Domingo has introduced the charms of Rishiri Island and Rebun Island, the northernmost remote islands of Japan, from various angles. However, there are still many surprises and discoveries that are unique to the northernmost islands. So this time, we will focus on Rishiri Island and introduce the charms of Rishiri Island that can be enjoyed any time of the year!

What kind of place is Rishiri Island, the remotest island that everyone wants to visit at least once in their lifetime? Rishiri Island is located about 52km west of Wakkanai, and is an almost circular island with Mt. Rishiri at an altitude of 1,721m, which has been selected as one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, at its center. There are plenty of hot spots, such as activities where you can enjoy immersing yourself in nature and rare gourmet food that is hard to find even in Hokkaido.

The name Rishiri Island comes from the Ainu word "ri-shiri" (high island). When seen from afar, it looks like an island with a high mountain floating on the sea.

Rishiri Island is round with Mt. Rishiri at the center, and the circumference is about 60.2 km. You can go around it by car in about an hour. We also recommend going around the island by bicycle or car to get a feel for the vastness of the island.

If you come to Rishiri Island, you'll want to enjoy the untouched nature in a dynamic way. All of the activities can be enjoyed by both children and adults! From here on, we will introduce activities that are unique to Rishiri Island, where much of the natural environment remains.

Backcountry skiing is something that anyone who enjoys skiing or snowboarding should try at least once. It is an extremely exhilarating activity as you ski through untouched nature. The backcountry skiing on Rishiri Island, surrounded by ocean on all sides, is a truly mysterious world. The world seen from the mountains is breathtakingly beautiful, with the boundary between the sea and the sky unclear, and once you ski, you will be so fascinated that you will want to come back again and again.

If you want to enjoy the scenery of Rishiri Island at your leisure, we also recommend snowshoe trekking. You can experience the great outdoors of Rishiri Island, including playing in the fluffy snow and seeing the beautiful snowscape of the virgin forest.

After winter ends, spring arrives and new buds begin to sprout. Spring to autumn is the climbing season on Mount Rishiri. Many alpine plants bloom here and there on the mountainside, including rare plants that are designated as endangered. When you reach the summit, you may be left speechless by the breathtaking view.

And the sea is incredibly clear! You can enjoy various marine sports such as canoeing and SUP on Rishiri Island. If you look down into the water, you may be able to see dolphins and seals swimming comfortably in the sea.

If you want to experience the deeper side of Rishiri, why not stop by a public bath? Many of the hot springs on Rishiri Island are hydrogen carbonate springs or sodium chloride springs, known as skin-beautifying springs, and if you take your time soaking in the hot spring ingredients will slowly reach your body and soothe your fatigue. It's also fun to listen to recommendations for gourmet food and interact with the locals while you're in the bath!

Next, we will introduce a facility where you can learn and experience about Rishiri Island at your own pace. It is an indoor facility, so it is not affected by the weather. There are many valuable materials, so you will find yourself becoming engrossed in it.

Here at the Rishiri Sea Urchin Seedling Production Center, you can see small, round baby sea urchins. Rishiri Island's sea urchins, which grow up eating delicious kelp, are a well-known luxury food. Sea urchins are omnivorous, eating anything, but their appetite is so strong that if you're not careful, they can eat too much kelp. Here, you can learn more about sea urchins through display panels about the island's sea urchins and tours led by staff.

It is no exaggeration to say that the entire history of Rishiri is here at the Rishiri Island Local History Museum. This Western-style historical building was built in 1913 and opened as the Rishiri Local History Museum in 1973 after it ceased to serve as the former Oniwaki Village Office. Inside the nostalgic building, you will find exhibits that recreate island life during the pioneering era, as well as a diorama of Rishiri Island.

Rishiri Island is rich in fresh seafood. There are many gourmet foods that are only available in winter, so if you come to Rishiri Island and come across them, you should definitely try them! From here on, we will introduce the exquisite gourmet foods and souvenirs recommended by the islanders.

A delicious-looking sea urchin bowl that shines orange! The sea urchins on Rishiri Island, where sea urchin fishing is popular, are on a different level from other sea urchins. You can eat delicious creamy and sweet sea urchin bowls in various places on the island.

And speaking of winter scenery on Rishiri Island, there is tachikama. Tachi is the milt of Alaska pollock. Winter on Rishiri Island is the season for kamaboko (fish cake) made with tachi. It is a rare delicacy that can only be eaten in winter, whether it is in a hotpot, fried in butter, or simply eaten as is.

This is Hokkaido's local dish, rice sushi. Rice sushi is a traditional type of sushi made by fermenting various fish caught in Hokkaido and several kinds of vegetables with rice koji before eating. On Rishiri Island, rice sushi made with delicious fatty Atka mackerel is the standard. The koji, which is full of umami, the vegetables that blend well with it, and the thick Atka mackerel are a delicious winter staple that is indispensable in the winter on Rishiri Island.

The striking "Aisu Rishiriyama" is a local soft serve ice cream topped with dried sea urchin, salted kelp, and baby kelp. When mixed, the soft serve turns into a stretchy ice cream. The saltiness and umami of the sea urchin, salted kelp, and baby kelp are blended with the soft serve ice cream, giving it a salty yet rich sweetness. This is a recommended soft serve ice cream that will overturn your concept of dessert.

After enjoying your trip to Rishiri, why not pick up some delicious souvenirs along with some fun stories to share! In Rishiri Island, ramen made with kelp and the popular tororo kelp are popular, as well as canned seafood such as sea urchin, abalone, and octopus. These delicious souvenirs from Rishiri Island are perfect for yourself or as a gift for someone special.

Rishiri Island is a dazzling place with natural scenery and the vivid blue of the sea and sky. The exhilarating feeling of skiing down the backcountry, which we introduced in the winter activities section, is especially hard to beat. There are other wonderful things to do on a trip to Rishiri Island, such as gazing at the clear sky and enjoying delicious seasonal cuisine. Make sure to plan your schedule carefully and enjoy a memorable trip.