Nature and Gourmet Paradise, Rishiri
Hello, fellow island-loving travelers✈️
This time, I’m introducing a 2-day, 1-night travel plan to Rishiri Island, departing from Wakkanai, Japan’s northernmost city🇯🇵✨️
If you love nature, sea urchin, or ramen, this is a must-see‼️👀
Rishiri Island is packed with charm that will make you want to visit again and again.
You can access Rishiri Island by plane or ferry✈️ (departing from New Chitose or Okadama Airport).
For those looking to save money or enjoy scenic views from the sea, the ferry is recommended🚢.
✅ Day 1
Near the ferry terminal! A fascinating supermarket full of surprises
📍Aizawa Food Hall
Address: 3-5-8 Chuo, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido 097-0022
Hours: 9:00-19:00
It’s like the northern version of Seijo Ishii, offering bento boxes, fresh seafood, and freshly baked bread made with local ingredients. Perfect for enjoying a meal on the ferry🍞.
📍Wakkanai Ferry Terminal🚢
At the terminal shop, don’t miss the local sweets “Northman” and Wakkanai Milk🐮 (I drank it almost every day for two weeks during my stay🫶. It’s as rich as fresh cream and the best milk I’ve ever had🥇).
Upon arrival, head to a popular café where travelers and regulars gather. It’s right near the car rental shop🚗³₃.
📍PORTO Coffee☕️
Address: 200 Oshidomari Port Town, Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0101
✍️ Check Instagram for operating hours.
The bread sold at the café is also very popular🥐, and all the drinks are so delicious you’ll have a hard time choosing✨️.
🚨Must-visit!!!🚨
The most difficult-to-access yet highly sought-after ramen in Japan🍜🍥
📍Rishiri Ramen Miraku Main Store
Address: 67 Kutsugata Honcho, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401
Hours: 11:00-14:30 (Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays)
This ramen, packed with the rich umami of kelp, will captivate ramen lovers🍜. The roasted soy sauce ramen is highly recommended‼️. I gave some souvenir ramen to a friend, and they ended up visiting the store themselves✨️.
Rare and unique local ice cream
📍Hokurindo
Address: 4-5 Kutsugata Midorimachi, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401
Innovative ice cream made with Rishiri’s sea urchin and kelp. Stir it with a kelp spoon, and it transforms into a texture similar to Turkish ice cream⁉️. You can even eat the kelp spoon😋.
The ultimate souvenir spot❄⛄️
📍Shiroi Koibito Hill (Numanoura Observatory)
Address: Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0211
Did you know the motif on the Shiroi Koibito cookie box is actually Rishiri?✨️.
A local izakaya serving delicious dishes made with local ingredients🍺🏮
📍Wayo Sosaku Iroha
Address: 71 Oshidomari Honcho, Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0101
Hours: 17:00-22:00 (Closed Thursdays)
Have you heard of “Tachikama”? It’s a rare delicacy made from pollock roe and salt, usually only available in winter. But here, you can enjoy it even in summer🥹.
Enjoy the starry night sky and head to your hotel🏨.
*This photo was taken with an iPhone Night Mode📸. Stunningly beautiful😍.
✅ Day 2
Indulge in a luxurious breakfast at the hotel🎶
📍Island Inn Rishiri🏨
Address: Fujimicho, Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401
Although I usually prefer budget accommodations, I stayed here just to try their buffet🍽. Sea urchin rice, self-serve seafood bowls with unlimited salmon roe, Hokkaido asparagus... I ate so much I needed a break😂.
After a rest, take a leisurely walk while admiring Rishiri Fuji🚶♀️.
📍Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park
Address: Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401
Enjoy rare plants and the flow of clouds over the mountain peak while soaking in nature🌱. You can complete the loop in about 30 minutes.
Don’t forget souvenirs and trying Hamanasu & Kumazasa tea soft serve🍦.
📍Otatomari Marsh
Address: Numanoura, Oniwaki, Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0211
On sunny days, the reflection of Rishiri Fuji on the water’s surface is stunning🗻. The Hamanasu flower scent and the mild Kumazasa tea flavor are distinct and worth trying👏.
Highly recommended soba that impresses even the locals🥢
📍Bonten
Address: Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401
Hours: 11:00-14:00 / 17:00-20:00 (Closed Mondays)
The tempura here is exceptionally delicious. They also serve sea urchin bowls, perfect for treating yourself◎.