Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park (利尻礼文サロベツ国立公園) is a national park located off the north-west tip of Hokkaido, encompassing two remote islands — Rishiri Island and Rebun Island — and the adjacent Sarobetsu coastal plain on the Hokkaido mainland. Covering 212 km², the park is renowned for its spectacular island landscapes, native alpine wildflowers, dramatic sea cliffs, volcanic peaks, and excellent hiking trails suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

The dominant landmark is Mount Rishiri (利尻岳, 1,721 m), an almost perfectly conical stratovolcano that rises directly from the sea, often compared to Mount Fuji in shape. Rebun Island is flatter but renowned for its astonishing variety of wildflowers, earning it the nickname "the garden of the sea." The Sarobetsu Plain features Japan's northernmost wetland, a peat bog landscape with its own distinct flora.

The park is surrounded by rich fishing grounds, and its coastal areas are abundant in kelp, a staple of Hokkaido cuisine. The indigenous Ainu people have lived in this area for centuries, with the name "Rishiri" derived from the Ainu word for "high mountain."

The climate is cool and often foggy, even in summer. The best time to visit is June-August for wildflowers and hiking. July is peak flower season on Rebun Island. Winter brings heavy snow and the islands become isolated.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Rishiri Airport (RIS) on Rishiri Island, with flights from Sapporo (New Chitose). Rebun Island is reached by ferry from Rishiri or from Wakkanai on the Hokkaido mainland. Wakkanai can be reached by flight from Sapporo (Wakkanai Airport, WKJ).

By Train

The JR Soya Main Line runs to Wakkanai Station, the northernmost railway station in Japan. Limited Express Soya connects Sapporo to Wakkanai (about 5.5 hours). From Wakkanai, ferries depart for both Rishiri and Rebun Islands.

By Car / Road

Driving from Sapporo to Wakkanai takes about 5-6 hours via National Route 40. The Sarobetsu Plain section of the park is accessible by car from Wakkanai (about 30 minutes south along the coast).

On Rishiri and Rebun Islands, rental cars, bicycles, and local buses are available. The islands are relatively small and can be explored by bicycle or scooter in a day. Ferries connect the two islands and the mainland port of Wakkanai. Car ferries require advance booking in peak season. The Sarobetsu area on the mainland is best explored by car.

• Mount Rishiri — The iconic conical volcano visible from all around Rishiri Island. Climbing it is the park's signature experience.

• Rebun Island Wildflower Trails — Astonishing variety of alpine and subarctic wildflowers in summer, including the rare Rebun-usuyuki-so (a species of primrose found only here).

• Sarobetsu Plain — Japan's northernmost wetland, a vast peat bog with boardwalk trails to see carnivorous plants, cotton grass, and migrating birds.

• Cape Sukai (Rebun Island) — The northernmost point of the park with dramatic sea cliffs and seabird colonies.

• Katakai Coast (Rishiri Island) — A scenic coastal trail with sea caves and rock formations.

• Rishiri Shrine — A picturesque Shinto shrine on Rishiri Island with a torii gate framing views of Mount Rishiri.

• Oshidomari Port Area — The main port and town on Rishiri Island with restaurants and accommodation.

• Hiking Mount Rishiri — a challenging but rewarding full-day climb (8-10 hours return) with breathtaking views from the summit.

• Flower hiking on Rebun Island — the Momoiwa Course (3 km, 1.5 hours) and Hokumon-daira Course (5 km, 2 hours) offer stunning flower-filled trails with coastal views.

• Sarobetsu boardwalk walk — an easy stroll through the wetland with interpretive signs (about 40 minutes).

• Cycling around Rishiri Island (about 60 km circumference) taking in all the main sights.

• Ferry sightseeing cruise around the islands.

• Sea kelp harvesting experience — the area is famous for its high-quality kombu (kelp).

• Birdwatching — seabird colonies on the coastal cliffs, plus wetland birds on the Sarobetsu Plain.

Seafood dominates the local cuisine. Rishiri and Rebun are famous for their uni (sea urchin), which is considered among the best in Japan due to the kelp-rich waters. Kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) topped with local uni, salmon roe, and crab are a must-try. Rishiri kombu is used in soups, stocks, and as a flavouring. Local sake makers produce a kelp-infused sake. Restaurants in both port towns serve fresh seafood direct from the boats.

There are several izakaya and small bars in the port towns where visitors can enjoy local sake and beer with seafood. The water on both islands is exceptionally pure. Coffee shops are limited but can be found near the ferry terminals.

• Budget: Youth hostels and minshuku (family-run guesthouses) are available on both islands, with basic rooms and home-cooked meals from around ¥5,000-8,000 per person.
• Mid-range: Hotels in Oshidomari and Kafuka port towns offer comfortable rooms with onsen facilities. Rooms from around ¥10,000-15,000 per person.
• Upscale: Limited luxury options; the best accommodation is at small inns with excellent seafood dinners. Book well in advance for summer.

The port towns of Oshidomari (Rishiri) and Kafuka (Rebun) have souvenir shops selling local products. Rishiri kombu (kelp) is the island's most famous product, available dried or as processed snacks. Local sake infused with Rishiri kelp is a unique souvenir. Wildflower-themed gifts, postcards, and local handicrafts are also popular.

• Wakkanai (ferry + 30 min drive) — The northernmost city in Japan, with the iconic Soya Misaki (Cape Soya) monument and views toward Sakhalin, Russia.
• Sarobetsu Plain — The mainland portion of the park with wetland trails and birdwatching.
• Nayoro — A town in northern Hokkaido with the brilliant Kita-Taisetsu Star Garden observatory.
• Asahikawa (4 hours by car) — Hokkaido's second city, gateway to Daisetsuzan National Park.
• Northern Hokkaido coastal drive — Explore the remote and wild coastline of Soya Subprefecture.