I’ll begin this publish with one thing of a spoiler: Rebun Island would possibly simply be probably the most distant place I’ve ever been in Japan. Which is saying one thing, given how a lot of the remainder of outlying Hokkaido I’ve explored.
Definitely, Rebun feels far-off, each when it comes to getting there (you need to take a ferry for 2 hours from Wakkanai, which itself is the northernmost metropolis in Japan) and the truth that Rishiri island, towering the space, is the one landmark that offers you any sense of the place you is perhaps.
Once you’re thus far off the overwhelmed path, a conventional “sightseeing” method will be superfluous. Nonetheless, I believe suppose there’s worth in having a basic sense of issues to do in Rebun.
The place to Keep in Rebun—and How one can Get Round
As is the case on Rishiri, there aren’t an entire lot of Rebun accommodations—and those that exist are costly for what you get, and fewer than inspiring normally. I personally stayed at Rebun Resort Saryo, although you might also select from Resort Rebun (which is barely larger finish, and in an identical location) and Shimonoyado Rebunshiri, which is cheaper, however not markedly so.
One other factor Rebun shares in frequent with its neighbor? Rental vehicles (that are crucial, until you propose to take a bus tour) are rather more costly than they’re on the mainland, usually costing ¥20,000 per day or much more. Past this, you’ll should name the rental firm (be it Toyota or Nippon) to finish your reservation, as not one of the retailers right here permit on-line bookings.
Superb Issues to Do in Rebun
Begin at Capes Sky and Sukuton
I’ll be sincere: I wasn’t in an awesome temper after I first drove to Cape Sky; the…nicely, sky was so gray and heavy with clouds (and the wind so sturdy) that I didn’t even really feel like I used to be visiting in summer season. Nonetheless, because the day went on and I continued exploring Rebun’s northern reaches (which additionally embody Cape Sukoton), enhancing climate noticed my temper enhance.
Hike to the Momodai-Nekodai Observatory
Theoretically talking, you may entry the Momodai-Nekodai Observatory (a worthwhile addition to any Rebun itinerary, regardless of the way you get there) by driving just some minutes from Cape Sky down the Motoji Coast and mountain climbing southward. Since I had a specific view of Rishiri in thoughts, nevertheless, I made a decision as an alternative to hike from south to north, beginning on the harbor close to Shiretoko Inari Shrine.
Take your time discovering Rebun’s East Coast
This (and the remainder of the way in which I moved round Rebun) gave me ample alternative to drive up and down the east coast of the island. Whereas there isn’t numerous “there” there when it comes to precise points of interest, I did discover this a part of the island charming, whether or not due to colourful villages perched above the ocean, mysterious shrines proper on the ocean or just the solitude wherein I discovered myself throughout most of my drive.
Attempt to discover a wild Atsumori flower
A notable exception to this rule was the Alpine Botanical Backyard, the one tangible choice for what to do in Rebun en route between the east coast and Cape Sukoton. Right here, you’ll discover what I can solely describe as a “domesticated” model of Atsumori, the woman’s slipper orchid species that’s allegedly solely discovered right here. You’ll be able to apparently solely see these within the wild for those who hike fairly extensively—I didn’t.
Prioritize wonderful views of Rishiri
One of many causes my sensitivity towards climate is acceptable in a spot like Rebun? The truth that until it’s clear, you’re unlikely to see Rishiri towering within the distance. Now, seeing Mt. Rishiri over the ocean is after all not a requirement for having fun with your time in Rebun. Nonetheless, it locations your expertise in an unmistakable context, which is mainly unimaginable to realize in any other case.
How Lengthy Do You Want in Rebun?
Rebun is a small island, with one quirk: It isn’t doable to drive all the way in which round it with out turning round. Which means with the intention to go from Cape Sky to the Momodai-Nekodai Observatory by automobile, you should drive all the way in which across the island (so, round 40 minutes), although the space between them, because the crow flies, is barely a few miles.
With this being stated, I don’t suppose barely cumbersome navigation impacts what number of days in Rebun you want, in the long run. It is vitally small; until you’re doing intensive hikes (which, actually, are extra the province of Rishiri island anyway), you may see most of what there’s to see right here in simply sooner or later, or at most with two nights spent on the island (i.e. for those who arrive too late on the primary day to sightsee).
Different FAQ About Visiting Rebun
Is Rebun value visiting?
Rebun is unquestionably value visiting! Some vacationers will merely recognize the shortage of vacationers, or the pure and virtually virgin pure magnificence. Others will take pleasure in mountain climbing alongside its rugged terrain, and having fun with views of Rishiri island (and, specifically, Mt. Rishiri) towering within the distance.
How do I get to Rebun Island?
You’ll be able to attain Rebun island by ferry or airplane. To go by ferry, you should first get your self both to Wakkanai (on the mainland) or on the close by island of Rishiri. To go by airplane, in the meantime, you should fly from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, retaining in thoughts that flights are rare (often solely as soon as per day, typically even much less) and typically canceled resulting from climate.
Are there bears on Rebun Island?
There are neither bears nor snakes on Rebun Island, making it one of many most secure locations in Japan to hike. I had to ensure of this reality after I headed up the Momodai-Nekodai Path late one afternoon, and all of a sudden discovered myself alone on the high of it. It felt extraordinarily harmful, however fortunately, it wasn’t.
The Backside Line
Of all of the issues to do in Rebun, my favourite is solely to comply with the solar (and, after all, the silhouette of Rishiri island, looming within the distance). Rebun is sufficiently small that after you get a basic sense of the way to get round and the place issues are, you may discover it with out referring a lot to any map. You merely must be aware of locations on the island the place roads don’t go, and the place roads are one-way solely. Want customized assist integrating Rebun (and, seemingly, Rishiri) into the remainder of your journey to Japan? Fee a customized Japan itinerary—and let me sweat the small print.