Japan has many “Fujis,” even when none are as iconic as the unique. From Hoki-huji (i.e. Mt. Daisen in Tottori prefecture), to Mt. Yotei, which rises above the Niseko Ski Resort, to Aomori’s Mt. Iwaki, I’ve usually needed to do a double take when taking a look at sure Japanese mountains.
In a way, then, it’s unusual that Mt. Rishiri (which rises above and includes a lot of the offshore island of the identical identify) captivates me a lot, in all probability probably the most of any Japanese mountain moreover Fujisan itself. It isn’t actually formed like Mt. Fuji, even whether it is simply as ubiquitous a sight up in far northern Hokkaido as Fuji is in Tokaido.
After all, this gained’t be a publish evaluating Rishirifuji to the true one, however fairly than outlines issues to do in Rishiri extra usually. Regardless, I hope you’ll give me a couple of minutes of your time.
The place to Keep in Rishiri (and The best way to Get Round)
The unhealthy information? The number of Rishiri resorts leaves one thing to be desired, and costs are usually excessive. For instance, I stayed at Island Inn Rishiri—which, regardless of being only a step above a standard Japanese enterprise resort (and nonetheless smelling like a long time’ worst of smoke) was costlier than virtually another comparable resort I’ve stayed in on Japan’s most important islands in recent times.
I want I may inform you that different properties—equivalent to Shimanoyado Kamuirishiri and Rishiri Fuji Kanko Resort—the place completely different. They aren’t sadly. With this being mentioned, the opposite factor it is best to be mindful is that renting a automobile in Rishiri (which is a necessity) is dear, and sophisticated. It isn’t doable to do on-line; you’ll need to contact the rental firm of your selection by telephone.
What to Do on Rishiri Island
Begin (and finish) at Yuhigaoka Statement Deck
After I picked up my automobile at Oshidomari Port, I wasn’t positive whether or not I’d first head clockwise or counterclockwise. My recommendation? Go counter-clockwise. This permits your first cease to be Yuhigaoka Statement Deck, which presents gorgeous views of Rebun looming within the distance in any respect hours of the day (i.e. come again for sundown).
Eat an uni don at Cape Senhoshi
I’ll be sincere: I’ve by no means been an enormous fan of sea urchin (uni). With this being mentioned, I discovered myself so charmed by the fishmonger I visited at Cape Senhoshi (which was the precise entry on my Rishiri itinerary) that I couldn’t resist the mini don he was promoting for simply ¥5,000, much less that half the value I noticed elsewhere.
(And benefit from the view from there)
The unhealthy information? After I was having my makeshift lunch, a thick blanket of clouds obscured the tip of Mt. Rishiri, stopping me from getting the shot I wished. The excellent news? After I returned there later within the afternoon, I used to be capable of seize the “cash shot” that I had solely dreamed about up till that time.
Take a hike at Himenuma pond
There are just a few ponds (numa in Japanese) on the checklist of what to do in Rishiri, which in textual content type didn’t thrill me. Nonetheless, Himenuma (whose identify replicate a princess, which one I don’t know) was actually spectacular, if solely due to all of the wildlife I used to be capable of spot and {photograph} amid its deep emerald inexperienced.
Don’t really feel pressured to climb the mountain
I’ve climbed the precise Mt. Fuji, in addition to a few the others, which could make you assume that I used to be hellbent on scaling Rishirifuji. But whereas I wouldn’t thoughts going again sooner or later and climbing or mountain climbing for a pair days, this isn’t in any respect needed for having fun with your time on Rishiri.
How Lengthy Ought to You Keep in Rishiri?
Due to the price of resorts and each the excessive price and low availability of rental automobiles, most vacationers will not be capable of keep longer than an evening or two on Rishiri. The excellent news is that that is in all probability enough, actually in the event you don’t plan to climb the mountain. You may circumnavigate Rishiri a number of occasions throughout the span of 24-48 hours; it is possible for you to to see in every single place you need throughout that point.
The opposite factor to maintain in type is that if climbing is a part of the equation of what number of days in Rishiri you want, you is likely to be taking some type of organized journey. You don’t “want” a information to hike or climb right here, after all—the paths are open to most of the people—however many vacationers (Japanese ones, particularly) select to rent a information as a layer of insurance coverage as they ascend the mountain.
Different FAQ About Visiting Rishiri
Is Rishiri price visiting?
Rishiri is certainly price visiting, even in the event you don’t climb Mt. Rishiri. My private favourite place on the island is the small uni don store on Cape Senhoshi on the southern coast, however you’re positive to uncover dozens of your individual treasures as you circumnavigate the island.
How do I’m going to Rishiri island?
There are two methods to succeed in Rishiri island: By ferry from Rebun or Wakkanai; or by ferry from Sapporo. As a result of flights are generally topic to cancellation, I like to recommend having a ferry-based plan as a backup. For instance, in case your purpose is to fly from Rishiri again to Sapporo, I recommend having a ferry to Wakkanai, and a flight from there to Sapporo reserved simply in case the RIS-CTS flight will get canceled.
Is Mount Rishiri lively?
The excellent news? Regardless of resembling Mt. Fuji (which may be very a lot activate) from some angles, Mt. Rishiri is dormant. While you mix this reality with the dearth of bears and snakes on the island, it signifies that Rishiri presents a few of the most secure mountain climbing anyplace in Japan.
The Backside Line
Having an inventory of issues to do in Rishiri is useful, even when it’s not as needed as one is likely to be elsewhere in Japan. Rishiri is a small island, and since its most important highway circumnavigates its shoreline, getting round is fairly easy. On the similar time, it’s good to have information posts alongside the best way, and to have a normal concept of the best way to sequence your sightseeing. That is particularly the case if images is necessary to you, and also you wish to be aware of lighting as you discover. Want customized assist placing your northern Hokkaido journey collectively? Fee a customized Japan itinerary—and let me sweat the small print!