What to know
Rishiri Island (利尻島, Rishiritō) is a remote, small island about 20 kilometers off the northern tip of Hokkaido, with a circumference of about 60 kilometers and Mount Rishiri, a dormant volcano, at its center. Together with neighboring Rebun Island, Rishiri belongs to the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. Many of the island's 5000 inhabitants make a living from tourism and fishing.
Rishiri Island offers various hiking and walking opportunities. The climb to the top of Mount Rishiri takes a full day and is quite challenging. There is also a cycling road along the island's northern coast. A visit to Rishiri Island is most attractive from June to August when the island's alpine flora is in bloom. Not many tourists visit the island during the long and harsh winters.
Click here for details on how to get to Rishiri Island.
Rishiri's largest town and transport hub is Oshidomari in the north of the island. Oshidomari Port is the arrival and departure point of ferries from/to Wakkanai and Rebun, while Rishiri Airport can be reached in a 5 minute car ride from the town center.
The island's second largest town is Kutsugata in the west of the island. A direct ferry connection from Kutsugata Port to Rebun Island is provided from June through September.
Administratively, Rishiri Island is divided into two municipalities: Rishirifuji Town with its administrative center in Oshidomari and Rishiri Town centered in Kutsugata.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 12:00 to 21:00 (entry until 20:30)
- Closed
- Wednesdays from November to April
- Admission
- 500 yen (~$3.2)
- English name
- Original name
- Rishiri Island
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.