Island hop in Japan’s northernmost National Park.
Discover why these islands have their own individual charms - despite being neighbours.
The breathtaking mountains and wild coastline of Japan’s northern frontier will quench your thirst for adventure on this island hopping multi-day guided hiking tour.
This tour is perfect for adventurers who dream of deep exploration into remote corners of Japan that most travellers would never have the opportunity to visit. Mountains meet the ocean on these unique islands.
The tour takes place in the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, which sits at the very top of Hokkaido and is the northernmost national park in Japan. The southern tip of Sakhalin Island (Russia) is only 40km away - this is as far north in Japan as you can get!
The islands have a distinct ecosystem with striking Siberia-like landscapes in close proximity to the ocean. Leave the sticky summer heat behind and enjoy the refreshing summer hiking in this subarctic region!
Tour Highlights
Hike on the “floating flower garden” – Rebun Island.
See alpine flowers growing along the seashore and search for endemic orchids.
Enjoy views of the amazing Mt. Rishiri, a stratovolcano towering above the ocean.
The imposing peak stands at 1721m and is listed as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains.
Explore a white walking path on Cape Soya, the northernmost point in Japan.
Enjoy an unreal view of the sea with Mt. Rishiri in the distance.
Savour the Northern Islands’ seafood-oriented gastronomy.
The waters around the islands are teaming with seafood, from scallops to konbu kelp and you won't find it any fresher than at the restaurants in the local fishing ports.
Itinerary
Day 1 Meet your group in Wakkanai
Meet your group in Wakkanai
Our journey begins in Japan's northernmost city, Wakkanai. After checking into our accommodation, we gather at 6:00 pm for a welcome meeting where we get to know our fellow adventurers and learn about the exciting week ahead. We then enjoy our first dinner together as a group.
Day 2 Ferry to Rebun Island & Hike on Rebun Island
Ferry to Rebun Island & Hike on Rebun Island
We take a 2-hour ferry journey to Rebun Island, known as the "floating flower garden". While the island is famous for its rare alpine flowers blooming at low elevations in June, we can enjoy a more peaceful experience later in the season with warm waters and long summer twilights.
Our hike follows the picturesque Momoiwa Trail from the ferry terminal to the southern tip of the island, offering stunning views of the ocean, rugged coastline, and neighbouring Rishiri Island.
After our hike, we check into our accommodation where we'll stay for two nights. Tonight's dinner showcases the local speciality - fresh seafood.
Day 3 Hike on Rebun Island
Hike on Rebun Island
We explore the northern part of Rebun Island, starting from Cape Sukoton - the northernmost point where, on clear days, we can see Russia's Sakhalin Island across La Pérouse Strait. Our scenic coastal hike takes us past Cape Gorota and Cape Sky, where rocky coves meet the blue sea and small fishing villages dot the landscape.
After our walk, we travel by van to Cape Kaneda, a perfect spot for spotting wild seals sunbathing on the rocks. The day ends with another delicious dinner at our accommodation.
Day 4 Ferry to Rishiri Island & Hike on Rishiri Island
Ferry to Rishiri Island & Hike on Rishiri Island
Leaving Rebun behind, we take a 40-minute ferry to Rishiri Island, a striking volcanic island dominated by the 1721m peak of Mt. Rishiri. Once on the island, we head to Himenuma, a forest-fringed pond renowned for its mirror-like reflections of the mountain summit.
After circling the pond, we walk towards our accommodation along a tranquil path. The route features a series of bridges that take us above the forest canopy, leading us directly to the doorstep of our hotel, where we will stay for the next two nights.
Day 5 Hike on Rishiri Island
Hike on Rishiri Island
We hike Mt. Rishiri to a viewpoint at 760m, enjoying spectacular vistas from above the treeline. This trail captures the essence of the island's rugged terrain and coastal views without the 11-hour commitment of a full summit attempt.
Beginning at the Oshidomari Trailhead, we pass through dense forest to reach Kanro Spring, famous for its fresh, naturally sweet water. As we emerge onto the ridgeline, the forest gives way to open views of the surrounding ocean.
On our descent, we take a detour to the summit of Mt. Pon (444m). This lower peak offers a unique perspective, looking back up at the massive volcanic scale of Mt. Rishiri. To celebrate our final evening on the island, we head into town for dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 6 Ferry to Wakkanai & Walk the White Shell Path
Ferry to Wakkanai & Walk the White Shell Path
We return to Wakkanai by ferry. During summer months (June to September), we enjoy a morning hike around Cape Peshi, offering panoramic views of the Sea of Japan, Mt. Rishiri, Oshidomari Port and Rebun Island.
Back in Wakkanai, we visit Cape Soya, Japan's northernmost point. Here, we explore the pastoral landscape and walk the unique White Shell Path - a 2.9km road made from crushed white shells. The day concludes with a celebratory dinner in Wakkanai city.
Day 7 Farewells in Wakkanai
Farewells in Wakkanai
After breakfast, our tour comes to an end. Your guide can assist with transport to Wakkanai Airport or Station (for departures before 11 am). If you'd like to extend your stay in Wakkanai, we can help arrange accommodation - just let us know when booking.
Note:
Due to possible wind and wave conditions affecting ferry schedules on Day 6, we recommend booking afternoon or evening transport from Wakkanai today, or considering an extra night's stay. This is especially important if you have connecting flights to catch.
What is the Hiking like on this tour?
The hikes on this tour are a balance between relaxed and challenging. The biggest day is 8.2km with 714m elevation gain, however there are also shorter days of around 4km. There are times where you need to watch your footing on root-strewn mountain trails or slippery grass slopes. Some sections also take us over cliff tops. However, for the majority of the tour you can stride out on smooth gravel paths and forest trails. Just be prepared for the wild weather and strong wind that shapes these remote islands.
This tour is perfect for adventurous walkers who favour stretching their legs and exploring lesser-known locations over bagging mountain peaks.
If summiting mountains is more your thing then our Around Daisetsuzan 6 Day Hiking Tour is a good alternative. Our Shikotsu–Toya 5 Day Hiking Tour is another more accessible option with easier walks close to Sapporo.
Get in touch with us if you are unsure what tour is best for you! We are happy to answer any questions you have and describe the hikes in more detail.
What Guests Say
“I look forward to my next trip.”
The tour was very well organized and the documentation available on the website was excellent. We were extremely lucky with the weather and our guides were knowledgeable and a lot of fun. I can highly recommend Adventure Hokkaido and look forward to my next trip. As expected, the seafood was varied and of high quality. The accommodation was a mixture of hotels and guesthouses, all with onsen to relax in after each day's hike.
Travel Style
This hiking tour is a series of day hikes; either return, loop or traverse routes. We always come back to our van at the end of the day and transfer to our accommodation. This means your overnight luggage can stay in the van and you can experience the best of Japan’s Far North hiking with just a light day pack!
Your guides are with the group throughout. Having a guide lead the way means you can relax and take in the scenery. They are also there to provide context on the local landscape and help navigate the dishes served in the evenings.