Exploring Rishiri Island: Winter Travel Possibilities

Rishiri Island, a remote island off the north-west coast of Hokkaido, is a popular tourist destination during the summer months. However, its harsh winters see fewer visitors. But is it possible to travel there during the winter months? And if so, what is there to do? Well, the island offers various activities for those seeking a winter adventure, including backcountry skiing, snowshoe hiking and snowshoe trekking. The winter transformation of Mount Rishiri, the island's sole volcano, into a majestic snow-capped peak, provides a breathtaking backdrop for these activities. So, if you're an outdoor enthusiast seeking an off-the-beaten-track winter destination, Rishiri Island may be worth considering.

Backcountry skiing and snowshoe trekking are popular winter activities on Rishiri Island

The winter season for backcountry skiing on Rishiri Island starts around mid-to-late December and goes until early March. The island receives heavy snowfalls, typically beginning in mid-October, and offers powder snow similar to what can be found in Niseko, one of Japan's top ski resorts. The strong winds from the sea create a wind chill effect, making the temperature feel even colder than it is. However, the "Rishiri Formula" can be used to avoid the wind, as the conical shape of the island means that whenever the wind blows from one side, the other side is protected from it.

There are no chairlifts on Rishiri Island, so skiers use snowmobiles to cover long, flat distances and then ascend using skins. The mountain has a variety of terrain, including gullies and steep sides, as well as smooth ridges, making it suitable for skiers of all levels. There are also no rental shops on the island, so visitors must bring their own equipment.

Snowshoe trekking is another popular winter activity on Rishiri Island. Visitors can explore the snow-covered virgin forests at the foot of Mount Rishiri, which offers breathtaking winter scenery. Local guides are available to lead snowshoe hikes, and there are various route options depending on the weather and snowfall.

Rishiri Island is a remote and off-the-beaten-path destination for winter activities, offering a sense of community and hospitality to its visitors. It is accessible by plane from Sapporo or by ferry from Wakkanai.

The winter season for backcountry skiing on Rishiri Island is from mid-December to early March

Rishiri Island is a small, remote island off the north-west coast of Hokkaido, Japan. The island is home to Mount Rishiri, a 1721-metre dormant volcano, which offers countless routes for backcountry skiing.

Despite the cold temperatures and strong winds, Rishiri Island offers a unique and unparalleled skiing experience. Skiers can enjoy the sense of remoteness and freedom, as there are no ski resorts or lifts on the island. Instead, skiers are towed through the snow by snowmobiles, reducing the time spent hiking up the mountain.

The mountain offers a limitless number of routes suitable for skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. The varied terrain includes cliffy faces, smooth ridges, and steep sides, providing challenges and excitement for backcountry skiers.

The winter months on Rishiri Island are not a popular tourist season, as many guesthouses are closed during this time. However, those who brave the cold will be rewarded with an incredible skiing experience and the feeling of having the entire mountain to themselves.

So, if you're an adventurous skier looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination, Rishiri Island during the winter months of mid-December to early March is the perfect choice. You'll get to explore the mountain's countless routes and enjoy the sense of community and hospitality that the island has to offer.

The island's alpine flora is in bloom from June to August, attracting visitors

Rishiri Island is a remote island off the coast of North-West Hokkaido, Japan. It is known for its unique nature, small fishing villages, and its sole volcano, Mount Rishiri, which is also known as Rishiri-Fuji. The island is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and sea kayaking.

In addition to its flora, Rishiri Island is also recognised as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, making it an appealing destination for birdwatchers. The island is home to various bird species, including black woodpeckers, yellow wagtails, rare white-tailed eagles, black-tailed gulls, and Japanese robins.

To reach Rishiri Island, visitors can take a ferry from Wakkanai, the northernmost city of Hokkaido, which takes approximately two hours. Alternatively, there is an airplane connection once a day from Sapporo Okadama Airport to Rishiri Airport. The island can also be reached by car or train, although these options take significantly longer, at around five to six hours.

Rishiri Island offers a range of activities for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The island's alpine flora, which is in full bloom during the summer months, is a significant attraction, providing visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in the island's natural beauty.

Rishiri Island is known for its sea urchins and konbu seaweed, with many local dishes featuring these ingredients

Rishiri Island is a small island off the north-west coast of Hokkaido, Japan. It is known for its sea urchins and konbu seaweed, which feature in many local dishes. The island is home to around 5,000 to 6,000 people, most of whom work in fishery and tourism. The island's volcanic Mount Rishiri stands at 1,719 or 1,721 metres tall and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and backcountry skiing.

Sea urchins, known as "uni" in Japanese, are a delicacy in Japan. They are often served as sushi or sashimi, with a creamy texture and a slightly salty taste. Visitors to Rishiri Island can try their hand at harvesting sea urchins at Kamui Seaside Park, where they can crack open and eat their catch on the spot. The park also offers exotic sweets made with fresh sea urchin and Rishiri kelp.

Konbu, or kombu, is a type of edible seaweed or kelp with a distinctive umami flavour. It is commonly used as a condiment, garnish, or ingredient in Japanese cuisine, adding savoury umami taste to dishes. Kombu is rich in minerals and dietary fibre and is considered a superfood for its high nutritional value. It is often used as a base for broths, particularly dashi, which is used in many Japanese dishes.

The combination of fertile konbu kelp grounds and an abundance of sea urchins makes Rishiri a prime location for harvesting these delicacies. The island produced 205 tonnes of kelp and 47 tonnes of uni in one year, with farmers earning around US$200,000 annually. The local cuisine showcases these ingredients, with dishes such as uni gunkanmaki (rice with a seaweed wrapper topped with sea urchin) and Unimeshi Bowl (sea urchin and salmon roe with soup stock made from Rishiri kelp).

The island's cycling road along the northern coast is approximately 25 kilometres long

Rishiri Island is a remote island off the northwest coast of Hokkaido, Japan. It is a small island with a circumference of about 60 kilometres and a population of around 5,000 to 6,000 people. The island is known for its volcano, Mount Rishiri, which is a popular hiking spot.

While the island is most popular during the summer months, when its alpine flora is in bloom, it also offers a range of outdoor activities during the winter. These include backcountry skiing, snowshoe trekking, and snowshoe hiking.

Now, onto the cycling. The Rishiri Cycling Road is a dedicated bicycle path that runs along the northern coast of the island, from Hime Pond to Kutsugata. The path is approximately 20 kilometres long, although one source states it is 25 kilometres long, and it offers stunning views of the sea that surrounds the island. The path is well-paved and wide, and it is specifically designed for bicycles, so you don't have to worry about traffic.

Many accommodations on the island provide bicycles for their guests, and there are also some rental shops. The island is quite hilly, so be prepared for a workout! Motorbikes are also available for rent if you prefer.

In addition to cycling, other activities on Rishiri Island include hiking, camping, and exploring the island's natural attractions, such as Himenuma (Princess Pond). The island is also known for its seafood, including sea urchins and konbu seaweed.

Frequently asked questions