Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park (利尻礼文サロベツ国立公園) is on the north-west tip of Hokkaido, Japan. It consists of two islands, Rishiri-to (利尻島) and Rebun-to (礼文島), and an adjacent section of coastline on Hokkaido itself, known as the Wakasakanai Coast (稚咲内海岸). The two islands are the main attraction of the area, featuring native wildflowers, spectacular landscapes and fantastic hiking for both experienced and beginner hikers.

Culture and History

Rishiri-to is a small island off the north-west coast of Hokkaido made up of a single volcano called Rishiri-san (利尻山) which towers some 1719m over the surrounding sea. It can be seen from over 100km away.

Rebun-to is the smaller of the two with its highest peak, Rebun-dake (礼文岳) a mere 490m (and thus much easier to climb). The island has many wildflowers and some waterfalls, and the view of Rishiri-to from it is nothing short of spectacular.

History

These islands belonged to the Ainu until the recent migration of the Japanese to Hokkaido.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

Heavy snow in winter. Summer is the best time to visit.

Travel to Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park - Visa Requirements

Getting to the island of Rishiri and Rebun requires getting on one of the ferries from the northernmost city of Wakkanai. There are about five or six services a day during summer, but this is really cut back in winter. 2nd Class tickets to Rebun cost ¥2200 one way. These ferries are like many other Japanese ferries: 2nd Class has no seating inside - you sit on the floor (after taking your shoes off of course). There is seating outside if the weather is nice enough.

There are also limited turboprop plane services from Wakkanai.

Fees/Permits

None required

Tours and Getting around Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park

There are buses on both islands. Bus timetables are available at the ferry terminals and on the ferry itself. Rishiri has a bike path that circles the whole island. Roads don't go to the interior of either island, so the best way to see them is on foot. There are hiking trails on both islands that really let you explore the best parts of the islands, and it is convenient to take the buses to the trailheads.

Cars are available for rent on Rebun-to. It is also possible to book yourself on a nature tour by bus on the islands.

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park tourist attractions and sightseeing

Wildflowers on Rebun and the amazing view from the peak of Rishiri. You can see the Russian island of Sakharin on a clear day.

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park city tours

Hiking is the main activity that can be done, and there are fantastic trails for beginners and experts alike. Hiking maps are available in English from Wakkanai railway station and the ferry terminals.

On Rebun-to, the main hike is the Hachijikan haikingu-kosu (八時間ハイキングコース), which literally translates as the "Eight Hour hiking course". It runs along the eastern coast of the island from the northern to the southern tips. For the not-so-keen, there's a shorter, 40 minute hike to the Momoiwa (Peach Rock) lookout (桃岩展望台) starting nearby the ferry terminal town of Kafuka (香深). This lookout offers fine views of Rishiri-to and Momoiwa, a rock which is shaped, well, like a peach. There are many other interesting hikes around the island.

On Rishiri-to, the big hike is the grueling climb to the peak of Rishiri-san. It will take 10 hours to climb and descend - proper hiking gear and adequate provisions of food and water is a must. Easier trails also exist if this hike seems beyond your own ability.

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park souvenirs and shopping

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

The specialty of Rebun-to is raw sea-urchin served on a bed of rice, called uni-don (ウニ丼). Be warned: it's for the adventurous only - not many Westerners appreciate this expensive Japanese delicacy. It can be found in eateries surrounding the ferry port terminal at Kafuka.

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

Lodging

• Momoiwa-so Youth Hostel, Aza Motochi, Kafuka, Rebun-to(There is a bus service, but mainly just look for the hotel staff for transportation, they are easily recognisable, as they will be frantically waiving the YH flag, while screaming okaerinasai! as the ferry arrives.), ☎ 01638-6-1421, [1]. Nothing in the world can quite prepare you for a stay at this wonderfully wacked youth hostel, but if you bring a huge dose of self-irony and enthusiasm, a stay here can easily turn out to be your greatest experience in Japan. While the 9.30PM lights out, and a strict no alcohol policy, can sound dull, rest assured, after a day of hiking, singing and dancing you won't mind the early lights out one bit.3150 JPY.  

Camping

There are several campgrounds on both islands.

Backcountry

Is a must to really experience these islands.

Stay safe

The trail to the peak of Rishiri is not easy. With general hiking common sense it will be a safe, but challenging, climb.

Get out

This page was last edited by Stefan Ertmann. Based on work by David, Jani Patokallio and ryan libre, Wikitravel user(s) Dox96 and Morph and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. - Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license