Northern Islands 7 Day Self-Guided Tour

Welcome to Wakkanai, Japan's northernmost city and jumping off point for your adventure! As a coastal city, Wakkanai offers excellent seafood dining options - from fresh sushi to robata-yaki (seafood grilled over open flame). Your hotel is conveniently located among local izakaya bars and restaurants where you can enjoy dinner at your leisure.

This morning you catch a two-hour ferry to Rebun Island, which means "island far from shore" in the Ainu language. After storing your luggage, you hike the Momoiwa Trail through the southern part of the island. A moderate 45 minute uphill hike leads to the impressive Momoiwa - named "Peach Rock", and one of the island's most striking viewpoints. The trail continues along dramatic clifftops to Motoji Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of Mt. Rishiri across the sea. After descending to Shiretoko, you return to your hotel where you can relax in the hot springs after dinner.

Today, you take a morning bus to Rebun Island's northern tip to hike the Misaki-Meguri Trail. Misaki-Meguri means "touring the capes" and the spectacular 14.2 km coastal trail begins at Cape Sukoton, where sea lions can sometimes be seen on Todo Island. The path winds along dramatic seaside cliffs, passing Cape Gorota with its unique alpine flowers found nowhere else. After a rest stop in Teppu village, you continue to Cape Sukai where you can grab a snack. Your day ends in Funadomari village, known for its harbour seal viewing, before catching your return bus.

You take a morning ferry from Rebun to Rishiri Island. After storing tour luggage, you explore the charming town of Oshidomari and walk up to Cape Peshi for panoramic views of the town against the backdrop of Mt. Rishiri.

For a longer adventure, you can take a bus to Himenuma, a pond where the summit of Mt. Rishiri is mirrored perfectly in calm conditions. To return, you either catch a bus or enjoy a scenic 5.5 km walk along an elevated cycling path offering beautiful ocean views through several viaducts.

Today you climb Mt. Rishiri (1,721 m), one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Starting at dawn, you hike through pristine forests, passing Kanro-Sensui spring where you can fill your water bottles with the naturally sweet water. You climb above the tree line at the half way point, giving you ocean views for the remainder of the hike. The trail steepens toward Mt. Chokan before gaining an exposed ridge. After passing a shelter hut, make your final push to the summit of one of Japan's northernmost peaks. The full hike takes around 11 hours. Your accommodation offers a 5 am shuttle and can prepare onigiri (rice balls) for lunch. Once back, relax your tired legs in the hot springs.

An open-ended day giving you the chance to take a well-deserved rest day after your Mt. Rishiri climb, or another attempt at the summit if yesterday's weather wasn't cooperative. For a gentler hiking option, head to Mt. Pon, where you can enjoy Rishiri's forests at a leisurely pace.

Alternatively, rent a bike or car to explore the island's remote attractions, including the scenic Otatomari Swamp and Senhoshi-Misaki Park, a breeding ground of Black-tailed Gulls. Local buses offer a 1-Day Unlimited Pass for exploring the southern half of the island.

On your final morning, you enjoy breakfast at your hotel before bidding farewell to Rishiri Island. You catch the ferry back to mainland Hokkaido via Wakkanai, where you have several onward travel options: take a bus to Wakkanai Airport for flights to Tokyo, catch a direct highway bus to Sapporo, or board an express train to Asahikawa. Make sure you leave plenty of time for connections as transport on and off the wild islands is at the mercy of the weather.