Climbing Mount Rishiri

Things to Know Before You Climb

Mt. Rishiri is for intermediate or advanced climbers. Climbers must be in good physical condition and well prepared. Proper physical conditioning can offset the effects of fatigue that lead to mistakes and injuries. Climbers must also have the appropriate equipment.

You don't need to obtain official permission to climb Mt. Rishiri, but please submit the registration form for your safety

Be aware of a possibility of slip drop after the 9th station. .Watch your steps.

Avoid climbing on a rainy day since it may lead to mistakes and injuries.

Travel on established trails to avoid damaging fragile alpine vegetation.

Do not try to climb in the dark.

Wear proper climbing shoes to avoid damaging fragile alpine vegetation.

In case of using a walking stick, put a cap on the tip to avoid damaging fragile alpine vegetation. Don't use any stick once you reach the junction.

Even a small falling stone may cause a terrible accident. Don't throw any stones from the summit down to the trails.

There is no toilet on the way to the summit. Please purchase a portable latrine (\400) in advance and use it at the toilet booths.

Know that weather conditions often change suddenly on Mt. Rishiri . Be prepared?buy and carry the basic essentials plus other necessary climbing gear. Wear a long sleeve shirt and pants. Put a rain jacket, an umbrella, towels and extra clothes in your backpack. Bring plenty of food and water for emergency.

Stop walking and be ready to evacuate when you hear the sound of falling stones.

Bring all the trashes home to protect the nature.

Educate yourself about dangers. Devise survival and backup plans for emergencies. Check the mountain conditions and warnings in advance, and do not attempt to climb when you are not in good physical condition .

Mountain Gears You Will Need:

The Trails

Climbing Mt.Rishiri is strenuous. There are two trails to the summit, one of them, the Oshidomari trail, is geared towards intermediate climbers. The Kutsugata trail is for advanced climbers.

Kutsugata Trail (strenuous)

9.2km
Ascent: 6 hours
Descent: 4 hours

Mikaeridai (start point of the trail)

A paved road for drivers goes as far as Mikaeridai. There are vending machines, pay phones and toilets in Mikaeridai. There is no water fountain; please prepare a bottle of water in advance.

From Mikaeridai to Emerjency Hut

Overlooking the town of Kutsugata as you walk through the forest of dwarf stone pines, you will reach the 6 th station in an hour. Within 30 minutes from the 6 th station, you will find a brick emerjency hut. The hut is for emergency use only, and there are no special equipments except for a toilet booth to use "Carry-out Plastic Bag" . The bothie accommodates up to 10 people.

From Emerjency Hut to the 8 th station

Soon after leaving the emerjency hut, you will reach the 7 th station. Walk past “Rebun-iwa” and “Komainu-no-saka” having views of Rebun island across the water. As you walk up the “Yoakashi-no-saka,” you will find some alpine flora at the trail. Soon you will get to the 8 th station.

From the 8 th station to Sancho-zan

Approximately 4 hours from Mikaeridai start point, you will come to Sancho-zan. The steep slope continues from the 8 th station to Sancho-zan. There is a toilet booth to use "Carry-out Plastic Bag" on the way . From Sancho-zan (altitude 1,461 meters ) you will see the summit of Mt. Rishiri as well as the beautiful Rebun island floating in Sea of Japan .

From Sancho-zan to the junction

Walk past the rocky cliff “Syoikonage-no-nansho.” As legend goes, a mother carrying her child on the back abandoned the child on this hilliest and most grueling part of the trail. Walk through “Oyashirazu-koshirazu” then you will come to the junction of two trails. Look out for falling rocks and slip drop when you walk through this point.

From the junction to the summit

Within 30 minutes from the junction, you will reach the summit of Mt. Rishiri . At the top of Mt. Rishiri , you will overlook the whole island of Rishiri , the mainland Hokkaido , even Sakhalin on a clear day. The trail down to the foot of the mountain is slippery. Watch your steps and have a safe trip home.

Oshidomari Trail (moderately strenuous)

8.4km
Ascent: 6 hours
Descent: 5 hours

Rishiri Hokuroku Camping grund ( start point of the trail)

A general store, pay phones and bungalows are at the forest park . During the peak, expect this forest park to be extremely crowded. Reservations are necessary to stay at the bungalows. Visit the “Camping” for details.

From Rishiri Hokuroku Camping Ground to Kanrosensui (Natural mineral water)

Within 10 minute walk from the forest park , you will find Kanrosensui, natural mineral water, well ing up from the earth . The water here has been selected one of the best natural water in Japan . There is no other water place on the tail up to the mountain.

From Kanrosensui to the 4th station (Wild birds' forest)

As you walk through the spruce forest, you will find wild birds such as pale-legged willow warbler s, bullfinches, great spotted woodpecker s, Japanese robins and black woodpeckers.

From the 4th station to the 5 th station

A winding uphill continues from the 5 th station, as you walk through the forest of birch .

From the 5th station to the 7th station

This is the first overlook where you can take a rest and use a toilet booth to use "Carry-out Plastic Bag" . On a sunny day, you will see Sakhalin over the horizon.

From the 7th station to Chokanyama

A winding road continues until you come to the second scenic overlook. Then the rocky trail continues for an hour until you reach the Chokanyama 8 th station.

From Chokanyama to the 9th station

From Chokanyama, you will see the summit of Mt. Rishiri as well as the mainland Hokkaido over the horizon. Within 10 minutes from Chokanyama, there is a toilet booth to use "Carry-out Plastic Bag" .

from the 9th station to junction

After 50 minute walk from the 9 th station, you will get to the junction of two trails. You will find wild birds, pine grosbeak s, as you walk through the dwarf stone pine forest. There is a toilet booth to use "Carry-out Plastic Bag" at the 9 th station. A rocky steep hill continues to the summit.