[Rishiri Rebun Sarobetsu National Nature Park] Beautiful Nature, Tasty Foods and Unique Onsen Can Be Enjoyed in Japan's Northernmost National Park

List of Means of Transportation for Island Tourism

Refer to following the means of the transportation in the Rishiri Island. As for car rental comparison websites, you can compare vehicle rental prices on Tabi-Plaza Rental Car Reservation (旅ぷらざレンタカー予約), Jalan Rental Car (じゃらんレンタカー) and Rakutem Travel Rental Car (楽天トラベルレンタカー).

Soya Bus(宗谷バス)	They serve 2 island tourism cources, Rishiri A (利尻A) and Rishiri B (利尻B).	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan
Nippon Rent-a-car(ニッポンレンタカー)	Their office is near the Oshidomari Ferry Terminal.	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan
Toyota Rental Lease(トヨタレンタリース)	Their offices are near the Oshidomari Ferry Terminal and at the Rishiri Airport.	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan
Magokoro Rent-a-car(まごころレンタカー)	Their office is near the Oshidomari Ferry Terminal. They serve all inclusive price containing staying the night at Ryokan Fuji (旅館富士).	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan
Nissan Rent-a-car(日産レンタカー)	Their office is near the Oshidomari Ferry Terminal, and the Magokoro Rent-a-car checks in at the reception desk.	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan
Maruzen Rent-a-car(マルゼンレンタカー)	Their office is a little far away from the Oshidomari Ferry Terminal, and is at Pension Reramoshiri.	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan
Rishiri Rent-a-car(利尻レンタカー)	Their office is near the Oshidomari Ferry Terminal.	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan
Kameya Rent-a-car(かめやレンタカー)	Their office is near Kutsugata Ferry Terminal.	Only tel: +81-163-84-2252
Yukiguni Rental(雪国)	They rent the rental motor scooter and the rental bicycle near the Oshidomari Ferry Terminal. Ryokan Yukiguni open a business.	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan
Fuji Hier(富士ハイヤー)	They also serve the sightseeing taxi.	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan
Rishiri Hier(りしりハイヤー)	They also serve the sightseeing taxi. Their office is at the Kameya Rent-a-car.	Only tel: +81-163-84-2252

Mt. Rishiri

Mt. Rishiri (利尻山) is a lofty mountain in the center of the Rishiri Island. The another name is "Mt. Rishirifuji". It is an active volcano of 1,721 m elevation, and has been chosen as one of 100 Famous Japanese Mountains (日本百名山) and 100 famous Japanese floral mountains (花の百名山), and a lot of hikers from all over the Japan come to go up the popular mountain. There are 3 hiking courses, Oniwaki Course (鬼脇ルート) located in the southern part of the island, Kutsugata Course (沓形ルート) located in the western part of the island and Oshidomari Course (鴛泊ルート) located in the northern part of the island. The mountain has 2 peaks, the north peak at 1,719 m above sea level and the south peak at 1,721 m above sea level. But the south peak has been in danger of the collapse, and entering above the 7th stage of the Mt. Rishirifuji has been prohibited from the Oniwaki Course. Therefore, a lot of hikers go up to the north peak from the Kutsugata Course and the Oshidomari Course commonly.

Movie of Mt. Rifiri Mountaintop

Most of the hikers go up the Oshidomari Course, and even beginner hikers are easy to go up the mountain because a mountain trail is good condition. A rough hiking time is about 6 hours. As for the Kutsugata Course, hikers can go to the 5th station by their cars, so a hiking distance is short, but the hikers must go up steep slopes. In addition, there are difficult hiking places such as Soikonage-no-Nansho (背負子投げの難所) that the hikers go up the mountain while using a chain and a rope with their hands and Oyashirazukoshirazu (親不知子不知) that is risk of falling rocks, it may be difficult to go up if the hikers is not expert. A rough hiking time is about 5 hours.

Oshidomari Course

Kutsugata Course

Wild flowers only in the Mt. Rishiri can be seen in the upper part of the mountain. Endemic species of the Rishiri Island are Papaver fauriei Fedde (リシリヒナゲシ) and Trollius riederianus var (ボタンキンバイ). Those are in bloom from early July to mid July. The wild flowers are beautiful near the mountaintop at this time. In addition, please bring a portable toilet during hiking because a restroom is not built along the trails. By the way, backcountry is popular in a winter.

Movie of Backcountry in Mt. Rishiri

Kanrosensui Spring

Kanrosensui Spring (甘露泉水) is a famous spring in the northern part of Rishiri Island (利尻島), and the spring is gushing out along Mt. Rishirifuji (利尻富士) Trail "Oshidomari Course (鴛泊コース)" of the 3rd station at 290 m above sea level. Water temperature is 5.5 degrees through the year, and it is soft water with tasty and very cold. Because everybody felt water to be sweet, it was named as the Kanrosensui * The Kanro means "Seet tasty thing" in English. The mild taste underground water of the Mt. Rishirifuji has a good reputation, so it has been chosen as one of the Selected 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters in Japan (日本名水百選). The official name of the Mt. Rishirifuji is Mt. Rishirizan. It is an active volcano of 1,721 m elevation, and has been chosen as one of 100 Famous Japanese Mountains (日本百名山) and 100 famous Japanese floral mountains (花の百名山), and a lot of hikers from all over the Japan come to go up the popular mountain. A trailhead of the Oshidomari Course is at Rishiri Hokuroku Camping Ground (利尻北麓野営場), and a camping ground is built. A cup of coffee using the Kanrosensui Spring is sold at Hokuroku Camping Ground Administration Building, too. Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Cape Peshi

Cape Peshi (ペシ岬) is a cape near Yuhigaoka Observation Deck (夕日ヶ丘展望台) in the northern part of Rishiri Island (利尻島), and is also a lookout point adjacent to Oshidomari Port (鴛泊港). The cape is famous for seeing the beautiful sunset. Peshi means "A cliff" in Ainu language. As its name suggests, the cape is a rocky mountain with precipitous cliffs. The elevation is 93 m. Peshimisaki Observation Deck (ペシ岬展望台) is built on the mountaintop, and nice 360-degree view can be seen. Besides the observation deck, Oshidomari Lighthouse (鴛泊灯台), Oshidomari Peshimisaki Open Space (鴛泊ペシ岬広場) and Graveyard for 3 Feudal Retainers of Aizu Clan (会津藩士墓碑) are built at the site. Tourist facilities such as a parking lot, a restroom and a souvenir shop are not built. Admission free. Article is here

Yuhigaoka Observation Deck

Yuhigaoka Observation Deck (夕日ヶ丘展望台) is a lookout point between Cape Peshi (ペシ岬) and Fujinoenchi Park (富士野園地) in the northern part of Rishiri Island (利尻島), and is relatively near Oshidomari Ferry Terminal (鴛泊フェリーターミナル). As its name suggests, the small cape was named after seeing the beautiful sunset. * Yuhi means "The sunset" in English, and gaoka means "A hill of" in English. The cape is half as tall as Cape Peshi (ペシ岬), so this place is a good place to see the beautiful sunset without difficulty. In daytime, beautiful views such as Mt. Rishirifuji and blue sea can be viewed. Only the observation deck and a parking lot are built at the site. Tourist facilities such as a restroom and a souvenir shop are not built. Admission free. The parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Fujinoenchi Park

Fujinoenchi Park (富士野園地) is a lookout point in the northern part of Rishiri Island (利尻島), and is next to Yuhigaoka Observation Deck (夕日ヶ丘展望台). Grass lands spread over on cliffs of 15-20 m elevation, and Yezo Daylily is in full bloom from late June to mid July, so a conbination of green grass and yellow flowers can be seen. A parking lot and a public restroom are built at the site. There are not tourist facilities such as a souvenir shop. Admission free. The parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Himenuma Pond and Himenuma Obseravation Deck

Himenuma Pond (姫沼) is a man-made pond at about 120 m above sea level in the northern part of Rishiri Island (利尻島), and is relatively near Nozuka Observation Deck (野塚展望台). The perimeter of the pond is about 800 m, and the maximum depth is about 4 m. It is the almost circular pond surrounded by virgin forests. The fish pond for kokanee (* The Kokanee means "姫鱒" in Japanese) has been made since 1917, so it was named as the Himenuma Pond. Here is a popular tourist attraction, and is well-known as a beautiful view of reflection of the rversed Mt. Rishirifuji on the water of the pond. Around the pond is called "Himenumaenchi Park (姫沼園地)", and it is easy to look around. A cycling road and a hiking course are built near here. Himenuma Obseravation Deck (姫沼展望台) is on the way to the Himenuma Pond, and a sea view can be seen. Article is here

Nozuka Observation Deck

Nozuka Observation Deck (野塚展望台) is a lookout point beside Hotel Unigoden (ホテル雲丹御殿) that is famous for sea urchin dishes in the northern part of Rishiri Island (利尻島), and is built at about 15 m above sea level beside a beach near Cape Nozuka (野塚岬). It is relatively close to Himenuma Pond (姫沼). Cape Peshi (ペシ岬), Oshidomari Port (鴛泊港) and Mt. Rishirifuji (利尻富士) can be seen from here. The setting sun from here is also good. Nozuka Parking Park (野塚駐輪駐車公園) with a parking lot and a public restroom is built in the other side across a road. Here is not famous, so few people come. Asmission free. The parking lot is free of charge. Artilce is this

Mikaeridaienchi Observation Deck

Mikaeridaienchi Observation Deck (見返台園地) is a lookout point in the western part of Rishiri Island (利尻島). Magnificent Mt. Rishirifuji can be looked up, and the sea view can be viewed. The official name of the Mt. Rishirifuji is Mt. Rishirizan. It is an active volcano of 1,721 m elevation, and has been chosen as one of 100 Famous Japanese Mountains (日本百名山) and 100 famous Japanese floral mountains (花の百名山), and a lot of hikers from all over the Japan come to go up the popular mountain. The Mikaeridaienchi Observation Deck at about 450 m above sea level is a trailhead of Kustugata Course (沓形コース) located at the 5th station of the Mt. Rishirifuji. A resting place, a public restroom and an automatic vending machine are beside a parking lot. That is the last restroom from this point, so hikers should go to the restroom before going up the mountain. Admission free. The parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Senboshi-misaki Park

Senboshi-misaki Park (仙法志御崎公園) is a park in the most southern part of Rishiri Island (利尻島), and is the rocky seaside with a lot of strangely shaped rocks made from lave of Mt. Rishirifuji. Here is a pond surrounded by rocks like a fish preserve, and is famous for watching a harbor seal. Besides, Here is a lookout point to see the sea and Mt. Rishirifuji at the same time. A souvenir shop named "Kanko Misaki Bussan (観光御崎物産)", a resting place, a public restroom and a parking lot are built at the site. Admission free. The parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Otatomari Pond

Otatomari Pond (オタトマリ沼) is the largest pond in the southern part of Rishiri Island (利尻島). The perimeter of the pond is about 1.1 km, and the depth is about 3.5 m. In Numaura Wetland (沼浦湿原), the pond is near Mikazuki Pond (三日月沼). The Otatomari means "An inlet with a sandy beach" in Ainu language. A reversed image of Mt. Rishirifuji (利尻富士) reflected on the surface of the pond and Mt. Rishirifuji can be seen at the same time if the weather is fine, and here is a popular tourist attraction. The Otatomari Pond is near Minamihama Wetland (南浜湿原) and Numaura Obseravation Deck (沼浦展望台), and Rishiri Island Wetland Group (利尻島湿地群) containing the Minamihama Wetland and Numaura Wetland (沼浦湿原) has been chosen as one of 500 Important Wetlands in Japan (日本の重要湿地500). A large parking lot, a public restroom, Rishirifuji Town Resthouse (利尻富士町レストハウス) and Rishiri Kameichi Otatomari Branch (利尻亀一オタトマリ沼店) are built at the south bank of the pond. Grilled scallops, a sea urchin battleship roll sushi (うにの軍艦巻き), a striped bamboo flavored soft serve ice cream (熊笹ソフト), a perpetual snow soft serve ice cream (万年雪ソフト) and Mirupis (ミルピス) have a good reputation. Admission free. The parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Numaura Obseravation Deck

Numaura Obseravation Deck (沼浦展望台) is a lookout point in the southern part of Rishiri Island (利尻島). Mt. Rishirifuji (利尻富士), Otatomari Pond (オタトマリ沼), Numaura Wetland (沼浦湿原), Numaura Beach (沼浦海岸) and the sea of Japan can be viewed on a hill at about 43 m above sea level. Its another name is Shiroi Koibito Hill (白い恋人の丘). Mr. Yukiyasu Ishizumi (石水幸安), a founder of Ishiya Confectionery (石屋製菓), was impressed with a shape of the Mt. Rishirifuji like a shape of mountains in Switzerland, so he adopted the mountain as an image of package of Shiroi Koibito (白い恋人), one of the most famous cookies in Hokkaido. Therefore here is also named as the another name because the image of the package resembles the shape of the Mt. Rishirifuji from here. Numaura Camping Ground (沼浦キャンプ場) is close to here. Only a parking lot is provided, and tourist facilities such as a public restroom and a souvenir shop are not built. Admission free. The parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Kustugata-misaki Park

Kustugata-misaki Park (沓形岬公園) is a park at Cape Kustugata located in the westernmost tip of Rishiri Island (利尻島), and is also a lookout point next to Kustugata port (沓形港). The park is famous for seeing beautiful rising sun and sunset. The park covered with lava rocks, Kustugata-misaki Lighthouse (沓形岬灯台), Kustugata-misaki Park Camping Ground (沓形岬公園キャンプ場), a parking lot and a public restroom are built at the site. A coin-operated laundry is also provided at the camp ground, and it is very useful for riders or campers. By the way, a round road around the park is one-way road. Admission free. The parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Minamihama Wetland

Minamihama Wetland (南浜湿原) is the Rishiri Island's largest high moor in the southern part of the Rishiri Island, and is near Numaura Obseravation Deck (沼浦展望台) and Otatomari Pond (オタトマリ沼), and Rishiri Island Wetland Group (利尻島湿地群) containing the Minamihama Wetland and Numaura Wetland (沼浦湿原) has been chosen as one of 500 Important Wetlands in Japan (日本の重要湿地500). But the area is about 6 ha. It is not so large. The Minamihama Wetland is high moors at about 5 m above sea level, and Sphagnum Moss grows thick at lowlands near the sea, and it is a rare place in Japan. A forest of Japanese Spruce spreads over the area around Menyushoro Pond (メヌウショロ沼), and 2 wooden paths are built to look around on foot at the wetland. A sightseeing bus does not drop tourists off here, so few tourists come. Visitors can enjoy to go around the Minamihama Wetland leisurely, and it becomes a popular sightseeing spot secretly. Mt. Rishirifuji can be seen in the daytime, and beautiful starry sky can be seen in the evening. A parking lot and a public restroom are built at the site. There are not tourist facilities such as a souvenir shop. Admission free. The parking lot is free of charge. Article is here

Mirupisu Drinks

Mirupisu Store (ミルピス商店) is in Kustugata, Rishiri island and is located in the western part of the island. Speaking of Rishiri, kombu or mirupisu (ミルピス) are famous. The mirupisu is a milk drink sold only in Rishiri Island, and that makes us feel special. Originally the mirupisu store was a ranch, but they discontinued the ranch and start that sale in 1990. Because this store became a tourist attraction, I visited here around 10:00 on weekdays. Article is here

Sea Urchin Rice Bowl

Isoyakitei (磯焼亭) is a restaurant in front of Oshidomari Ferry Port in Rishiri Island and is famous for getting the Bib Gourmand in MICHELIN GUIDE Hokkaido 2012 Special Edition. Because ramen seemed to be popular, but I wanted to eat a sea urchin which grew up and eat Rishiri kombu, I visited to eat Fresh Sea Urchin Rice Bowl (生ウニ丼) limited from June to September around 17:00 on weekdays. Article is here

Fried Soy Sauce Broth Ramen

Miraku (味楽) is a popular ramen restraunt in Rishiri island. There is a building near Kustugata port (沓形港). It is famous for getting the Bib Gourmand in MICHELIN GUIDE Hokkaido 2012 Special Edition and is known for very short business hours from 11:30 to 14:00, too. Article is here

Rishirifuji Onsen

Rishirifuji Onsen (利尻富士温泉) is a hot spring place in Rishiri Island (利尻島) located in the northern part of Hokkaido. Rishirifuji Onsen Recreation Facility (利尻富士温泉保養施設) is around 1.5 km away from Oshidomari Ferry Terminal. It is near the center of the Oshidomari, and restaurants, a convenience store and Izakaya are built there. Cape Peshi (ペシ岬展望台), Yuhigaoka Observatory (夕日ヶ丘展望台), Fujino-enchi Observatory (富士野園地) and Kanrosensui Spring (甘露泉水) are relatively near here, too. By the way, Speaking of tasty restaurants in the Rishiri, Rishiri Kameichi (利尻亀一) and Grand Spot (グランスポット) are popular in particular. But I have never eaten foods there. I ate foods at Miraku (味楽), Mirupisu Stoer (ミルピス商店) and Isoyakitei (磯焼亭), and those were tasty. Article is here

Guided Hiking

Rishiri Nature Guide Service(利尻自然ガイドサービス)	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan
Rishiri Island Guide Center(利尻・島ガイドセンター)	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan
Rishiri Renbun Guide Net(利尻礼文ガイドネット)	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan
Rishiri Hana Guide Club(利尻はなガイドクラブ)	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan

Guided Sea Kayak

Movie of Sea Kayak

Sea Urchin Catching Experience

Movie of Sea Urchin Catching Experience

Seaweed Craft Experience

Movie of Seaweed Craft Experience

Rishiri Island Station(利尻島の駅)	HP	ASOVIEW	Jalan

Guided Backcountry

Movie of Backcountry

Guided Snow Trekking

Movie of Snow Trekking

Northern Rishiri

Kitaguni Grand Hotel(北国グランドホテル)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Rishiri Marine Hotel(利尻マリンホテル)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Rishirifuji Kanko Hotel(利尻富士観光ホテル)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Hotel Ayase(ホテル あや瀬)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Tanakaya Hinageshikan(田中家ひなげし館)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Ryokan Narita(旅館 なり田)	Only Tel: +81-163-82-1536
Ryokan Ozeki(旅館 大関)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Ryokan Mukai(旅館 夢海)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Pension Green Wind(ペンション 群林風)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Pension Herasan-no-Ie(ペンション ヘラさんの家)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Rishiri Umineko Guest House(利尻うみねこ ゲストハウス)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Rishirisanso Hana-Rishiri(利尻山荘 花りしり)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Oyado Maruzen(お宿マルゼン)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Kitaguni Grand Hotel Hana Cottage Kitaguni(北国グランドホテル 花コテージ北国)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Pension Reramoshiri(ペンション レラモシリ)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Tanikawaan(たにかわ庵)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Ryokan Saihokutei(旅館 最北亭)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Rishiri Green Hill Inn(利尻ぐりーんひるinn)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Sekiyokan * Ryokan Sekiyo(夕陽館 * 旅館夕陽)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Ryokan Yukuguni(旅館 雪国)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Hotel Unigoden(ホテル雲丹御殿)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten

Western Rishiri

Hotel Rishiri(ホテル利尻)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Island Inn Rishiri(アイランド イン リシリ)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Shobugawa Ryokan(正部川旅館)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Nakahara Ryokan(中原旅館)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Minshuku Kutsugataso(民宿 くつがた荘)	Only Tel: +81-163-84-2038
Minshuku Ebisuso(民宿 えびす荘)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten

Southern Rishiri

Shimayado Hamada(島宿 はまだ)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Green House Fujii(グリーンハウス ふじい)	Only Tel: +81-163-85-1030
Petit Hotel Kawaichi(プチホテル 川一)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten
Ryokan Fuji(旅館 富士)	HP	Booking	Jalan	Rakuten