Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park National Park

Address: Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, Japan

Website: https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/parks/rishiri.html

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park is a national park in northern Hokkaido, Japan, combining island volcanic terrain and coastal wetlands; it was designated as a national park in 1967.

The park comprises three distinct landscapes. The steep volcanic cone of Mount Rishiri rises to 1,721 metres on Rishiri Island and is a focal point for day hikes and panoramic views. Rebun Island is known for its coastal cliffs and extensive alpine flower fields that bloom in summer, while the Sarobetsu Plain is a low-lying peatland and coastal wetland important for birdlife.

The park was created under Japan’s national park system to protect these contrasting ecosystems and to manage recreation on the islands and mainland wetlands. Management emphasises balancing visitor access with conservation of alpine flora on Rebun and peatland habitats in Sarobetsu.

Geographically the park spans the far northwest of Hokkaido - Rishiri and Rebun lie off the Hokkaido coast in the Sea of Japan, while Sarobetsu occupies a coastal plain on the mainland. Wakkanai is the regional gateway for boat and transport links to the islands.

• Access: Ferries operate seasonally from Wakkanai to Rishiri and Rebun, with the main visitor season in summer when alpine flowers bloom and hiking routes are fully open.
• Best viewpoint: Summit of Mount Rishiri reaches 1,721 metres and provides the clearest panoramic view across the Sea of Japan on good weather days.

What to See#

• Park areas: Covers three distinct areas: island volcanic terrain on Rishiri with a steep central peak, coastal and alpine flower landscapes on Rebun, and the low-lying Sarobetsu peat-plain and wetlands on the Hokkaido mainland.

Access depends on which island or area weathers: ferries serve Rebun and Rishiri from Wakkanai; Sarobetsu is reached by road and local bus from Wakkanai and other Hokkaido centers. Seasonal ferry and bus timetables apply.

• Bring layers and windproof clothing - alpine ridges are exposed and wind chill can be intense even in summer.
• Take the ferry or train connections to Wakkanai and then onward by local transport to reach park trailheads.
• Look for the alpine flora of Rebun and the dramatic flower meadows on Rishiri during late June and July.