Rishiri Island | TravelDojo

Rishiri Island is a volcanic island off the northwestern tip of Hokkaido in the Sea of Japan, dominated by the conical summit Mount Rishiri (Rishiri-zan) at 1,721 meters. The island is noted for its clear views, alpine hiking and coastal landscapes.

Hiking routes up Mount Rishiri provide full-island and sea vistas; the island is also used for fishing, coastal walks and seasonal wildflower displays. The island’s low-density settlements and ferry links make it a popular destination for day trips and overnight stays.

The island is within Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park and is reached by ferry from the port of Wakkanai on Hokkaido. Local roads and trails provide access to trailheads and coastal viewpoints.

Ferry access: Ferry connections link the island with Wakkanai on Hokkaido, providing the main regular access for visitors and supplies.
National park status: The island is within Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park and offers alpine hiking combined with coastal scenery and marine views.

What to See #

Mount Rishiri (Rishiri-zan): Mount Rishiri (Rishiri-zan) is the central volcanic peak rising to 1,721 meters and dominates the island's skyline; it is the primary objective for hikers.

How to Get to Rishiri Island #

Travel to Wakkanai (by JR rail from Sapporo or by air to Wakkanai Airport), then take a regular passenger ferry from Wakkanai Port to Rishiri Island (Rishiri Port). Ferry crossings generally take about 1.5-2 hours depending on the vessel and schedule; seasonal high‑speed services may be faster. On arrival at Rishiri Port the village and trailheads are a short walk from the quay.

Tips for Visiting Rishiri Island #

Take the earliest ferry to Rishiri (from Wakkanai) to maximize the daytime weather window for attempting the Rishiri (Rishirifuji) hike - summit days can be thwarted by rapidly changing conditions.
Plan at least one overnight on the island: transport and bus timetables are limited, so staying locally lets you access quieter coastal walks and avoid rushed same‑day returns.
Summer (late June-September) is the reliable season for hiking; outside that season services and mountain safety change quickly, so check ferry schedules and local accommodation availability in advance.

Best Time to Visit Rishiri Island #

Summer (June-September) is the best time for hiking and island access; winter brings heavy snow and limited accessibility.

Summer (best for hiking and views)

June-September · 10-20 °C

Mild, relatively dry weather ideal for hiking Mount Rishiri, boating and scenic views; ferry and visitor services are most reliable.

Winter

December-February · -10-0 °C

Heavy snow and cold temperatures prevail; access can be limited and conditions are suited to experienced winter travellers.

Spring/Autumn

April-May, October-November · 0-10 °C

Cooler, quieter shoulder seasons with variable weather; some facilities may have reduced hours.

Weather & Climate near Rishiri Island #

Climate

Rishiri Island's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -16°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1308 mm/year), wettest in August.

Best Time to Visit

JulyAugustSeptember

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

26°

Warmest Month

-12°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -15°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

25 Poor

Comfort

-12°

Feels Like Freezing

-12°C

Temperature

-15° – -9°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

89 mm

Rainfall

8.3 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.1

UV Index

Low

9.0h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -9°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

27 Poor

Comfort

-12°

Feels Like Freezing

-12°C

Temperature

-16° – -9°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

69 mm

Rainfall

7.7 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.2

UV Index

Low

10.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-9°

Feels Like Freezing

-9°C

Temperature

-12° – -6°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

72 mm

Rainfall

6.7 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.4

UV Index

Low

11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-3°

Feels Like Freezing

-3°C

Temperature

-6° – 0°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

74 mm

Rainfall

6.6 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

13.4h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

3°

Feels Like Cold

3°C

Temperature

-1° – 6°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

91 mm

Rainfall

6.2 m/s

Wind

Breezy

1.1

UV Index

High

14.7h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

4° – 12°

89%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

91 mm

Rainfall

5.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

15.4h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

9° – 16°

90%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

129 mm

Rainfall

4.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.4

UV Index

High

15.1h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

11° – 17°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

164 mm

Rainfall

5.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

13.9h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cold

10°C

Temperature

6° – 13°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

155 mm

Rainfall

5.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

0° – 7°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

144 mm

Rainfall

6.9 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.4

UV Index

Low

10.8h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

25 Poor

Comfort

-3°

Feels Like Freezing

-3°C

Temperature

-6° – 0°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

126 mm

Rainfall

7.6 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.1

UV Index

Low

9.4h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -11°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

23 Poor

Comfort

-9°

Feels Like Freezing

-9°C

Temperature

-11° – -6°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

104 mm

Rainfall

8.0 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.6h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Rishiri Island

Mount Rishiri

Isolated volcanic island and distinctive conical peak

Mountain 164 m

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park

Northern Japan national park of islands, volcanic peaks, wetlands

National Park 1.9 km

Rebun Island

Small Hokkaido island known for alpine flowers and hiking

Island 26.2 km

Mount Rebun

Hokkaido island peak with alpine flora and trails

Mountain 27.8 km

Benten-jima (Wakkanai)

Tiny island near Wakkanai with Shinto shrine

Island 65.3 km

Cape Sōya

Northernmost point of Hokkaido with observation tower

Cape 66.2 km

Yagishiri Island

Small Hokkaido island known for windswept forests

Island 83.9 km

Teuri Island

Island and protected seabird breeding ground in Hokkaido

Island 84.2 km