At a Glance
Hike to the very edge of Japan’s far north on this 7-day small group guided hiking journey through Hokkaido's breathtaking Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park — the northernmost national park in Japan. With just a light day pack, explore the best of two of Hokkaido's most enchanting islands: the legendary "floating flower garden" of Rebun Island and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Rishiri Island. Each carefully chosen route is designed to capture everything that makes hiking so extraordinary here — rugged, unspoiled trails and sweeping ocean panoramas — all without the gruelling commitment of conquering summits. Enjoy the refreshing summer hiking in this subarctic region with its distinct ecosystem and seafood-oriented gastronomy, perfect for adventurous who dream of deep exploration into remote corners of Japan's far North.
Your adventure begins in Wakkanai, Japan's ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 6 nights accommodation in charming hotels and traditional minshuku on a twin-share basis
- 6 x breakfasts, 2 x lunch, 6 x dinners
- Ferry to/from Rebun & Rishiri Islands
- All transport as described in the itinerary
- English speaking local guides
Itinerary
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Your journey begins in Wakkanai, Japan's northernmost city, perched at the very tip of Hokkaido where the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk converge. This remote and captivating city sets the perfect tone for the adventure that lies ahead. As the group gathers by 6:00 pm, we'll hold a brief orientation to introduce fellow travellers and outline the extraordinary experiences to come. The evening will conclude with a shared dinner, a chance to forge connections and savour the local flavours of Wakkanai, before we embark on our unforgettable journey together. |
Hotel in Wakkanai
Dinner  |
Approx. 4 km (3 miles), 2-3 hours hiking, Elevation gain: 43m (140 ft) This morning, we board the ferry to Rebun Island at around 10:00 am, arriving in just under two hours to one of Hokkaido's most enchanting destinations, nicknamed the "floating flower garden." Each June, flower enthusiasts from across Japan make their pilgrimage to this remote island to witness rare alpine flowers blooming at unusually low elevations, a phenomenon found nowhere else in the world. Visiting later in the season means we get to experience the island's magic without the crowds, while still enjoying the lingering warmth of summer in the air and water. After disembarking, we'll lace up our boots and set off along the Momoiwa Trail, which winds from the ferry terminal down to the southern tip of the island. This well-loved trail offers a striking mix of scenery — dramatic rugged coastlines, sweeping ocean views, and the iconic silhouette of neighbouring Rishiri Island rising from the sea. Colourful wildflowers dot the trail throughout, adding a touch of beauty to the landscape at every turn. |
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Once the hike is complete, we'll make our way to our accommodation, which will be our home for the next two nights. Tonight's dinner will celebrate the island's greatest culinary treasure, an abundance of fresh locally-caught seafood that Rebun Island is renowned for throughout Japan. |
Minshuku on Rebun Island
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Approx. 9 km (5 miles), 4-5 hours hiking, Elevation gain: 324m (1063 ft) This morning, we explore the northern part of Rebun Island, beginning our exploration at the legendary Cape Sukoton — the northernmost point of the island. Here, the land surrenders dramatically to the sea, with craggy rocks jutting out into the shimmering blue waters below. On a clear day, the distant outline of Russia's Sakhalin Island emerges on the horizon across La Pérouse Strait, a breathtaking reminder of just how far north we've travelled. From Cape Sukoton, we'll set off along the scenic coastal trail, winding our way through Cape Gorota and Cape Sky. These stretches of coastline are among the most striking on the island, where rugged cliffs meet peaceful fishing villages and the deep blue sea wraps around rocky coves. It's a landscape that feels both remote and alive, offering a truly unique hiking experience that's hard to find anywhere else in the world. |
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After completing the coastal walk, we'll hop into our van and make our way to Cape Kaneda — a favourite spot for one of Rebun's most beloved residents. Wild seals are frequently spotted here, lounging on the sun-warmed rocks on fine days, entirely unbothered by the world around them. It's a wonderful wildlife encounter that perfectly captures the island's unspoiled charm. With the day's adventures behind us, we'll return to our accommodation to rest and recharge over another delicious dinner. |
Minshuku on Rebun Island
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Approx. 7km (4 miles), 3-4 hours hiking, Elevation gain: 87m (285 ft) Today, we board a short 40-minute ferry across the shimmering waters that separate Rebun from its equally captivating neighbour, Rishiri Island. Departure times vary by season, morning sailings run from August through September, with early afternoon crossings in October. As the ferry approaches, Rishiri's defining feature comes dramatically into view: a near-perfect volcanic cone rising 1,721 m (5,646 ft) straight from the Sea of Japan, earning it the nickname "Rishiri Fuji." Depending on our ferry timing, we'll enjoy lunch either on Rebun before we set sail, or upon arrival on Rishiri. On fine days, we love to pick up fresh food from a local convenience store, a beloved Japanese institution in their own right, and find a scenic spot to enjoy a relaxed picnic with sea views. Once on the island, our first stop is Himenuma, a peaceful freshwater pond nestled at the base of the mountain. On calm days, the still surface of the water creates a stunning mirror reflection of the volcanic peak above, one of Rishiri's most photographed scenes. We'll take a gentle loop through the surrounding natural forest before continuing on foot toward our accommodation for the next two nights. The walk to the hotel follows a lovely scenic trail, with elevated wooden bridges offering views out over the forest canopy. The route leads us directly to the doorstep of our hotel, where the van will already be waiting with your luggage. We round off the evening with dinner at the hotel, giving you time to settle in and unwind after a day of travel and exploration. |
Minshuku on Rishiri Island
Breakfast, Dinner  |
Approx. 8km (5 miles), 5-6 hours hiking, Elevation gain: 714m (2342 ft) Today, we set our sights on one of Mt. Rishiri's dramatic ridges, ascending to a breathtaking viewpoint at 760 m (2,493 ft) — high above the treeline, where the air is crisp and the world opens up around you. This carefully chosen route captures everything that makes Rishiri hiking so special — rugged, unspoiled trails and sweeping ocean panoramas — without the gruelling 11-hour commitment of a full summit attempt. We begin our ascent from the Oshidomari Trailhead at 220 m (722 ft), first collecting lunch from a local convenience store before heading into the forest. As we trek through the trees, we arrive at Kanro Spring, one of Japan's celebrated 100 Famous Springs — a serene spot where cool, faintly sweet water flows from deep within the mountain. We pause here to fill our bottles and take in the stillness before pressing on toward the ridgeline. As we emerge above the treeline, the views expand dramatically — the forest canopy stretches out below, and beyond it, the glittering Sea of Japan extends to the horizon. We settle in at the viewpoint for a well-earned lunch, taking in the scenery before descending via a branch trail to Mt. Pon, a smaller peak of 444 m (1,456 ft) nestled at the mountain's base. From here, we turn back to admire the ridgeline we've just conquered and, on clear days, the commanding summit of Mt. Rishiri soaring above. We round off our final evening on the island with dinner at a local izakaya, raising a glass to an unforgettable adventure. |
Minshuku on Rishiri Island
Breakfast, Dinner  |
Approx. 3km (2 miles), 1-2 hours hiking, Elevation gain: 21m (70 ft) Today, we board the ferry back to Wakkanai, but not before one final encounter with Rishiri's breathtaking scenery. For travellers joining us between June and September, the ferry's lunchtime departure gifts us a precious window to explore Cape Peshi, a striking lookout perched above Oshidomari Port, where sweeping panoramic views stretch across the Sea of Japan, with Mt. Rishiri towering above and the distant outline of Rebun Island shimmering on the horizon. Upon arriving in Wakkanai, we make our way to Cape Soya, the northernmost tip of Japan, a place that carries a quiet sense of significance. Standing here, you are as far north as Japan goes, with only the open waters of the Soya Strait separating you from the Russian island of Sakhalin. We take time to explore the cape's open pastoral landscape, dotted with monuments and wide open skies, before setting off along one of the region's most unique and beloved walking routes, the White Shell Path. |
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True to its name, this extraordinary 2.7 km (1.7 mile) road is paved entirely from crushed white shells, giving it a bright, almost otherworldly appearance as it stretches across the coastline. As we walk its full length, there's plenty of time to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared. After completing the path, we make our way to our accommodation in Wakkanai city, before gathering together one last time for a celebratory dinner, a fitting farewell to an unforgettable adventure. |
Hotel in Wakkanai
Breakfast, Dinner  |
As our journey draws to a close, we bid farewell after a final breakfast together. For those departing from Wakkanai Airport or Station before 9 am, your guide will be happy to arrange a lift. Should the weather have kept us on Rishiri the day before, we will aim to board the morning ferry on this day instead, a gentle reminder that nature sets the pace in these island landscapes. Trip Extension: Extended trip to Abashiri & the Sea of Okhotsk, walking & wildlife tour in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shiretoko Peninsula, cruise tour and brown bear tour can be arranged on request. Please contact us for a tailor-made itinerary. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Breakfast Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Wakkanai.
- The closest airport is Wakkanai Airport (WKJ), with direct flights to and from Sapporo Chitose (CTS) and Tokyo Haneda (HND). We will meet at 6:00 pm at our hotel in Central Wakkanai.
- Airport Shuttle Bus: an airport shuttle bus runs between Wakkanai Airport and downtown Wakkanai. Services are timed to meet arriving and departing flights. From the airport, buses usually depart about 10 minutes after arrival. From downtown to the airport, buses typically arrive at Wakkanai Airport around 50 to 60 minutes before flight departure. The fare is JPY 800 per person, and the trip takes around 30 minutes.
- Trains: If you would prefer to travel over land, there are regular trains between Wakkanai and Sapporo via Asahikawa. The journey takes around 5.5 hours and costs JPY 11,420 including the seat reservation - there is no un-reserved seating on this service.
- Bus: It is also possible to travel by express bus between Wakkanai and Sapporo. There are five departures a day. The journey takes 5 hours and 50 minutes and costs JPY 6,700 one way. Seats must be booked in advance, as there is no un-reserved seating on this service. Online booking is available on Japan Bus Online, and the discounted online fare is JPY 6,030.
Perched off Hokkaido's northern coast, Rebun and Rishiri Islands are shaped by a distinctly oceanic climate, where the Sea of Japan breathes life into every season. Winters are long and formidable, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall rendering the islands' trails impassable from December through March. As spring unfurls from April to early June, temperatures gradually rise, though snow clings to Rishiri's magnificent 1,721-metre volcanic peak well into June. The true invitation to explore arrives in summer, from late June to August, when mild temperatures of 14°C to 20°C and stable trail conditions create the perfect backdrop for hiking. Even so, sea fog, sudden rain, and coastal winds remind you that nature here is untamed. Autumn, from September to October, offers a second season of wonder — crisp, clear days between 8°C and 16°C with breathtaking visibility. Weather across both islands can shift rapidly at any time of year, so preparation is essential. For those dreaming of ascending Rishiri's volcanic crown or wandering Rebun's wildflower-strewn ridgelines, the golden window of July to September promises the most accessible trails, manageable temperatures, and the lowest risk of lingering snow.
Travel Disruption: There’s always the chance that wind or wave conditions could mean that the ferry may not run on Day 6. In this case, we will travel from Rishiri to Wakkanai on Day 7. As a precaution, we suggest looking at afternoon or evening transportation departing Wakkanai, or possibly even adding another night in Wakkanai to make sure you do not miss any travel connections - especially if you plan to connect from a domestic flight to an international one.
Hiking Level & Terrain: The hikes on this tour are a balance between relaxed and challenging. The biggest day is 8.2 km/ 5.1 mi with 714 m / 2,342 ft elevation gain, however there are also shorter days of around 4 km / 2.5 mi. There are times where you need to watch your footing on root-strewn mountain trails or slippery grass slopes. Some sections also take us over cliff tops. However, for the majority of the tour you can stride out smooth gravel paths or forest trails. Just be prepared for the wild weather and strong wind that shapes these remote islands. This tour is perfect for adventurous walkers who favour stretching their legs and exploring lesser-known locations over bagging mountain peaks.
Adverse Weather: While we try to organise everything, mother nature is out of our control. If the weather is too bad to safely hike, such as a typhoon or sudden storm, we will travel to the next inn in our support vehicle. Along the way we will still stop at local restaurants and visit indoor facilities, so you can still experience the charm of the area while travelling safely and comfortably.
Tour Departures: We run this tour in August and September, with the final trip often extending into early October. While May to June is a celebrated time to visit Rishiri and Rebun for their wildflowers at peak bloom, we avoid operating tours in these peak months as the trails and tourist services can be crowded. Late summer into early autumn is a brilliant window to explore the islands in a quieter mood, with comfortable hiking conditions and smoother logistics. From September to October, the scenery sees a change in colour with the leaves ablaze with yellows, oranges and reds. Beyond this, the snows begin to fall and make much of the routes impassable until the following spring.
Single Supplement: Our tours are priced on a twin share basis. Those travelling by themselves will need to pay an additional supplement for use of a single room. If you are happy to share a room with another guest - of the same gender - then let us know at the time of booking. If we match you with another solo traveller then we can discount the single supplement for both of you.
Day 2: Momoiwa
Day 3: Cape Trail (Misaki Meguri)
Day 4: Himenuma to Oshidomari
Day 5: Mt. Rishiri 6th Station and Mt. Pon
Day 6: Cape Soya White Shell Road
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
