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 made only on the northernmost islands. This time, we will focus on Rishiri Island and introduce its many attractions that can be enjoyed at any time of the year!

What is Rishiri Island, the farthest island you should visit at least once in your life? Rishiri Island is located about 52 km west of Wakkanai, and is roughly circular in shape, with Mt. Rishiri (1721 m above sea level), one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains, at its center. There are many hot spots on the island, such as activities to enjoy surrendering to nature and precious gourmet foods that are rarely found even in Hokkaido.

The word Rishiri Island comes from the Ainu word "ri-shiri" (high, island). From a distance, the island looks like an island floating on the sea with high mountains on top.

Rishiri Island, which is round in shape with Rishiri Fuji at its center, is about 60.2 km in circumference, and it takes about one hour to go around the island by car. It is recommended that you first go around the island by bicycle or car to get a feel for the size of Rishiri Island.

If you come to Rishiri Island, you will want to enjoy the pristine nature in a dynamic way. All activities are suitable for both children and adults! Here we will introduce some activities that are unique to Rishiri Island, where a lot of nature remains.

Backcountry skiing and snowboarding are activities that all skiers and snowboarders should try at least once. Surrounded by the sea, backcountry skiing on Rishiri Island is a magical experience. The world you can see from the mountain is breathtakingly beautiful, with the boundary between the sea and the sky blurring, and once you ski there, you will be mesmerized enough to want to come back again and again.

Snowshoe trekking is also recommended if you want to take the time to enjoy the scenery of Rishiri Island. You can experience the great nature of Rishiri Island by playing in the fluffy snow and enjoying the beautiful snowy scenery of the virgin forest.

After the winter is over, spring will arrive with new buds. Spring to autumn is the season for mountain climbing on Mount Rishiri. Many alpine plants bloom here and there on the mountain surface, including rare plants designated as endangered species. Once you reach the summit, you may be lost for words at the spectacular view.

And the crystal clear ocean! On Rishiri Island, you can enjoy various marine sports such as canoeing and sap. If you look into the surface of the sea, you may see dolphins and seals swimming comfortably in the water.

And if you want to taste the deep side of Rishiri, how about stopping by a public bathhouse? Many of the hot springs on Rishiri Island are bicarbonate springs and sodium chloride springs, also known as "hot water for beautiful skin," and if you take a long, slow bath, the hot spring ingredients will slowly reach your body and heal your fatigue. It is also fun to ask for information on recommended gourmet foods and mingle with the locals while soaking in the baths!

Next up is a facility where you can take your time to learn about and experience Rishiri Island. It is an indoor facility, so the weather will not affect you. There are many valuable materials, so you will be absorbed in the experience.

At the Rishiri Sea Urchin Seed and Seedling Production Center, you can see small, round baby sea urchins. Rishiri sea urchins, which grow on delicious kelp, are known to be a high quality food. Sea urchins are omnivorous, eating anything, but they have such a voracious appetite that if they are not careful, they can eat too much kelp. Here, visitors can learn more about sea urchins by viewing panels about the island's sea urchins and tours given by the staff.

It is no exaggeration to say that all of Rishiri's history can be found here ......, the Rishiri Island Local History Museum. A Western-style historical building built in 1913, it was opened as the Rishiri Local History Museum in 1973 after the former Oniwaki Village Office Building had finished its role. Inside the nostalgic and nostalgic museum, there are exhibits that recreate life on the island in the pioneer days and a diorama of Rishiri Island.

Rishiri Island is rich in fresh seafood. Especially in winter, there are many limited gourmet specialties, which you must try if you come across them on Rishiri Island! Here are some of the best gourmet foods and souvenirs recommended by the islanders.

A delicious-looking sea urchin bowl shining in orange! The sea urchin of Rishiri Island, where sea urchin fishing is thriving, is on a different level from other sea urchins. You can enjoy a delicious sea urchin bowl with creamy and sweet taste at various places on the island.

Tachikama is a winter delicacy on Rishiri Island. Tachikama is the albacore of Alaska Pollack. In Rishiri Island, winter is the season for fish cakes made from tachi. It is a rare gourmet food that can only be eaten during the winter season, such as in a pot, baked in butter, or simply as it is.

This is Iizushi, a local dish of Hokkaido. Iizushi is a type of traditional sushi made with various fish and vegetables from Hokkaido and fermented with rice koji before eating. On Rishiri Island, the standard type of Iizushi is made with delicious, fatty Hokke. The vegetables are well blended with the kouji, and the thick meat of the Hokke is an indispensable winter staple of Rishiri Island.

The "Aisu Rishiri" soft serve ice cream with dried sea urchin, salted kelp, and baby kelp as toppings is a local delicacy with an outstanding impact. When swirled, the soft serve ice cream transforms into a stretchy ice cream. The salty and delicious flavors of the sea urchin, salted kelp, and baby kelp are fused with the soft serve ice cream, giving it a salty yet rich sweet taste. We recommend this soft serve ice cream that will change your concept of dessert.

After enjoying your trip to Rishiri, get some delicious souvenirs along with your happy memories! On Rishiri Island, ramen noodles made from kelp, Tororo kelp that everyone will love, and canned seafood such as sea urchin, abalone, and octopus are also popular. Delicious souvenirs from Rishiri Island are perfect for yourself or to give to someone special.

Rishiri Island is a dazzling place with its natural scenery and the vivid blue of the sea and sky. In particular, the exhilaration of skiing from the backcountry, as described in the winter activities section, is irreplaceable. There are many other wonderful things to do on a trip to Rishiri Island, such as gazing at the clear sky and enjoying seasonal delicacies. Please plan your schedule carefully and enjoy an unforgettable trip.