2025 Rishiri Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Japan's northernmost whiskey distillery Kamui Whisky A whiskey distillery opened on Rishiri Island in July 2022! A festival lottery was held on June 23, 2023 to sell Kamui Whisky's raw liquor that had just been completed before aging. A numbered ticket was given to those who wanted to buy it, and only the winners could purchase it for 3,000 yen. I went with an acquaintance and managed to win one bottle! The aged whiskey will be released in the future! There are already restaurants on the island that sell and serve raw liquor, and the taste is endorsed by the islanders. If you are planning a trip to Rishiri Island in the future, why not try some raw liquor? Access information ■Location: 128-2 Kutsugatakamu, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido ■Access: 21 minutes by car from Oshidomari Port Ferry Terminal #Domestic travel #Hokkaido travel #Hokkaido tourism #Local whiskey #Rishiri Island gourmet #Rishiri whiskey #Rishiri Island 060-0005 2-1 Kita 5-jo Nishi 7-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Rishiri Island Kutsugata Cape Park Because it is close to the coastline, you can see kelp fishing, sea urchin fishing, and kelp drying up close during the summer season. There is a stone monument of the lyricist Shigure Otoha, who was born in Rishiri, and music is played here. There is also a campsite nearby. Conveniently located near convenience stores and hot spring accommodations. The campsite has a great view of Mt. Rishiri and is equipped with a BBQ area and a kitchen, making it a convenient and open-feeling campsite. Access Information ■Address Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido ■Access 5 minutes walk from Kutsugata Port Ferry Terminal ■Opening period May 1st to October 31st ■Campsite accommodation fee 500 yen per tent per night ※Camping or sleeping in a car #Domestic travel #Rishiri #Rishiri Island

Rishiri Rishiri Island Station Self-sufficient Old-style House Cafe Rishiri Ni Koishi This is a popular restaurant that serves stone-grilled lunch menu items such as cheese curry and pasta made with Rishiri kelp broth (980 yen each, including salad and soup)! The interior of the restaurant is designed in the style of an old-style house, and although it is old, it is well-maintained and provides a relaxing space where you can enjoy your meal. We ordered original blend herbal tea and homemade chiffon cake to take away. The chiffon cake was fluffy and moist. It had a firm elasticity and went well with the herbal tea. Please stop by when you visit Rishiri Island. Access information ■Address 51 Honmachi, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido (inside Rishiri Island Station) ■Business hours 9:00-17:00 ■Closed days May-October: Open everyday November-April: Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays ■Access 11-minute walk from Kutsugata Port Ferry Terminal 25-minute drive from Oshidomari Port Ferry Terminal #Domestic travel #Rishiri Island #Rishiri #Remote island travel #Remote island travel #Rishiri travel #Rishiri sightseeing #Hokkaido sightseeing #Hokkaido travel #Hokkaido remote islands #Rishiri kelp #Rishiri Island Station #Old folk house cafe #Self-sufficient cafe

There are several hot spring facilities on Rishiri Island, located at the northern tip of Hokkaido. One of them is Rishiri Fureai Onsen, located near the Kutsugata Ferry Terminal. This hot spring is attached to the Rishiri Hotel, and is open to non-guests. In addition to the hot spring, there is a spacious tatami lounge and a spring water server. The spring is made of hydrogen carbonate, and it is said to have the highest content in Japan. The water looks brown and murky, but when you soak in it, it's wonderful and warms you to the core. Please visit. Access: About 5 minutes walk from the Kutsugata Ferry Terminal, parking available *If you are only going to bathe, please note that the entrance is behind the Rishiri Hotel #Domestic travel

Rishiri Fureai Onsen is a hot spring facility attached to Hotel Rishiri on Rishiri Island in Hokkaido. It is the only natural hot spring attached to an accommodation facility on both Rishiri Island and Rebun Island. The warm brown water boasts one of the highest hydrogen carbonate contents in Japan. When it comes into contact with air, it turns a metallic brown, so it is also called golden water. It also has high and low temperature saunas! You can enjoy the unobstructed view of the Sea of ​​Japan from the open-air bath. The day-use hot spring is open all year round, so please visit it. The main entrance may be closed in winter. Please go straight from the hotel entrance towards the sea and turn right, and you will see the entrance to the day-use hot spring. When I visited, it was just New Year's season, so there were cocoon ball decorations at the reception. Another attractive point is that you can feel the four seasons that are typical of Rishiri. Rishiri Fureai Onsen 90 Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido #Hot Spring

The school building of Kutsugata Junior High School, which was no longer in use after merging with Senboushi Junior High School in 2017, has been reborn as a cafe. The former technology room has been beautifully renovated into a stylish cafe! Most of the desks, chairs, and displays have been reused from the school building and Rishiri Island. It's a little hard to find, but it's a blissful moment to have a cafe while watching the snow falling, especially in the silence of winter. Address: 55 Kutsugata Hinode-cho, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido Behind the old Kutsugata Junior High School building, just before the cycling road Opening hours: 9:30-16:30 #cafe #abandonedschoolrenovation #abandonedschool #snowscenery #trip2023

Oniwaki Menushoro Swamp It is located on the route from Oshidomari Port, where the ferry from Wakkanai arrives, to Kutsugata via Oniwaki and Senboshi. A small 6-hectare marshland in Minamihama Marshland, a designated natural monument in Rishiri-Fuji Town. The marsh is generally called Menushoro, but in Ainu language it is called Menushoro. Nearby is an area called Numaura, which has many marshes, including Mikazuki-numa and Otatomari-numa. Otatomari-numa is a famous tourist spot where tourist buses always stop. There is a souvenir exhibition, so there are many tourists, but there are not many people here. Since there are no people, you can see wild birds resting their wings, playing, and eating. Recommended for those who want to take quiet and leisurely photos, and those who want to observe migratory birds and wild birds! The skunk cabbage was in full bloom, so I was able to enjoy taking photos. [Address] Oniwaki, Fujicho, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido [Transportation] About 30 minutes by car from Oshidomari Port About 1 hour and 30 minutes by bicycle [Parking] Available [Toilets] Available #Flower field #Hokkaido trip #Rishiri Island #Remote island trip #gw2022jp

Sea cucumber fishing is carried out all year round. Of course, it is also done in winter. It's almost March, but snow still continues to fall in Rishiri. In the morning, fishing boats wash off the snow that has accumulated on the boat into the sea before setting off. This time, seagulls were also fishing with the fishing boats. Could it be a sea cucumber that the fishing boat dropped? After this, the seagull flew away with the sea cucumber still in its mouth. I could tell that it was determined to eat it, but I wonder if it was able to eat it safely. I hope it doesn't choke on it. I was given some pickled sea cucumber, and contrary to its appearance, it is delicious. Sea cucumber. In the past, fishermen would go to work away from home in the winter because there was nothing to catch, but nowadays, due to public works on the island and the rising shipping price of sea cucumbers, the number of people going away to work seems to be decreasing. Kutsugataran, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido About 25 minutes by car from Oshidomari Ferry Terminal #Snowscape #Remote Island Trip #Rishiri Island

On the second floor of Rishiri Airport, there is an observation deck where you can see off passengers and enjoy the view. It was open even in the middle of the freezing cold of winter, but as you can see, there was quite a lot of snow. It really shows how terrible winter is. If the weather is good, you can enjoy the beautiful Rishiri Fuji. #Snowscape #Airport #RemoteIslandTrip

It was a sunny day, so I went around Rishiri Island with some friends and took photos of the snow-covered Mount Rishiri! When it's sunny, the mountains are really beautiful. There was so much snow this year that the museum was buried in snow. #snowscape #remote island trip #snowy mountain #Mount Rishiri

Rishiri Island is located in what could be called the northernmost part of Japan. In the middle of winter, it becomes a place of frigid storms, and the island is closed off by snow, ice, and frigid weather. The gateway to the sky is Rishiri Airport. Rumor has it that even if ships are canceled because of rough seas, planes departing from and arriving at Rishiri Airport continue to fly. #snowscape #airport #remoteislandtravel

This is the landing area at Rishiri Airport in mid-winter. As you can see, the runway is frozen in places, as it is an airport in a frigid region. Thanks to the airport workers, the runway had been cleared of snow, but it was still completely white, and I could immediately feel the frigid remote island. #RemoteIslandTrip #SnowScenery #Airport

Soya Bus Terminal Rishiri Office in Kutsugata A circular bus used by locals that travels around the island An airport bus that goes to Kutsugata Bus Terminal via Rishiri Airport and Oshidomari Ferry Terminal A sightseeing bus that operates in the summer Departure and storage of each bus Time required: Approximately 15 minutes to Oshidomari Ferry Terminal, approximately 40 minutes to Kutsugata Bus Terminal Fare: 370 yen one way to Oshidomari Ferry Terminal, 550 yen one way to Kutsugata Bus Terminal Number of buses: During the seasonal flight operation (June to September), one bus per day in line with ANA flights For details, please contact Soya Bus

Hotel Rishiri is a town-run hotel located diagonally in front of the Rishiri Town Exchange Promotion Facility Donto. The hotel has a natural hot spring that flows directly from the source, and the open-air bath is luxuriously designed to allow you to enjoy the magnificent view of the Sea of ​​Japan with a beautiful sunset. At first, it felt a little lukewarm due to the low temperature outside, but as you soak in it, your body warms up. It's not painful even if you stay in the bath for a long time, and it was the best time to take a long bath while looking outside! It also boasts one of the highest hydrogen carbonate contents in Japan, and is popular with many customers both inside and outside Rishiri Island as a "beautiful skin bath." There are also two types of saunas, high and low, making it the perfect hot spring facility to relieve the fatigue of a long trip. Please note that the hotel accommodations are closed for the winter from December to March. The day-trip hot spring is open all year round. The hot spring facility has a free water supply point where you can drink the spring water, and the ice-cold, sweet spring water is really delicious after warming your body in the hot spring! If you come to Rishiri Island, be sure to stop by. ■Address 90 Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido ■Access 20 minutes by car from Oshidomari Port. 15 minutes by car from Rishiri Airport. 2 minutes by car from Kutsugata Port. Free shuttle service available (inquiries and reservations required)

Hotel Rishiri is a town-run hotel located diagonally in front of the Rishiri Town Exchange Promotion Facility Donto. It has a natural hot spring that flows directly from the source, and the open-air bath is luxuriously designed to allow you to enjoy the magnificent view of the Sea of ​​Japan with a beautiful sunset. At first, it felt a little lukewarm due to the low temperature outside, but as you soak in it, your body warms up. It's not painful even if you stay in the bath for a long time, and it was the best time to take a long bath while looking outside! It also boasts one of the highest hydrogen carbonate contents in Japan, and is popular with many customers both inside and outside Rishiri Island as a "beautiful skin bath." It also has two types of saunas, high and low, making it the perfect hot spring facility to relieve the fatigue of a long journey. Please note that the facility is closed for the winter from December to March. ■Address 90 Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido ■Access 20 minutes by car from Oshidomari Port. 15 minutes by car from Rishiri Airport. 2 minutes by car from Kutsugata Port. Free shuttle service available (inquiries and reservations required)

The only public transportation on Rishiri Island is the Soya Bus. This bus goes around the island. There is a clockwise route A and a counterclockwise route B. It costs 2,300 yen to ride around the island, about 45 km. It's quite expensive, but it might be cheap if you think of it as a tour around the island. There are very few buses per day, so I don't recommend getting off along the way. There are at most four buses per day. If you're staying on the island for two nights, be sure to take a remote island bus trip. #remote island trip #remote island bus #never again #Reecely Boys #snow scenery #trip2022

Rishiri Fureai no Yu is located behind Hotel Rishiri, close to the Kutsugata Ferry Terminal on Rishiri Island. It is known as one of Japan's top hydrogen carbonated springs, and the water turns a dark brown and murky when it comes into contact with oxygen. It's a very pleasant bath. In addition to the hot spring, there is also a sauna, so you'll find yourself wanting to stay for a while. #Hotspring #RishiriIsland

The most common words I have heard recently are nothing more than the following 1. When can I go abroad 2. I haven’t been back to my hometown for a long time 3. Staycation starts to get boring This time I talk about the countryside you want to go back to, but do you know what is the northernmost place in your countryside? I think we only know Hokkaido, but honestly know how much? Speaking of which, this time Rishiri Island and what is the relationship with the countryside? In fact, Rishiri Island is exactly the northernmost place in Japan (not Wakkanai, although it is already very good) In fact, Rishiri is a small island full of history and natural culture. In addition to visiting the museum on the island to understand its history, friends who like to climb mountains, can come and challenge Mount Rishiri, a land known as Mount Rishiri. It turns out that Rishiri Island has an airport, but there are only two flights a day... If you are naturally interested in Japanese culture, you can take time to see the natural environment, which is an alternative fun. #japan #japantravel #japanstreetscenes #hokkaidotravel #hokkaido #japanindependenttravel

#thingstodo They said this is A rock that looks like a human face with a rough rope.I had no idea where to look at the human face. However, there was a shimenawa rope, so I knew it was this, but without it, I don't know at all. I thought it was just lava rock. I will break up with those who can only see the face and those who can only see rocks. If you are visiting Hokkaido come and take a look 😂

Visited in September 2023 *Island in Rishiri 30 Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido ◇ 20 minutes by car from Oshidomari Port. 15 minutes by car from Rishiri Airport. 1 minute by car from Kutsugata Port A hot spring inn with delicious food that you should visit when you visit Rishiri Island😋 The only breakfast and dinner buffet on the island is full of chef's special dishes, and everything is very delicious and satisfying✨ Not only the hot springs and open-air baths, but the beauty of the sunset seen from the hotel rooftop is overwhelming🎵 The souvenir corner is also well-stocked, and most of the souvenirs from Rishiri Island are available😊 Please visit this hotel, which is perfect for sightseeing on Rishiri Island🎵 #Hokkaido Tourism#Rishiri Island #Rishiri Island Hotel #Island in Rishiri #Hot Springs #Hot Spring Inn #Rishiri Island Tourism#Hokkaido Trip

Kamui Coast Park is an experiential tourist facility located in the Kutsugatakamui area of ​​Rishiri Island. The fishing grounds that were once used by local fishermen have been renovated into an experiential tourist facility. It has been in operation since April 2015, and offers experiences such as sea urchin harvesting and making Rishiri kelp souvenirs. Both sea urchin harvesting and kelp souvenir making cost 1,500 yen per person. This experience may not be available depending on the weather and reservation status, so it is safe to make a reservation in advance. The sea urchin harvesting experience allows you to sample the most delicious sea urchin in Japan on the spot. I think it is a great deal to be able to sample freshly harvested sea urchin for 1,500 yen, which is expensive even at restaurants on the island. Please try incorporating this into your Rishiri Island sightseeing plan. Kamui Kaigan Park Address: 149-2, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido 097-0401 Available hours: 10:00-15:30 (9:00- from June onwards) #Sea urchin harvesting experience #Sea urchin #Seafood #Hokkaido tourism

We went to see the whiskey distillery that American entrepreneur Casey Wall decided to start after seeing the richness of nature and water on Rishiri Island while sightseeing. Kamui Whisky will be the northernmost distillery in Japan, which will open in 2022. On June 23, 2023, the first festival was held, where raw liquor was also sold by lottery. It was a rare opportunity to sample raw liquor before aging. The KAMUI on the entire wall of the distillery was completed just before the festival. A staff member told us that they had just finished painting it. The raw liquor won a bronze medal in a whiskey competition. It's a whiskey that we're looking forward to seeing in the future. #JapaneseWhiskey #KamuiWhiskey #KamuiWhiskey #HokkaidoTourism

This is a long-established sushi restaurant in the Kutsugata area of ​​Rishiri Island, Hokkaido. It has been loved by tourists and locals alike for a long time. Locals often order sushi delivery for celebrations and gatherings. The sushi made with freshly caught seafood is popular, and the sea urchin in the summer is especially delicious. Unfortunately, there was no sea urchin fishing during my stay, so I was unable to eat it. A la carte dishes such as fried foods and chawanmushi are also recommended. It is said that it is best to call in advance if you are planning to visit. There are counter seats as well as raised seats. Tsune Sushi Address: 10 Honmachi, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido 097-0401 Business hours: 18:00-21:00, irregular holidays Number of seats: 45 #sushi #seafood #sea urchin #hokkaidotourism

Kutsugata Cape Park Campsite is the closest campsite to the town of Kutsugata. You can drive directly in and it's a popular campsite because it's close to hot spring facilities. The parking lot in front of the campsite can only accommodate about six cars, so if it's full you may have to go to Kutsugata Port. This is a place where you can feel the amazing scenery and nature of the sun setting on the horizon, Mount Rishiri illuminated by the sunset, and the countless stars that appear at night. The fee is 500 yen per night, and you hand it over to the collector who comes in the morning or evening. The washing machine and dryer are both 200 yen each (60 minutes for the dryer). Kutsugata Cape Park Campsite Address: 097-0401 Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido Opening period: May 1st to October 31st #camping #campsite #Kutsugata #nature #Hokkaido tourism

Kutsugata Cape Mini Visitor Center at Kutsugata Cape. It is a small building in the center of the park that you can see while walking along the promenade that surrounds the park. You cannot get there by car, so you have to walk along the walking path that extends from the mini observation deck or the campsite. It is open from May to October, and is closed in winter. There are videos and short notes that explain the flowers of the four seasons and the nature of Rishiri Island. It is also a great photo spot where you can take pictures of the Kutsugata Lighthouse, Rishiri Poppies, and Rugosaurus and Mount Rishiri. It is a short walk from Kutsugata Port, so please visit it. Kutsugata Cape Mini Visitor Center Address: Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido 097-0401 Opening hours: May to October (open 24 hours) #Spectacular views #Visitor center #Hokkaido tourism

Hokkaido Hokkaido Tourism I went to Rishiri Island, a remote island in the north of Hokkaido If you come to Rishiri Island, you can't miss it I went to Kutsugata Cape, a tourist spot, so I'll share it with you 📍Kutsugata Cape 📍 Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido Isn't this Kutsugata Cape the number one tourist spot on Rishiri Island? That's because it's a popular place where you can see both Mount Rishiri and Rebun Island! There is also a monument to the poem by Shigure Otowa, a lyricist from Rishiri Town. There is also a small observation deck, so the view is great. Depending on the season, you can see flowers such as black lilies, day lilies, and red maple leaves, so it's a great place to relax. #Hokkaido #Hokkaido trip #Wakkanai #Wakkanai sightseeing #Wakkanai trip #Rishiri Island #Rishiri #Kutsugata Cape #Rishiri Island Kutsugata Cape #Kutsugata Cape Rishiri Island #Hokkaido sightseeing #777

Hokkaido Hokkaido Tourism I went to Rishiri Island, the northern remote island of Hokkaido If you come to Rishiri Island, you can't miss these tourist spots Kita no Itsukushima Benten Shrine and Reiho Spring Water I went there, so I'll share what it was like 📍 Kita no Itsukushima Benten Shrine 📍 Senboshi, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido Kita no Itsukushima Benten Shrine It is said that it was built as a token of gratitude for the help of Benten The shrine was built on top of the rock of the dragon god, and is enshrined in a shape that juts out into the sea! A little further away was 📍 Reiho Spring Water 📍 Senboshi, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido Reiho Spring Water is said to be rainwater and melting snow that fell on Mount Rishiri over many years, seeping through the mountain and springing out Of course, you're free to take it home! It was located in the Senboshi area on the west coast of Rishiri Island along Route 108! It was cold and delicious! #Hokkaido #Hokkaido Trip #Wakkanai #Wakkanai Tourism #Wakkanai Trip #Rishiri Island #Rishiri #Reiho Spring Water #Rishiri Island Reiho Spring Water #Rishiri Reiho Spring Water #Rishiri Island Kitano Itsukushima Benten Shrine #Kitano Itsukushima Benten Shrine #Dragon God Rock #Rishiri Island Dragon God Rock #Rishiri Dragon God Rock #Hokkaido Tourism #777

Hokkaido Hokkaido Tourism I went to Rishiri Island, a remote island in the north of Hokkaido If you come to Rishiri Island, you can't miss it I went to Senboushi Misaki Park, so I'll share it with you 📍 Senboushi Misaki Park 📍 Senboushi Misaki, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido From Senboushi Misaki Park, you can see the crystal clear sea and Mt. Rishiri. Also, there are seals near the sea, and you can feed them lol They come to eat with a lot of force, so be careful of splashes of water. Also, at the store that sells food, there are even seagulls waiting for the food! On the other side of Senboushi Misaki Park, there is a store that sells the highest quality Rishiri kelp! It's recommended as a souvenir #Hokkaido #Hokkaido trip #Wakkanai #Wakkanai sightseeing #Wakkanai trip #Rishiri Island #Rishiri #Senboushi Misaki Park #Rishiri Island Senboushi Misaki Park #Rishiri Senboushi Misaki Park #Hokkaido sightseeing #777