Rishiri Island

Rishiri Island is a circular island located about 20 kilometers off the northwestern tip of Hokkaido, dominated by the conical Mount Rishiri that rises 1,721 meters directly from the Sea of Japan. The mountain's silhouette is so distinctive that it graces the packaging of Shiroi Koibito, Hokkaido's most famous souvenir cookie. The island offers exceptional hiking, with the challenging full-day summit trail rewarding climbers with panoramic views stretching to Rebun Island and the Russian coast of Sakhalin on clear days. The surrounding cold, nutrient-rich waters produce some of Japan's finest sea urchin, particularly the prized bafun-uni harvested in summer, along with premium Rishiri kombu kelp used in high-end dashi stock across the country. Cycling the 25-kilometer coastal road that circles the island reveals a succession of scenic viewpoints, quiet fishing villages, alpine wildflower meadows, and pristine natural landscapes that feel worlds away from mainland Japan.