2026 Rishiri Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in April)

Hello, fellow island-loving travelers✈️ This time, I’m introducing a 2-day, 1-night travel plan to Rishiri Island, departing from Wakkanai, Japan’s northernmost city🇯🇵✨️ If you love nature, sea urchin, or ramen, this is a must-see‼️👀 Rishiri Island is packed with charm that will make you want to visit again and again. You can access Rishiri Island by plane or ferry✈️ (departing from New Chitose or Okadama Airport). For those looking to save money or enjoy scenic views from the sea, the ferry is recommended🚢. ✅ Day 1 Near the ferry terminal! A fascinating supermarket full of surprises 📍Aizawa Food Hall Address: 3-5-8 Chuo, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido 097-0022 Hours: 9:00-19:00 It’s like the northern version of Seijo Ishii, offering bento boxes, fresh seafood, and freshly baked bread made with local ingredients. Perfect for enjoying a meal on the ferry🍞. 📍Wakkanai Ferry Terminal🚢 At the terminal shop, don’t miss the local sweets “Northman” and Wakkanai Milk🐮 (I drank it almost every day for two weeks during my stay🫶. It’s as rich as fresh cream and the best milk I’ve ever had🥇). Upon arrival, head to a popular café where travelers and regulars gather. It’s right near the car rental shop🚗³₃. 📍PORTO Coffee☕️ Address: 200 Oshidomari Port Town, Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0101 ✍️ Check Instagram for operating hours. The bread sold at the café is also very popular🥐, and all the drinks are so delicious you’ll have a hard time choosing✨️. 🚨Must-visit!!!🚨 The most difficult-to-access yet highly sought-after ramen in Japan🍜🍥 📍Rishiri Ramen Miraku Main Store Address: 67 Kutsugata Honcho, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Hours: 11:00-14:30 (Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays) This ramen, packed with the rich umami of kelp, will captivate ramen lovers🍜. The roasted soy sauce ramen is highly recommended‼️. I gave some souvenir ramen to a friend, and they ended up visiting the store themselves✨️. Rare and unique local ice cream 📍Hokurindo Address: 4-5 Kutsugata Midorimachi, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Innovative ice cream made with Rishiri’s sea urchin and kelp. Stir it with a kelp spoon, and it transforms into a texture similar to Turkish ice cream⁉️. You can even eat the kelp spoon😋. The ultimate souvenir spot❄⛄️ 📍Shiroi Koibito Hill (Numanoura Observatory) Address: Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0211 Did you know the motif on the Shiroi Koibito cookie box is actually Rishiri?✨️. A local izakaya serving delicious dishes made with local ingredients🍺🏮 📍Wayo Sosaku Iroha Address: 71 Oshidomari Honcho, Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0101 Hours: 17:00-22:00 (Closed Thursdays) Have you heard of “Tachikama”? It’s a rare delicacy made from pollock roe and salt, usually only available in winter. But here, you can enjoy it even in summer🥹. Enjoy the starry night sky and head to your hotel🏨. *This photo was taken with an iPhone Night Mode📸. Stunningly beautiful😍. ✅ Day 2 Indulge in a luxurious breakfast at the hotel🎶 📍Island Inn Rishiri🏨 Address: Fujimicho, Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Although I usually prefer budget accommodations, I stayed here just to try their buffet🍽. Sea urchin rice, self-serve seafood bowls with unlimited salmon roe, Hokkaido asparagus... I ate so much I needed a break😂. After a rest, take a leisurely walk while admiring Rishiri Fuji🚶♀️. 📍Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park Address: Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Enjoy rare plants and the flow of clouds over the mountain peak while soaking in nature🌱. You can complete the loop in about 30 minutes. Don’t forget souvenirs and trying Hamanasu & Kumazasa tea soft serve🍦. 📍Otatomari Marsh Address: Numanoura, Oniwaki, Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0211 On sunny days, the reflection of Rishiri Fuji on the water’s surface is stunning🗻. The Hamanasu flower scent and the mild Kumazasa tea flavor are distinct and worth trying👏. Highly recommended soba that impresses even the locals🥢 📍Bonten Address: Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Hours: 11:00-14:00 / 17:00-20:00 (Closed Mondays) The tempura here is exceptionally delicious. They also serve sea urchin bowls, perfect for treating yourself◎.

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 Rishiri Route is famous as the northernmost sea route in Japan. Hotel Rishiri was originally operated as a national lodging house. It is located on the cape of the Kutsugata region on the west side of Rishiri Island, and is located close to Kutsugata Port, where the ferry terminal connecting Rebun Island and Rishiri Island is located. The accommodation is open only seasonally from spring to autumn each year, but the hot spring facility is open all year round. The hotel is attractive for its sunsets on the horizon and its rare reddish-brown natural hot springs that flow directly from the source. The sunsets in particular are spectacular. There is also a Soya Bus stop, so if you enter Rishiri Island from Oshidomari Port, please consider taking the bus. Hotel Rishiri 90 Fujimi-cho, Kutsugata, Rishiri-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido *Reservations for 2023 will be accepted from 2/1. #Snowscape

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

Spot: Rishiri Airport Address: 1143 Oshidomari Hontomari, Rishirifuji-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido 097-0101 Rishiri Airport is a locally managed airport located in Rishirifuji-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido (Rishiri Island). #trip2023 #japan #japan #wintertrip #greatview #coupletrip

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

#springtravel If you find yourself trekking through Hokkaido Prefecture, specifically on the beautiful Rishiri Island, you should definitely pop into the Rishiri Town Museum. This place is a total hidden gem for anyone curious about how people survived and thrived on this volcanic island over the years. The exhibits give you a great look at the local fishing history, especially the legendary herring industry that used to be a massive deal here. You will see some cool vintage gear and traditional tools that really bring the past to life. It is super quiet and relaxed, making it a perfect break from hiking around the mountain. The staff is friendly and the displays offer a unique window into the rugged island lifestyle. It is a small but mighty stop for a dose of local culture and history.

📅 Itinerary Day1:Arrive at Oshidomori by plane from Sapporo. Took a bus to Rishiri town, Kutsugata on the north west of the island. Took a leisurely stroll around the town and had a coffee. sunset begins at 4pm during winter. Had dinner in town at Bonten 凡天. Had katsudon and a few beers. very nice and chill Day2: cycled to the south of the island until Senhoshi town. a very leisurely cycle along the coast taking pictures, visiting shrines and a spring. had a late lunch at マルヰ食堂(鍋焼きうどん). run by a nice couple. Dinner was back at Kutsugata. i bought sake and sushi, and cooked a bit. Day3: rode a bus around the island to various towns and locations. bought rishiri sake, kombu, etc etc Day4: Did an exploratory hike up mt rishiri. didnt get very far due to bad weather - snow, zero visibility, winds. Met some locals and had Golley's Pizza. very nice Japanese styled pizza. Day5: Spent a day relaxing at the Onsen and exploring at Oshidomori. walked up Cape Peshi. Day6: Hiked up Rishiri proper. Day7: Rested, took the evening ferry to Wakkanai 🏨 Accommodation Rishiri Antique Inn 🍴 Food Recommendations Anything with kombu Golley's pizza 📌 Tips explore other trails. bring crampons

I went from Sapporo to Wakkanai, considered the northernmost point of Japan. I was scheduled to take the 7:30 AM Soya Express train and arrive in Wakkanai in about five hours. However, due to a damaged track, the train was unable to continue with only one hour remaining until Wakkanai. JR provided a replacement bus, which allowed me to get to Wakkanai. Unfortunately, I missed the ferry to Rebun Island, so I went to Rishiri Island instead. Rebun and Rishiri islands are next to each other, and both can be reached by ferry from Wakkanai Port. I had some time before boarding the ferry, so I used Times Car Share to go to Cape Noshappu. On Rishiri Island, I stayed at Island Inn Rishiri for the night. It was the same day, but the price was 15,000 yen per night for two people. They even upgraded me. Although I arrived on Rishiri Island at night, I rented a car from Times Car Share for an hour and drove around the island. The next morning, I also used car share to go to tourist spots, such as Shiroi Koibito Hill and Kanro Spring. Afterwards, I took a shuttle bus from the hotel back to the port and then a ferry back to Wakkanai. From Wakkanai, I took an overnight bus to Sapporo. Since I had some time until then, I again took a trip to Cape Soya with Times Car Share. It's a little difficult to get to because there aren't many buses, but the car share took about an hour round trip. Russia is so close from here that I could see it with the naked eye. #RishiriIsland #Wakkanai #CapeSouya #CapeNoshappu

Rishiri Island, a remote island in Hokkaido, is about 55 minutes from Sapporo Okadama Airport. You can get there via Hokkaido Air System, part of the JAL Group✈️. In the center of the island stands Mount Rishiri, which was beautifully visible from the airport! I visited in late October, and Mount Rishiri was covered in snow. It seems to have turned white over the past week. I rented a car and drove around the island🚗. With few cars and people, you can enjoy a leisurely drive! The island has many scenic spots and parking areas, allowing you to take in the beautiful views☺️. Rishiri Island is famous for its seafood! There’s plenty, including sea urchin, kelp, and abalone. You can purchase these ocean treasures at souvenir shops and fish markets!! Rishiri Island is a recommended destination for a relaxing trip!

Located on the coast of Hokkaido's Rishiri Island, Kita no Itsukushima Benten Shrine is a scenic spot that seems almost mythical. A vermilion torii gate and shrine building sit quietly in a crevice carved into a huge rock, cherished by locals as the "rock where the dragon god resides." Known as "Dragon God's Rock," this site is a mystical space where the rugged sea rock and Benten Shrine blend together. The sound of the waves, the wind, and the light filtering through the gaps between the rocks...all of these elements awaken the sense that "nature itself is divine." The enshrined deity is Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, known as the goddess of water, performing arts, and matchmaking. The approach and torii gate are rocky, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes like sneakers. Along with views of Rishiri Fuji and the crystal-clear sea, this is a place where you can truly experience the island's spiritual charm. ⸻ ℹ️Basic Information 📍Name: Kita-no-Itsukushima Benten Shrine (Dragon God's Rock) 📮Location: Iwaihama, Oniwaki, Rishirifuji-cho, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaido 🚶♀️Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Oshidomari Port / Coastal area of ​​the Oniwaki area 🕒Free to worship: No designated shrine office (visit at your own risk) ⚠️Caution: Wear non-slip shoes as you will be walking on rocky terrain / Be careful in bad weather 📸Highlights: Torii gate sandwiched between rocks / Traces of dragon god worship / Harmony with the natural beauty of Rishiri ⸻ 🏷️Hashtags #Kita-no-Itsukushima Benten Shrine #Dragon God's Rock #RishiriIsland #RishiriPowerSpot #HokkaidoScenicView #HidenShrine #SpiritualTravel #TripComRecommended #TripMoment #RishiriIslandTourism #IchikishimaHimenokami #GoddessofSea #HokkaidoRemoteIslandTrip #TravelWithPochi

This summer, we took a relaxing drive around Rishiri Island where Mt. Rishiri rises majestically at the center, watching over everything like a quiet guardian. The mountain looked especially stunning in the summer sun. Along the way, we stopped at a local shop and tried Milpis, a sweet and tangy handmade lactic acid drink that’s been loved here for over 50 years. We also visited a few natural springs—the water was so clean and cold, we filled our bottles straight from the source. Small swamps and ponds scattered around the island added a peaceful, untouched feel to the drive. this island is a Hidden gem of Hokkaido! #hokkaido #japan #travel #rishiriisland

1.2 Rishiri Ramen Miraku This ramen is made with plenty of Rishiri kelp, and the broth's rich umami flavor really stands out! Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM (We arrived just before closing at 2:00 PM, but they kindly let us in.) Closed: Thursdays 3.4.5.6 Saito Ryokan Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of the room, but it was a tatami-style room with shared toilets. We were given tickets for the hot spring bath. The ryokan was clean and comfortable! The meals were incredibly luxurious!!! We enjoyed both dinner and breakfast 🤤✨ The main reason for this trip to Rishiri was to try horsehair sea urchin, which is raised on Rishiri kelp! (The season is from June to August.) Apparently, the amount harvested has been decreasing year by year, and the price has been rising significantly. I saw standing sea urchins for the first time! The sweetness was on a whole different level compared to the sea urchins I've had before. I might have become too spoiled to enjoy regular sea urchins anymore 😳. The sashimi was also unbelievably delicious! This ryokan and the gourmet spots on Rishiri Island are highly recommended! 7.8 Izakaya Kamome The dishes prepared by the owner, who is an active fisherman, truly bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients and were incredibly delicious! It was a course meal, and there were two course options available. Opening hours: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM (The hours are short, so I recommend going right when they open!) 9.10 Grand Spot Perfect for lunch! The highlight is the curry topped generously with fried scallops! The portions are quite large, so sharing it between two people might be a good idea ✨✨ Overall, this trip to Rishiri was a feast for the senses! I highly recommend trying the gourmet food here ☺️, and visiting during the horsehair sea urchin season 🤤.