—This is the "Hokkaido Anywhere Travel Agency," located on the outskirts of a certain town. It's a travel agency with a reputation for introducing customers to the perfect travel destinations. Where will they guide us today?

Rabbit Yukine (hereafter "Y"): Look at this, hop!

Domiko (hereafter "D"): What's up? "Rishiri Island & Rebun Island PR Ambassador"?

Y: I've been appointed, hop!

D: So that's why you've been talking about the islands so much lately. That's amazing!

Ding-dong♪

Customer (hereafter "C"): Hello~

D: Welcome!

Y: Welcome, hop!

C: I was thinking I'd like to relax in Hokkaido, and I was wondering if there's a place where I can spend time peacefully with nature...

Y: Perfect timing, hop! Rishiri Island and Rebun Island are just the places for you, hop!

D: Rishiri and Rebun are Japan's northernmost remote islands, where you can enjoy nature unique to this area and a relaxing island pace of life. It looks something like this.

C: Sea urchins, summer activities... and it's famous for its alpine plants, right? I've seen it in books and guidebooks and I'm curious. Could you tell me more?

Y: Of course, hop!

D: Yes! I'd be happy to explain in more detail.

Thank you, Domiko and Yukine.
From here, I'll take over with a narration to give you more details.

What are Rishiri and Rebun Islands like?

Rishiri and Rebun Islands are located in the Sea of Japan, about 52-60 km west of Wakkanai City. Rishiri Island is home to the 1,721-meter-high Mt. Rishiri, which has been selected as one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. On Rebun Island, about 300 species of alpine plants bloom in profusion from spring to summer.

The majestic Mt. Rishiri, also known as "Rishiri Fuji"

A lovely contrast between flowers and Mt. Rishiri

Many people visit the islands every year to enjoy the alpine plants, and the reason for this is unique to these northernmost remote islands. Here, you can see flowers that you would normally have to climb high mountains to see, right at sea level.

"Rebun Atsumorisou," a species endemic to Rebun Island, is in season from late May to mid-June.

"Rebun Kinbaisou," a species endemic to Rebun Island, is in season from early to late June.

Activities to Enjoy on Rishiri and Rebun Islands

Because these islands are so rich in nature, there is a full range of activities to experience. On Rebun Island's 50 km of nature trails, you can stroll through fields of flowers and enjoy courses that offer views of scenic spots like the beautiful sea. There are seven different trail courses, each with its own unique charm.

The Cape Tour Course, approximately 12.4 km long, takes you around the scenic spots of northern Rebun Island.

There is also a Rebun Falls course for advanced hikers.

The "Rebun Island Trail 7" event held in 2022.

On Rishiri Island, where the majestic Mt. Rishiri, also known as "Rishiri Fuji," stands tall, you can enjoy marine sports like sea kayaking and SUP in the crystal-clear waters in summer. In winter, you can enjoy backcountry skiing, gliding down with a 360-degree view of the sea, and snowshoe trekking.

You might even encounter dolphins or seals while sea kayaking on Rishiri Island.

Skiing down with a view of the surrounding sea is a unique island experience.

You can experience activities tailored to your fitness level.

Must-Try Gourmet Food on Rishiri and Rebun Islands

And then there's the other great pleasure: the food. As represented by the nationally famous sea urchin and Rishiri kombu kelp, there is a full range of gourmet food that can only be eaten here.

The creamy and sweet uni don is exquisite.

"Tororo Kombu" (shredded kelp) also makes a great souvenir.

In addition, there's fresh and fatty Atka mackerel, in season from July to September, and the luxurious Rishiri Island ramen with its Rishiri kombu broth and seafood toppings. You'll wish you had more than one stomach...

Hokke no chan-chan yaki, eaten with a special miso sauce and green onions.

Some Rishiri ramen shops have even received a Bib Gourmand award in the Michelin Guide.

Access to Rishiri and Rebun Islands

There are two ways to get to the islands: by plane and by ferry. If you're going by plane, the Hokkaido Air System flight connecting Sapporo Okadama Airport and Rishiri Island is convenient. It connects Sapporo and the island in about 55 minutes.

"Enjoy an elegant journey through the sky, hop!" by Rabbit Yukine

Hokkaido Air System's Sapporo Okadama-Rishiri flight connects central Sapporo with the island.

Ferries also depart from Wakkanai for both Rishiri and Rebun Islands, and you can travel between the two islands by ferry as well.

By ferry, it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Wakkanai to Rishiri Island, and about 1 hour and 55 minutes from Wakkanai to Rebun Island.

D: ...And that's all for this booking. Please enjoy your trip.

Y: Here's a souvenir, hop! I made it, hop!

C: Thank you! I'll come back and tell you all about it after I visit the islands.

D: Yes! Thank you very much!

Y: Thank you, hop~!

——This is the Hokkaido Anywhere Travel Agency. What charms of Hokkaido will they introduce next? Look forward to the next time!