RISHIRI ISLAND

During our visits to Hokkaido, once we were invited to Rishiri Island by a young a resident doctor with whom we became friends during our stay at Maizuru hospital.

We were excited to go to this small island located North East tip of Hokkaido.

There are two islands Rishiri and Rebub along the north east coast of Hokkaido known as the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park.

Rebun Island is a longish island, and is situated about 10 kilometers northwest of Rishiri Island  and 50 kilometers north, off the northern tip of Hokkaido.

Known for its stunning natural beauty, Rebun Island is often referred to as the "Island of Flowers" due to its rich alpine flora, which blooms even at low altitudes. Rebun Island is most famous for its rich flora, which features many alpine flowers, some of which cannot be found anywhere else on the world. The flowers are in bloom from around June to August, the best time to visit Rebun. Not many tourists come to the island during the long and harsh winters. The alpine flora, the beautiful natural scenery of Rebun and views of nearby Rishiri can be enjoyed from a network of pleasant walking and hiking trails. Rebun Flower Trekking Course: A popular trail showcasing the island's unique flora and stunning coastal views.

Rishiri is one of the two 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. Many of the island’s 5000 inhabitants are making a living from tourism and fishing. Rishiri  island is formed by the cone-shaped extinct volcanic peak of Mount Rishiri.

Rishiri island is dominated by the cone-shaped Mount Rishiri, a dormant volcano that rises to an elevation of 1,721 meters (5,646 feet).

There is also a cycling road along the island’s northern coast. The island has a scenic cycling route that goes around its perimeter, offering views of the coastline and the opportunity to explore small villages.

Many spots around Rishiri Island offer incredible views of Mt. Rishiri. While Rishiri Island is famous for Mount Rishiri, a dormant volcano often likened to Mount Fuji, Rebun Island is flatter and emphasises floral landscapes rather than mountainous terrains. Together, these two islands offer complementary experiences, making them a perfect pair for nature enthusiasts visiting northern Japan.

We stayed here for 2 nights. Besides visiting the hospital we went around the island enjoying the scenery and not being hikers didn't attempt to reach top of Rishiri Volcano.