Domingo has introduced the charms of Japan's northernmost islands, Rishiri and Rebun, from a variety of angles. But there are still many more surprises and discoveries that can be found only on the northernmost islands. So this time, we will focus on Rebun Island, and bring you a summary of the charms that we have not been able to fully introduce, as well as flowers, activities, souvenirs, food, etc. of Rebun Island that we have written about several times in the past.

We are sure that by reading this, you will want to go to Rebun Island tomorrow! Please take a look at it as a starting point for your trip.

First of all, let's have a basic knowledge of Rebun Island in mind. Rebun Island is the northernmost island in the Sea of Japan, about 60 km west of Wakkanai City. It is believed that the island was cut off from the continent long ago, which is why it is still a precious island with many miraculous natural features.

The name "Rebun Island" comes from the Ainu word "Repun Siri" ......, which means "island off the coast. Rebun Island is also known by the beautiful alias "Floating Island of Flowers. As the name suggests, about 300 species of alpine plants bloom from spring to summer.

Furthermore, because it is the northernmost remote island, alpine plants can be seen at 0 meters above sea level, which is a major feature unique to this island. It is surprising that flowers that can only be seen in Honshu by climbing high mountains can be seen here on the coast.

There are also many flowers that are endemic to Rebun Island. The photo above is of the Rebun atsumorisou, a species endemic to Rebun Island. Doesn't it give off a mysterious atmosphere? There is a colony of Rebun atsumorisou in the northern part of the island, which is at its best from late May to mid-June.

On the other hand, the "Lebun tsumorisou" is at its best from the beginning of June to the end of June. As the name suggests, this is also an endemic flower that grows naturally only on Rebun Island. It is named for its golden plum blossom-like appearance. If you want to see such flowers unique to Rebun Island, it is a must to check the blooming season in advance! It is a wonderful idea to plan your trip to coincide with the blooming season.

If you want to experience the nature of Rebun Island including flowers, trekking is the best way to go! ～The challenge project "Rebun Island Trail Seven: Conquer All Seven Courses!

There are about 50km-long nature trails in Rebun Island, and you can enjoy 7 different types of trails with different attractions, such as a fairy-tale course walking through flower fields, a course overlooking the beautiful sea and coast, an advanced course such as the 8-hour course and Rebun Waterfall course, and a course by Lake Kugusa where even beginners can easily enjoy. You can enjoy 7 different types of trail courses with different attractions.

In the Rebun Island Trail Seven, you will receive limited-edition goods of the original character (Atsumon) according to the number of the seven trekking courses you have hiked, and participants who have hiked all the courses will also receive an original T-shirt for the complete conquest of the Rebun Island Trail Seven.

For example, if you want to visit the aforementioned Lebun atsumorisou colony, we recommend the 12.4km-long Cape Tour Course. This course starts from Cape Scoton, the northernmost point of Rebun Island, to Cape Gorota, Cape Chenghai, and on to Hamanaka. You can enjoy the scenic spots in the northern part of the island, including the Lebun atsumorisou colony.

For more advanced climbers, how about the Rebun Waterfall Course, a 4-km round trip? This course connects the Rebun Falls on the west coast with a branch point in the middle of the Rebun Forest Road. While admiring the alpine flora blooming on the slopes along the route, you will experience the challenge of descending steep slopes on ropes and crossing streams. Be sure to bring all the proper equipment and try your hand at it.

Trail Seven will end at the end of October, but due to the popularity of the event, it is very likely that it will be continued next year and beyond. If you visit Rebun Island, you should definitely include this event in your itinerary.

After a hard day's trekking, you can soak your body in a hot spring to heal it. On the island, there are accommodations with hot spring baths, as well as hot spring facilities with Jacuzzi baths, sauna rooms, and other amenities. The natural hot springs are gentle to the skin and will relax not only your body but also your mind.

One of the pleasures of traveling is gourmet food! Expectations are naturally high for local delicacies, especially if they are specialties of an island surrounded by the sea. The most popular dish on Rebun Island is sea urchin.

Sea urchin is delicious both on its own and in a bowl, but at a café on the island, you will find a different kind of sea urchin. The menu features a luxurious Japanese-style omelette rice topped with sea urchin butter sauce! Perhaps it is the abundance of seafood that makes it possible to create such boldly arranged dishes. Of course, the taste is unquestionably delicious!

If you visit Rebun Island in the summer, it is also recommended to schedule your visit around festivals and events. For example, the Fisheries Festival called "Umebeya Festival" is a great gathering of delicious foods from Rebun Island! Sea urchins, mussels, octopuses, and other seafood are grilled on a net, and the aroma wafts through the air. The smell of the festival is so strong that you can eat as much as you want.

Delicious food is also a great souvenir of your trip. The most popular souvenir of Rebun Island is, without a doubt, Rishiri kelp. Why Rishiri kelp? You may think, "Why Rishiri kelp? In fact, Rishiri kelp is not only called Rishiri kelp from Rishiri Island, but also from northern Hokkaido, such as Rebun Island and Wakkanai area. Among them, "Tororo kelp" is recommended to buy as a souvenir, as it is not bulky.

Sea urchin, which is one of Rebun Island's specialties along with kelp, is also a popular souvenir. Bottled sea urchins are often seen, but canned sea urchins may be a bit rare. Fishermen land the sea urchins and carefully remove the shells one by one. It is too good to give away as a souvenir, so you may want to buy some for yourself!

How was it? We hope that you enjoyed the various ways to enjoy Rebun Island and its diverse attractions. The best time to visit Rebun Island is in spring, summer, and fall. If you have any suggestions for things to do or see on Rebun Island, please feel free to contact us. I want to do that! and enjoy your trip to the fullest, as only the remote islands can.