FAQs

Q. How big is Rishiri island?

A. Rishiri island has an area of 182.11 square kilometers.

Q. How do I get to Rishiri island?

A. Flights from Tokyo (Haneda airport) will take you to Wakkanai. From Wakkanai airport, please take a connecting bus to Wakkanai port, then take a ferry to the island. Flights from Sapporo to Rishiri island are also available.

• Tokyo to Wakkanai (1 hour and 50minutes flight)

• Wakkanai to Rishiri ( 1 hour and 40minutes by ferry)

• Sapporo to Rishiri (50 minutes flight)

See more in "Directions."

Q. When did Rishiri island become a national park?

A. Most parts of Rishiri island was designated as national park in 1965. In summer, a lot of wild flowers bloom in the island.

Q. How much does it cost to get into the park?

A. Entrance to the park (Rishiri island) is free. Please use common sense and enjoy your day with nature.

Q. How tall is Mount Rishiri ?

A. The official measurement is 1721 m (5577 ft.) above sea leve

Q. Is Mount Rishiri an active volcano?

A. Rishiri island was surely made by activity of a volcano, but there is no volcanic activity reported in the history.

Q. When did the volcano last erupt?

A. The last eruption estimated was 30,000 to 8,000 years go.

Q. How is the climate in Rishiri island?

A. The average temperature in summer is 20 degrees C or 68 degrees F. The temperature in winter drops to below freezing. See more in "Climate."

Q. Where is Rishiri island located?

A. Rishiri island is about 53 km (33 miles) away from Wakkanai, the northernmost tip of Hokkaido . It is located on the same latitude as Minneapolis (U.S.), Bordeaux ( France ), Ottawa ( Canada ) and Torino ( Italy ).

Q. How can I get around the park?

A. Please use sightseeing tour buses, public bus service, taxies or rental cars. See more in “Directions .”

Q. Can I fish in the park?

A. Yes, you can enjoy fishing throughout the year. Popular fishing spots are Kutsugata Port , Shinminato Fishing Port , Sakaehama Fishing Port , Randomari Fishing Port and Senhoushi Fishing Port. Rental fishing rods are available at Rishiri Kaiyo-tsuribori.

Q. What are the special local products in Rishiri island?

A. Famous special local products are seaweed, sea urchin, fish, distilled spirit, soy source, and so on.

Q. Where can I stay?

A. There are Minshuku (private homes that provide room and board), hotels, bungalows and cottages. See more in "Hotel and Lodging" and "Camping."

Q. What is the main industry?

A. Main industries are fishery and tourism.

Q. When is the best time to visit Rishiri island?

A. Mid-April to late October.

Q. How difficult is it to climb Mount Rishiri ?

A. Mt. Rishiri is difficult to climb for beginners who have no experience climbing mountains. Climbing Mt. Rishiri will not be an easy hiking. It takes 10 or 12 hours to get to the top and back.

Q. Do I need to obtain permission to climb Mount Rishiri ?

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

Q. How much snow and ice is on Mount Rishiri ?

A. It has about 2 to 3 meters (79 to 118 inches) of snow in winter. Not much snow will be left in summer.

Q. I am not an experienced climber. Can I still try to climb Mount Rishiri ?

A. It may not be impossible, but not be recommended. People who have no experience of climbing mountains should avoid it.

Q. Can I use English in Rishi island?

A. Only a few people speak English in Rishiri island, and most signs are only in Japanese.

Q. Is it OK to take some wild flowers home or feed wild animals?

A. All animals, plants and geological resources are protected by law. Please do not disturb or feed any wild animal. You can buy some plants grown commercially at shops, please consider purchasing if you are interested.

Q. Where can I get more information about Risshiri island?

A. Please visit the “ Rishiri Town Museum .”