Here at Domingo, we've introduced the charms of Rishiri and Rebun, Japan's northernmost remote islands, from various angles. But there are still so many more surprises and discoveries unique to these northern isles. This time, we're focusing on Rishiri Island, bringing you a full guide to its charms that you can enjoy no matter when you visit!

What exactly is Rishiri Island, this remote island at the edge of the world that you should visit at least once in your lifetime? Located about 52km west of Wakkanai, Rishiri Island is an almost perfectly circular island centered around the 1721m-high Mount Rishiri, which has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. It's packed with hot spots, from activities where you can immerse yourself in grand nature to rare gourmet foods that are hard to find even within Hokkaido.

The name Rishiri comes from the Ainu language words "ri-shiri," meaning "high island." From a distance, it looks like an island with a tall mountain floating on the sea.

Rishiri Island, with its round shape centered on Mount Rishiri Fuji, has a circumference of about 60.2km. You can drive around it in about an hour. We recommend getting a feel for the island's size by first taking a lap by bicycle or car.

When you come to Rishiri Island, you'll want to enjoy its untouched nature in a dynamic way. All the activities are enjoyable for everyone, from children to adults! Here, we'll introduce activities that are unique to Rishiri Island, a place where much of nature remains.

For skiers and snowboarders, backcountry is a must-try experience. It's an incredibly exhilarating activity where you glide through undeveloped, wild nature. Backcountry skiing on Rishiri Island, surrounded 360 degrees by the sea, is a wondrous world. The view from the mountain, where the boundary between the sea and sky is blurred, is breathtakingly beautiful. Once you've skied here, you'll be so captivated that you'll want to come back again and again.

If you want to take your time and enjoy the scenery of Rishiri Island, snowshoe trekking is also recommended. You can experience the grand nature of Rishiri Island through activities like playing in the fluffy snow and taking in the beautiful snowy landscapes of the primeval forests.

When winter ends, spring arrives with budding new life. Spring to autumn is the mountain climbing season on Mount Rishiri. Many alpine plants bloom here and there on the mountainside, and you can even see rare plants designated as endangered species. When you reach the summit, the spectacular view might just leave you speechless.

And then there's the incredibly clear sea! On Rishiri Island, you can enjoy various marine sports like canoeing and SUP. If you peer into the water, you might even encounter dolphins and seals swimming happily in the sea.

Also, if you want to experience a deeper side of Rishiri, how about stopping by a public bath? The hot springs on Rishiri Island are often bicarbonate or sodium chloride springs, also known as "beauty baths." A long, slow soak will allow the hot spring minerals to penetrate your body and soothe your fatigue. It's also fun to chat with the locals and get recommendations for gourmet food while you bathe!

Next, we'll introduce facilities where you can leisurely learn and experience more about Rishiri Island. Since these are indoor facilities, you don't have to worry about the weather. They house many valuable materials, and you might find yourself completely engrossed.

Here at the Rishiri Sea Urchin Seedling Production Center, you can see small, round baby sea urchins. The sea urchins of Rishiri Island, which grow up eating delicious kelp, are a well-known luxury food. Sea urchins are omnivores with voracious appetites, and if you're not careful, they can eat too much of the kelp. Here, you can learn deeply about the island's sea urchins through exhibition panels and guided tours by the staff.

It's no exaggeration to say that all of Rishiri's history is here... at the Rishiri Island Folk Museum. Housed in a Western-style historical building constructed in 1913, it served as the former Oniwaki Village Office until 1973, when it reopened as the Rishiri Folk Museum. The somewhat nostalgic interior features exhibits that recreate the island's life during the pioneering era and a diorama of Rishiri Island.

Rishiri Island is rich with fresh seafood. Winter, in particular, offers many limited-time gourmet dishes that you should definitely try if you get the chance! Here are some exquisite gourmet foods and souvenirs recommended by the islanders.

A delicious-looking uni-don (sea urchin rice bowl) shining in orange! The sea urchin from Rishiri Island, where sea urchin fishing thrives, is on another level compared to others. You can enjoy delicious, creamy, and sweet uni-don at various places on the island.

And the hallmark of winter on Rishiri Island is tachikama. Tachi is the milt of the walleye pollock. In winter, Rishiri enters the season for kamaboko (fish cakes) made from this tachi. It's a rare delicacy available only in winter, enjoyed in hot pots, pan-fried with butter, or simply as is.

This is iizushi, a local dish of Hokkaido. Iizushi is a type of traditional sushi made by fermenting various fish caught in Hokkaido with several kinds of vegetables and rice koji (malted rice). On Rishiri Island, iizushi made with delicious, fatty Atka mackerel is a staple. The koji, which has absorbed plenty of umami, the well-blended vegetables, and the thick Atka mackerel make for a delicious winter classic that is essential to Rishiri's winter.

The visually striking "Aisu Rishiri-zan" is a local soft-serve ice cream topped with dried sea urchin, salted kelp, and baby kelp. When you mix it all up, the soft serve transforms into a stretchy ice cream. Furthermore, the saltiness and umami from the sea urchin, salted kelp, and baby kelp merge with the soft serve, creating a rich sweetness balanced with a touch of salt. It's a recommended soft-serve that redefines the concept of dessert.

After you've fully enjoyed your trip to Rishiri, let's pick up some delicious souvenirs to go with your fun stories! On Rishiri Island, popular items include ramen made with kelp, tororo kombu (shredded kelp) that everyone loves, and canned seafood like sea urchin, abalone, and octopus. The delicious souvenirs from Rishiri Island are perfect for yourself or as a gift for someone special.

Rishiri Island is a dazzling place with landscapes woven by nature and the vivid blues of the sea and sky. The exhilaration of gliding down during a backcountry adventure, as mentioned in the winter activities, is an experience like no other. Beyond that, a trip to Rishiri is full of wonderful things, from gazing up at the clear sky to savoring delicious seasonal gourmet food. Plan your schedule well and enjoy a memorable trip.