Okushiri Island
Island Small Hokkaido island with rugged coasts and fishing communities
Off Hokkaido’s west coast, Okushiri Island offers rugged cliffs, fishing ports, hiking trails and hot springs; visitors come for seafood, coastal scenery and boat trips despite the island’s remote access.
Okushiri Island is an island in the Sea of Japan off the southwest coast of Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, known for its fishing communities and coastal landscape. The island gained international attention after a major tsunami struck following the 1993 Hokkaido Nansei-Oki earthquake.
On the island visitors find small fishing towns, coastal roads, hiking routes and local seafood-focused commerce. Access is by ferry from Hokkaido and via Okushiri Airport, which connects the island to the mainland.
The 1993 earthquake and tsunami caused widespread destruction on Okushiri; subsequent rebuilding included strengthened sea defences and memorials to the event. Since then the island has continued to rely on fishing and tourism as key local activities.
Okushiri lies off Hokkaido’s southwest coast in the Sea of Japan and is administered as part of Hokkaido Prefecture.
- Access: Served by Okushiri Airport and regular ferry links to mainland Hokkaido, providing the main access routes for visitors and supplies.
- 1993 tsunami: The island was struck by a major tsunami after the 1993 Hokkaido Nansei-Oki earthquake and has since rebuilt coastal defences and memorials to that event.
How to Get to Okushiri Island #
Access by ferry from Esashi (Hiyama region) with seasonal schedules; faster but more expensive are flights from Hakodate or Sapporo to Okushiri Airport (ANA/other regional carriers operate limited services). Check seasonal timetables in advance.
Tips for Visiting Okushiri Island #
- If aiming to catch the sunset, head to Cape Kamui or the western cliffs - weather permitting.
- Check the ferry schedule from Hokkaido mainland (Esashi/Setana/Tomakomai routes) as services are seasonal and can be canceled in poor weather.
- Try the local seafood - Okushiri's scallops and squid are locally prized.
Best Time to Visit Okushiri Island #
Best in summer and late spring for calm seas and hiking; winter is harsh and many services close.
Weather & Climate near Okushiri Island #
Okushiri Island's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1311 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 1°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (163 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
