Activities to Enjoy on Rishiri Island

First, let's look at the activities you can experience in Rishiri Town on Rishiri Island. Have you heard of the popular marine sport, SUP? SUP stands for "Stand-Up Paddleboarding," and as the name suggests, you stand on a board and paddle your way through the water.

It might look difficult at first, but it's perfectly fine for beginners! The thrill of paddling across the waters of Rishiri Island, which boast some of the clearest waters in Hokkaido, is an experience you can only get here. The view from the sea is absolutely breathtaking.

Another unique activity you won't hear about elsewhere is the "Sea Urchin Harvesting Experience," a specialty of Rishiri Town. From a small boat tethered to the shore, you'll use the same tools as the local fishermen in this authentic experience. The taste of the fresh sea urchin you've harvested yourself is, needless to say... exceptional!

We also recommend the "Seal Feeding Experience." At Senhoshimisaki Park, there's a natural tide pool observation area along the coast where you can buy food from a nearby souvenir shop to feed the seals. You'll be captivated by their big, glistening eyes up close.

Furthermore, Rishiri Island has well-maintained cycling roads, allowing you to ride exhilaratingly while enjoying the magnificent scenery and the sea breeze! There are three model courses to choose from: a course that circles the entire island, the Blue Line course that lets you enjoy both cycling and scenery in 3-4 hours, and the Green Line course, a 1-2 hour ride perfect for families with children. You can enjoy Rishiri Island at your own pace, fitting it into your schedule.

In Rishirifuji Town, you can enjoy the island's sea with "Sea Kayaking." In the crystal-clear waters, dubbed "Rishiri Blue," you can see Rishiri kombu kelp and sea urchins. You might also encounter wild animals like sea birds and seals, making for an experience so captivating you'll lose track of time. Kayak fishing is also popular, offering the exciting experience of catching rockfish and migratory fish!

If you want to leisurely experience the grand nature of Rishiri Island, trekking is recommended. There are various trail courses starting from Rishirifuji Town, with different lengths, and it's great that you can enjoy them casually even with just sneakers. Along the way, the "Kanrosensui Spring," selected as one of Japan's 100 famous waters, will soothe your tired body. In winter, you can also experience backcountry skiing and snowshoeing on Mt. Rishiri, which towers in the center of the island, so be sure to check it out!

Meanwhile, on Rebun Island, located even further north than Rishiri, trekking is the number one recommendation!