Mount Rishiri — Attraction in Rishirifuji

Mount Rishiri, also known as Rishirifuji, is one of the most stunning and memorable mountains I have ever visited in Japan. I had seen it many times during my road trips across Hokkaido, often appearing majestically on the horizon, but it was only on October 21, 2023, my 719th day as an ALT under the JET Programme, that I finally had the chance to climb it. For this hike, I was with the Tomamae Gang, Matsushita-sensei, and Jon, and it took months of planning and preparation before we set foot on the trail.

The hike itself was both challenging and rewarding. The paths are well-marked but steep, and the climb requires endurance and patience. As we ascended, the scenery changed dramatically, starting from lush forests at the base, passing volcanic rock formations, and reaching open alpine zones with sweeping views. The higher we climbed, the more breathtaking the sights became. At certain points, we could look back and see the endless blue of the Sea of Japan surrounding the island, and in the distance, Rebun Island appeared like a floating landmass.

Reaching the summit was an unforgettable experience. Standing at the peak, with the cold wind against us and the 360-degree panoramic view stretching endlessly, felt like a moment of triumph after months of anticipation. The climb tested our strength and perseverance, and sharing this experience with friends made it even more meaningful.

Mount Rishiri is more than just a mountain. It is a natural landmark that defines the island and leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits. Admiring its perfect cone shape from the coastline or challenging yourself to reach the summit will make the trip unforgettable. The mountain’s beauty, history, and unique presence make it one of the must-see...

The ascent to the summit of Mt Rishiri is one of the most spectacular hikes in all of Hokkaido. The views from the top are absolutely stunning, that is if you are lucky and the sky is clear. To get there is a rough and steep hike, first through forest, later through shrubs and ravines. The ascent is about 1,500 meters of altitude and it took us 3,5 hours to get up there from the trail head. From the top, you can see Rebun island, Hokkaido mainland, and even the Sakhalin islands. But the best views are down the slopes at the wild volcanic landscapes of Rishiri. At the summit, the temperature was around 10 degrees celsius in mid-July, so we had a quick lunch break before descending. We took it slowly on the way down, so the overall hiking time with breaks was about 7 hours. The trailhead can be reached from the ferry terminal in about 10 minutes by car. Your local accommodation will likely be able to arrange transportation. Note that there are no toilets along the trail, so better bring disposable single use toilets. They are sold at convenience stores in...

I have climbed this mountain two years in a row, and I definitely recommend it! The hike is a little bit hard, especially for beginners, but definitely do-able and worth the gorgeous views (I absolutely love the views of clouds from higher up on the mountain!!!). I recommend only climbing the mountain on days when it is not too wet, as a muddy trail is not fun or very safe to climb. Bring a headlamp if you plan to try to reach the summit the morning you arrive, as you will need it later on the way down. It takes longer to go down stony areas and tramp through the forest when it is pitch black. But the sunset view from halfway up the mountain is amazing!!!! I have both tried spending the night at Rishiri, and climbing first thing the next morning(5 am), and also taking the earliest ferry and climbing the same day I arrive(9am). I recommend...