How to Spend A Perfect Day on Rishiri Island

Looking for the best things to do on Rishiri Island? These were the highlights from my recent trip.

This is the first international trip I’ve taken without Jacob in the past decade. When Hokkaido reached out and only invited one of us to go on the trip, I panicked. I realized that, one, I hadn’t traveled solo in a long time, and two, I hadn’t recognized that Jacob was my emotional support person until that moment. However, I knew that eating the freshest and tastiest uni and some Japanese language immersion would be well worth it (Duolingo wasn’t cutting it at home).

My past two trips to Japan have been to Hokkaido, and lately I’ve found myself drawn to the slower pace here, which contrasts sharply with the chaotic adventures I used to love in Tokyo. On my Northern Hokkaido trip, Rishiri Island was easily the highlight. This remote volcanic island is perfect for food and nature lovers like myself.

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Last Updated: September 22, 2025

What to do on Rishiri Island Japan

Eat Rishiri’s Famous Kombu

Rishiri is famous for its kombu, a type of edible kelp, and I was on a mission to fill my belly with all the delicious kombu dishes we could find.

• Tororo Kombu Ramen at Maruzen Shokudo – This casual local restaurant, located in Oshidomari Port, serves a ramen that is light yet incredibly flavorful.
• Uni Kombu Ice Cream at Kita Rindo – I love sweet and savory combinations, so this really hit the spot. Hirakawa-san, who invented this dish, recommends starting with the dry uni and ice cream, then mixing in the konbu before finishing the rest of the ice cream. This way, you get to experience Hokkaido’s famous dairy with regional specialties like uni and kombu.
• Buy the Best Kombu at Hatamiya Foods – Chefs from all over seek out Rishiri kombu for its delicate and distinct umami flavor. After enjoying the views at Senhoshi Misaki Park, I stopped by this shop to purchase the best wild kombu solely harvested from Rishiri Island, knowing it would make the perfect souvenir for my friends who love to cook.

Sea Urchin Picking Experience in Kamui Park

Kamui-149-2 Kutsugata, Rishiri, Rishiri District, 097-0401, map

Rishiri Uni is considered the highest grade of uni in Japan. After all, it feeds on the nutrient-rich kombu Rishiri is famous for. I love how the delicious food ecosystem leads to even more delicious foods.

Weather permitting, you can pluck sea urchins directly from the ocean at Kamui Park and learn how to crack them open. On the day we visited, the water was too choppy, but they simulated the experience offshore.

I picked one that was very active in my basket, and I was mesmerized by the spines it waved at me. A part of me felt guilty since I’m not used to killing my own meal, but there was no way I was going to Rishiri Island without tasting this uni. For 2,000 yen, I would have done this multiple times if I had stayed longer. Or if I had a do-over, I would clear my schedule and only put this on the itinerary repeatedly.

Pro Tip: This activity is seasonal from June to August (harvest is prime in July–August).

See More: How to Go Crabbing on the Oregon Coast

Hike Around Himenuma Pond

Wannai Oshidomari, Rishirifuji, Rishiri District, 097-0101, map

Himenuma Pond is one of Rishiri’s most photogenic spots. On calm and clear days, the surface mirrors Mt. Rishiri. Because the cone shape resembles Mt Fuji, it is sometimes called “Rishiri Fuji”. Unfortunately, it was cloudy and we missed out on the reflection, but it was nice walking around the tranquil loop trail, practicing forest bathing.

Photography Tip: Early morning is your best chance to get reflection shots with calmer waters. 

Bike the Coastal Roads Around the Island →

Cycling Road, map

One of the best ways to explore Rishiri Island is by bike. The island features a mostly flat 60 km (37.3 mi) loop road that circles the coastline and takes you through many of the island’s attractions, like Himenuma, Otatomari-numa, Senhoshi Misaki Park, and Shiroi Koibito no Oka.

• Green Line – 6.5 km / 4.0 mi
• Blue Line – 18 km / 11.2 mi
• Rishiri Cycle Road – 60 km / 37.3 mi

Since this was a last-minute addition to our itinerary, we rented e-bikes from our hotel and enjoyed a leisurely morning ride close to the hotel. Next time, I’d love to do the whole loop with stops along the way.

Local Tip: Plan for 6–8 hours with stops to do the full loop. Bring sunscreen, water, and layers.

Kamui Whisky KK

36.0306029,-113.8290033, map

Kamui Whisky KK is a gem for craft whisky enthusiasts. Although I don’t drink much anymore, I had to try some of their Genshu, which has already been winning awards. I was inspired by the dedicated team that relocated to Rishiri Island to produce small batches of whisky. Each bottle is a tribute to the wild coastal climate and the pristine rainwater that has spent over a decade filtering through the island’s volcanic rock.

They will be releasing their matured Japanese whisky in the fall of 2026.

Pro Tip: If you can time it right, try to schedule a distillery tour or tasting right after your sea urchin picking next door.

More Things to Do on Rishiri Island Japan

• Numaura Observatory – where you can see the mountain view on the packaging of Shiroi Koibito cookies. Bring a box of cookies for maximum immersion.
• Senhoshi Misaki Park – coastal and mountain scenery. It’s right across from the shop you can buy the best kombu in all of Japan.
• Otatomari Swamp – another location where you can capture Rishirifuji reflection shots.

MAP of Things to Do on Rishiri Island

Where to Stay on Rishiri Island

I stayed at Island Inn Rishiri, which had my favorite breakfast and dinner buffets during the trip. It’s a mid-range hotel, and on Rishiri Island, the options are limited in terms of luxury accommodations. The decor felt dated, but everything felt clean, and the location in Rishiri town was convenient to the ferry and the cycling path.

Onsen Tip: If you have tattoos and want to use the onsen, don’t forget to pick up tattoo concealer stickers. I bought mine at Don Quijote in Tokyo before the trip.

Tips for Visiting Rishiri Island Hokkaido

• Best Time to Visit Rishiri Island – May through June is the most popular time to visit for sea urchin fishing, and flowers are at their peak. You can avoid the crowds in August and September, but you will miss out on the flowers.
• Use Google Translate and learn some basic Japanese. I switched one of my iPhone shortcut buttons to default to Google Translate. Since Rishiri Island gets mostly domestic travelers, there are fewer English speakers. My current favorite app for learning how to speak Japanese is Teuida.
• Cash is king. There are very few ATMs on the island, and many places don’t accept cards. Bring enough yen.
• Get an e-SIM before you arrive. I purchased mine on Klook, then activated it once I landed in Japan.
• Rent a bike or a car. The island is small but not walkable between towns. Bikes are perfect for slow travel.
• The weather changes quickly. Bring a waterproof jacket and pack layers even in summer.
• Pair it with Rebun Island. Ferries make it easy to hop between the two islands if you have more time.

Have you visited Hokkaido? What are the things to do in Rishiri Island that you would most gravitate toward?

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