National Parks of Japan

As Japan's northernmost national park, Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park boasts a range of scenic views, including the beautiful stratovolcano of Mt. Rishiri, the roughly 300 varieties of alpine plants on Rebun-to Island, and the wetlands of the Sarobetsu Plain, a Ramsar site. In the middle of winter, visitors can brave the bitter cold to enjoy skiing on slopes of Mt. Rishiri overlooking the sea.

Overview of Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park

The Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park lies on the northwest side of Hokkaido and is Japan's northernmost national park. Dubbed "Rishiri Fuji," the stunning pyramid-shaped peak of Rishiri-to Island, Mt. Rishiri (1,721 m) is the highlight and symbol of the park. Among the park's spectacular scenic attractions are roughly 300 species of alpine plants that flower on Rebun-to Island, including a rare species of orchid, as well as the Sarobetsu Plain, an important stopping point for migrating birds like geese and ducks, where a myriad of marsh plants vie to dazzle visitors.

The most distinctive feature of the park is the stratovolcano, Mt. Rishiri. Unobstructed views of Mt. Rishiri can be enjoyed from along the Sarobetsu coast or from Rebun-to Island, where one can gaze at the mountain's towering peak that appears to float on the water several tens of kilometers offshore. There are very few places in Japan offering views and natural landscapes of such a magnificent scale. Rebun-to Island is home to spectacular scenic views of seasonal alpine plants, spreading from the lowlands to the higher windswept areas, as well as dynamic sea cliffs and crystal clear blue seawater.

Trekking on Rebun-to Island and mountain climbing on Mt. Rishiri are popular ways to explore the area.

Winter adventures

Mt. Rishiri is especially majestic when covered in snow, and draws ski aficionados from around the world looking for the best slope. They look out over the fresh slope in the clear mountain air and gaze at the blue sea as they kick up snow and glide down towards the sea. There is no substitute for the extraordinary experience one can have on Rishiri-to Island.

Because Mt. Rishiri has no lift, visitors need physical strength and skills in backcountry skiing to enjoy winter sports on this mountain. The key to safely enjoy backcountry skiing is to go around March, when the weather stabilizes, and to bring along a knowledgeable and experienced local guide.

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park
URL http://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/rishiri/index.html