataran, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido About 25 minutes by car from Oshidomari Ferry Terminal #Snowscape #Remote Island Trip #Rishiri Island

On the second floor of Rishiri Airport, there is an observation deck where you can see off passengers and enjoy the view. It was open even in the middle of the freezing cold of winter, but as you can see, there was quite a lot of snow. It really shows how terrible winter is. If the weather is good, you can enjoy the beautiful Rishiri Fuji. #Snowscape #Airport #RemoteIslandTrip

It was a sunny day, so I went around Rishiri Island with some friends and took photos of the snow-covered Mount Rishiri! When it's sunny, the mountains are really beautiful. There was so much snow this year that the museum was buried in snow. #snowscape #remote island trip #snowy mountain #Mount Rishiri

Rishiri Island is located in what could be called the northernmost part of Japan. In the middle of winter, it becomes a place of frigid storms, and the island is closed off by snow, ice, and frigid weather. The gateway to the sky is Rishiri Airport. Rumor has it that even if ships are canceled because of rough seas, planes departing from and arriving at Rishiri Airport continue to fly. #snowscape #airport #remoteislandtravel

This is the landing area at Rishiri Airport in mid-winter. As you can see, the runway is frozen in places, as it is an airport in a frigid region. Thanks to the airport workers, the runway had been cleared of snow, but it was still completely white, and I could immediately feel the frigid remote island. #RemoteIslandTrip #SnowScenery #Airport

Soya Bus Terminal Rishiri Office in Kutsugata A circular bus used by locals that travels around the island An airport bus that goes to Kutsugata Bus Terminal via Rishiri Airport and Oshidomari Ferry Terminal A sightseeing bus that operates in the summer Departure and storage of each bus Time required: Approximately 15 minutes to Oshidomari Ferry Terminal, approximately 40 minutes to Kutsugata Bus Terminal Fare: 370 yen one way to Oshidomari Ferry Terminal, 550 yen one way to Kutsugata Bus Terminal Number of buses: During the seasonal flight operation (June to September), one bus per day in line with ANA flights For details, please contact Soya Bus

Hotel Rishiri is a town-run hotel located diagonally in front of the Rishiri Town Exchange Promotion Facility Donto. The hotel has a natural hot spring that flows directly from the source, and the open-air bath is luxuriously designed to allow you to enjoy the magnificent view of the Sea of ​​Japan with a beautiful sunset. At first, it felt a little lukewarm due to the low temperature outside, but as you soak in it, your body warms up. It's not painful even if you stay in the bath for a long time, and it was the best time to take a long bath while looking outside! It also boasts one of the highest hydrogen carbonate contents in Japan, and is popular with many customers both inside and outside Rishiri Island as a "beautiful skin bath." There are also two types of saunas, high and low, making it the perfect hot spring facility to relieve the fatigue of a long trip. Please note that the hotel accommodations are closed for the winter from December to March. The day-trip hot spring is open all year round. The hot spring facility has a free water supply point where you can drink the spring water, and the ice-cold, sweet spring water is really delicious after warming your body in the hot spring! If you come to Rishiri Island, be sure to stop by. · Address 90 Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido · Access 20 minutes by car from Oshidomari Port. 15 minutes by car from Rishiri Airport. 2 minutes by car from Kutsugata Port. Free shuttle service available (inquiries and reservations required)

Hotel Rishiri is a town-run hotel located diagonally in front of the Rishiri Town Exchange Promotion Facility Donto. It has a natural hot spring that flows directly from the source, and the open-air bath is luxuriously designed to allow you to enjoy the magnificent view of the Sea of ​​Japan with a beautiful sunset. At first, it felt a little lukewarm due to the low temperature outside, but as you soak in it, your body warms up. It's not painful even if you stay in the bath for a long time, and it was the best time to take a long bath while looking outside! It also boasts one of the highest hydrogen carbonate contents in Japan, and is popular with many customers both inside and outside Rishiri Island as a "beautiful skin bath." It also has two types of saunas, high and low, making it the perfect hot spring facility to relieve the fatigue of a long journey. Please note that the facility is closed for the winter from December to March. · Address 90 Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido · Access 20 minutes by car from Oshidomari Port. 15 minutes by car from Rishiri Airport. 2 minutes by car from Kutsugata Port. Free shuttle service available (inquiries and reservations required)

The only public transportation on Rishiri Island is the Soya Bus. This bus goes around the island. There is a clockwise route A and a counterclockwise route B. It costs 2,300 yen to ride around the island, about 45 km. It's quite expensive, but it might be cheap if you think of it as a tour around the island. There are very few buses per day, so I don't recommend getting off along the way. There are at most four buses per day. If you're staying on the island for two nights, be sure to take a remote island bus trip. #remote island trip #remote island bus #never again #Reecely Boys #snow scenery #trip2022

Rishiri Fureai no Yu is located behind Hotel Rishiri, close to the Kutsugata Ferry Terminal on Rishiri Island. It is known as one of Japan's top hydrogen carbonated springs, and the water turns a dark brown and murky when it comes into contact with oxygen. It's a very pleasant bath. In addition to the hot spring, there is also a sauna, so you'll find yourself wanting to stay for a while. #Hotspring #RishiriIsland

The most common words I have heard recently are nothing more than the following 1. When can I go abroad 2. I haven’t been back to my hometown for a long time 3. Staycation starts to get boring This time I talk about the countryside you want to go back to, but do you know what is the northernmost place in your countryside? I think we only know Hokkaido, but honestly know how much? Speaking of which, this time Rishiri Island and what is the relationship with the countryside? In fact, Rishiri Island is exactly the northernmost place in Japan (not Wakkanai, although it is already very good) In fact, Rishiri is a small island full of history and natural culture. In addition to visiting the museum on the island to understand its history, friends who like to climb mountains, can come and challenge Mount Rishiri, a land known as Mount Rishiri. It turns out that Rishiri Island has an airport, but there are only two flights a day... If you are naturally interested in Japanese culture, you can take time to see the natural environment, which is an alternative fun. #japan #japantravel #japanstreetscenes #hokkaidotravel #hokkaido #japanindependenttravel

Separated from Rebun Island by just the Rebun Channel, Rishiri attracts more tourists than its neighbor. At the heart of the island stands the iconic "Rishiri Fuji" (Mount Rishiri), famously featured on the packaging of Shiroi Koibito chocolate. Peaking at an elevation of 1,721 meters, the mountain is visible from almost anywhere on the island. However, due to the unpredictable maritime weather, catching a clear, unobstructed view of the peak is quite a stroke of luck. Area: 184.11 square kilometers Circumference: Approx. 60 kilometers Ring road: Approx. 50 kilometers (home to the Rishiri Ultramarathon) Population: Approx. 5,400 One crucial detail to keep in mind: ferries dock at two different ports on Rishiri depending on the schedule—Oshidomari and Kutsugata. Be sure to double-check this if you're arranging a pickup with your guesthouse! Most travelers arrive at Oshidomari since it’s livelier and better connected. However, since Zhilin-jie (Sister Zhilin) was driving, we opted to disembark at Kutsugata. Getting around the island: You can rely on local buses, sightseeing tour buses, rental cars, or scooters. Driving is incredibly convenient, but rental cars can be pricey and hard to book. It’s highly recommended to have your hotel or guesthouse secure a rental for you in advance. If you've got stamina to spare, renting a bicycle is an option. Zhilin-jie spotted a cyclist looking absolutely miserable, so definitely gauge your fitness level first! That said, given they host an ultramarathon around the island, walking is also a viable option if you're up for it. The island features two Seicomart convenience stores—an absolute lifesaver for budget travelers! You'll also find the Michelin-rated Miraku Ramen here. Top Attractions: 1. Climbing Mount Rishiri: The hike demands an elevation gain of over 1,500 meters and takes roughly 10 to 12 hours. The weather is notoriously erratic, with massive temperature drops. This trek is only recommended for experienced hikers, ideally accompanied by a local guide, as the weather can turn sour in the blink of an eye. 2. Round-the-Island Tour: Essentially, just follow the coastal road! Whichever way you drive, you'll end up right where you started. Here are the must-see spots (heading counterclockwise from Kutsugata): Kutsugata Cape (Lighthouse) Kita no Itsukushima Benten Shrine Reiho Spring Water Rishiri Town Museum Senhoshi Misaki Park (great for seal watching) Kamui Coast Minamihama Bog Numaura Observation Deck (the exact spot from the Shiroi Koibito chocolate box) Otatomari Pond Himenuma Pond (Zhilin-jie's top pick!) Yuhigaoka Observation Deck Peshi Cape Fun fact: No matter what random place you wander down to the shore, the coast is so densely packed with kelp and sea urchins it looks like they're trying to pave the ocean. It really makes you wonder why they cost a fortune back home???

Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, and Biei are great for a first trip. But Hokkaido is huge, and you'll quickly realize that the island's most interesting places aren't necessarily on the classic tourist trail. Here’s where I would look if you want to see a different side of Hokkaido. NORTH AND EAST 1. Wakkanai + Cape Soya Why go: to reach the northernmost city in Japan. From Wakkanai, you can head to Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Hokkaido. On a clear day, you can sometimes see Sakhalin, located about 43 km (27 miles) away. But I wouldn't come here just for the monument at the cape. The true value of northern Hokkaido lies in the landscape itself: the sea, the wind, the rolling hills, and the feeling of being at the edge of the country. How long: at least 1–2 days. ⸻ 2. Rishiri + Rebun If you've made it to Wakkanai, an even more interesting part of the journey begins. On Rishiri Island, the volcanic Mount Rishiri towers over the sea, while Rebun is known for its hiking trails, rocky coastline, and alpine plants. Ferries to both islands depart from Wakkanai. You come here for the nature, not the typical tourist attractions. Best time to visit: late spring → summer → early fall. ⸻ 3. Shiretoko Peninsula This is no longer the "cute Hokkaido." Located in the northeast of the island, Shiretoko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its rich marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The Shiretoko Five Lakes, waterfalls, coastal cruises, forests, and wildlife demand dedicated time to explore. And it's especially important to remember: this is brown bear territory. Trail restrictions and visiting rules must be checked right before your trip. ⸻ 4. Kushiro + Kushiro Shitsugen Why go: to see massive wetlands instead of mountains and flower fields. Kushiro Shitsugen is the largest marshland in Japan and the country's first wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention. This is home to the famous Japanese red-crowned cranes (tancho). The observation decks, trails, and scenic drives around the area are best treated as a standalone nature itinerary. North and East Hokkaido: Wakkanai → the edge of Japan Rishiri/Rebun → the islands Shiretoko → wildlife Kushiro → wetlands and cranes SOUTH AND CENTER 5. Lake Akan + Akan Mashu In fact, Eastern Hokkaido could easily be a trip of its own. Lakes Akan, Mashu, and Kussharo, along with volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and forests, are all part of the Akan-Mashu National Park. Lake Akan is especially famous for its rare spherical marimo algae. Here you'll also find Akanko Ainu Kotan, one of the places where you can experience Ainu culture—not just as a small detour, but as a central part of your journey. ⸻ 6. Esashi If you're craving history, but Hakodate feels a bit too obvious. Located in southwestern Hokkaido, Esashi once thrived on the herring trade. Its historic district preserves old merchant houses, warehouses, and buildings tied to the town's port-town past. This is a great example of the Hokkaido that existed long before the rise of modern tourist resorts. Who it's for: lovers of architecture, history, and small towns. ⸻ 7. Lake Toya + Sobetsu Lake Toya itself can't really be called "unknown." But most people just come for the lake and the onsen, and then leave. I would look at the bigger picture. Nearby is Mount Usu, one of Japan's most active volcanoes, and the Sobetsu area. The surrounding area features landscapes shaped by relatively recent volcanic activity. This creates a completely different itinerary: lake → volcano → geology → onsen. ⸻ HOW TO PUT TOGETHER AN OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH HOKKAIDO TRIP Don't try to cram all these spots into a single week. The distances here are massive. For the far north: Wakkanai → Rishiri → Rebun For wildlife: Shiretoko → Akan-Mashu → Kushiro For history: Hakodate → Esashi For volcanic landscapes: Lake Toya → Usu → Sobetsu Hokkaido is exactly the kind of place where a second trip might turn out to be even more interesting than the first. Beyond Sapporo, Otaru, and Biei lies an island where there can be hours of driving between two stops on your itinerary, and the main event of the day isn't a landmark, but the landscape itself.

I seriously can't recommend this ocean-view hotel enough! 🏝️ The owner is absolutely amazing—he drove all the way to the pier to pick us up personally. We instantly felt like VIPs, and our happiness was just off the charts! Tucked away on the west coast of Rishiri Island, this place is the ultimate chill spot. Just zoning out and staring at the endless ocean view here heals you right to the soul~ Dinner was such a vibe too; we enjoyed fresh local seafood while taking in the unbeatable sunset views where the sky meets the sea 🌅. And the sea urchin! The freshness was next level, so rich and creamy it took me to heaven in one bite. The pure, natural flavor of the sea is just sooo good✨. The ocean-view room gets a perfect 10/10 as well—it's super dreamy. At night, you can head outside to chill on the swings or hammocks. Just doing absolutely nothing makes you feel like you're living your best life—perfect relaxation mode activated! Plus, the entire hotel staff is incredibly friendly, always smiling and giving you this warm "welcome home" feeling. It honestly made us never want to check out! Pro tip: If you want to stay at this ultra-chill ocean-view hotel, you definitely need to book early! I highly recommend reserving the hotel's shuttle service in advance. And whatever you do, don't miss the outdoor combo of the starry night sky and the ocean—it's unbelievably romantic.

On this trip to Rishiri Island, I stayed at the Kitaguni Grand Hotel. Perched on high ground, the hotel offers incredible panoramic views, and on a clear day, you can gaze out at the majestic silhouette of Mount Rishiri. It is currently peak hydrangea season, and the roads and gardens surrounding the hotel are dotted with vibrant clusters of blooms. The blue, purple, and pink flowers look absolutely enchanting set against the lush greenery, making a simple stroll near the hotel feel incredibly romantic and full of summer vibes. The rooms are cozy and spotless, and a soak in the hot springs completely washes away all travel fatigue. The most anticipated part, however, is the hotel's breakfast and dinner. They feature an array of fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Rishiri Island. The seafood dishes are especially spectacular, allowing you to fully savor the fresh, sweet bounty of the northern waters. At night, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can enjoy the unique, peaceful tranquility of this remote island. Waking up to crisp, fresh air in the morning and taking in the breathtaking scenery of Mount Rishiri perfectly complementing the blooming hydrangeas adds so many wonderful memories to the journey. Kitaguni Grand Hotel isn't just a comfortable place to stay—it's the perfect spot to experience the natural beauty and laid-back pace of Rishiri Island.