Rebun Island, known as Japan's northernmost remote island, is also called the "Floating Island of Flowers." From spring to summer, it bursts into bloom with about 300 species of alpine plants. The island is also blessed with bounties from the sea, like sea urchin and kombu kelp, attracting many tourists every year. Today, we'll hear from Megumi Miura, who fell in love with Rebun Island, moved here, and opened a handmade accessory shop. She's going to share some of the island's hidden charms with us.

So, Ms. Miura, what are your "special treasures" on Rebun Island?

Where time flows slowly
A Special "Place": Menouhama Beach

At Menouhama Beach on Rebun Island's Motochi coast, you can enjoy beachcombing for small agate stones, sea glass, and shells. It's also a spectacular spot to watch the beautiful sunset sink below the horizon.

A terrace overlooking Rebun's west coast
Special "Food": diningcafe UMI

Rebun Island is home to many fishermen, so there's an abundance of delicious seafood. The shop's famous Atka mackerel burger, made with local ingredients, is delicious. They also sell other island products, like sea urchin rice bowls (uni-don) prepared by fishermen and udon noodles made with local seaweed.

Natural sun-dried Rishiri Kombu from fishermen and accessories from beach finds
A Special "Souvenir": 5Rstore

Among the items sold at 5Rstore, I recommend the fragrant and thick "natural sun-dried kombu," harvested by the island's fishermen. We also carry eco-friendly products like handmade accessories made from items found on the beach. Please stop by when you come to Rebun!

Megumi Miura

Megumi Miura on the right, in front of 5Rstore

She first came to Rebun Island 19 years ago for a resort job and fell in love with the scenery, delicious seafood, and the beachcombing environment. For years, she split her time between summers on Rebun Island and winters working at ski resorts or in Okinawa. Six years ago, she married into a family of kombu and sea urchin fishermen on the island. Four years ago, she opened her shop on the west coast of Rebun Island in Motochi, selling natural sun-dried Rishiri kombu and handmade accessories using beach-found items and local agate stones.

Domingo presents A Local's Special Guide

"A Local's Special Guide" can also be found in "HAC MAGAZINE," the bimonthly in-flight magazine published by Hokkaido Air System (HAC), the "Wings of the People of Hokkaido." We introduce the "special treasures" of various areas, including local food, places, and souvenirs recommended by wonderful people in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Air System Official Website

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