Mountains · Hokkaido
Mount Rishiri
利尻山りしりざんRishiri-zanRishiri Fuji: a volcano rising straight from the northern sea.
Mount Rishiri (利尻山), 1,721 m, is a volcanic cone that forms almost the whole of Rishiri Island in the Sea of Japan off the northern tip of Hokkaido. Called Rishiri Fuji, it rises straight from the sea and is the northernmost of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains.
Overview
Rishiri Island is almost round, about 20 km across, and nearly all of it is the flanks of Mount Rishiri. From the ferry out of Wakkanai or from neighbouring Rebun Island the mountain appears as a perfect cone floating on the sea, its upper ridges often snow-streaked into July.
Because the climb starts close to sea level, Rishiri is a long and demanding ascent despite its modest height. The upper mountain is steep, crumbling volcanic rock, and the summit is split into a northern and a southern peak. The island's fishing villages ring the coast and live mainly from sea urchin and Rishiri kombu, one of the most prized kelps in Japan.
Landscape and formation
Rishiri is a stratovolcano that grew on the continental shelf over the last few hundred thousand years; its last activity, from flank vents on the lower slopes, dates to a few thousand years ago, and the Japan Meteorological Agency lists it as active. Glacial and periglacial processes and heavy erosion have carved deep ravines into the summit area, and the upper rock is notoriously unstable.
Small crater ponds on the lower flanks, such as Himenuma and Otatomari-numa, reflect the peak.
Highlights
Northern summit (Hoppō)
北峰HoppōThe northern summit with a small shrine, the usual end point of the climb.
Rōsoku-iwa
ローソク岩Rōsoku-iwaA candle-shaped rock pinnacle on the south side of the summit.
Otatomari-numa
オタトマリ沼Otatomari-numaA pond on the south-east coast with a classic reflection of the mountain.
Himenuma
姫沼HimenumaA forest pond near Oshidomari with a short circuit trail.
Ecology
At 45° north and surrounded by cold sea, Rishiri has an alpine zone beginning below 1,000 m, and its flora includes several endemic plants and species otherwise found in Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands.
Flora
Rishiri-hinageshi
リシリヒナゲシrishiri-hinageshiA yellow poppy endemic to the upper slopes of Rishiri.
Bonbori-tōhiren (Saussurea)
ボンボリトウヒレンbonbori-tōhirenA saw-wort restricted to Rishiri's summit area.
Sakhalin fir
トドマツtodomatsuDominant in the forests of the lower slopes.
Fauna
Seabirds
Black-tailed gulls and other seabirds nest on the coast around the island.
Rishiri kombu
利尻昆布Rishiri konbuA high-quality kelp harvested in the cold coastal waters, prized for clear dashi.
Culture
The name comes from the Ainu ri-sir, "high island". Ainu communities fished around the island long before Japanese settlement expanded in the Edo period with herring fishing. The island's Rishiri Jinja stands at Oshidomari, and a small summit shrine marks the northern peak.
Oshidomari
鴛泊OshidomariThe ferry port and main trailhead, with the Pesshi-misaki headland above the harbour.
Rishiri Town Museum
利尻町立博物館Rishiri chōritsu hakubutsukanA museum in Kutsugata on the island's natural history and herring-fishing past.
History
Edo period
Herring fishing brings Japanese settlers to Rishiri.
1965
Rishiri-Rebun Quasi-National Park is designated.
1974
Upgraded to Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park.
Through the seasons
Spring
Snow covers the mountain into June; the island is quiet and cool.
Summer
The climbing season from mid-June to September; alpine flowers bloom in July, and kombu is dried on the beaches.
Autumn
Short and windy; first snow on the summit from October.
Winter
Severe winter storms from the Sea of Japan; the mountain is a serious winter objective and ferries may be cancelled.
Routes and trails
Oshidomari route
From the Hokuroku camping ground above Oshidomari, 5.5–6 hours up and 4 hours down; long and steep, with loose scree near the summit.
Kutsugata route
From the west coast, shorter in distance but steeper with exposed, crumbling sections; recommended only for experienced hikers.
Himenuma and island circuit
Short walks to the ponds or a 60 km cycling road around the island, with changing views of the peak.
Practical notes
- Portable toilet bags must be used on the mountain; they are sold at the ferry terminal and shops on the island.
- There is little water on the upper routes; the Kanrosen spring near the start is the last reliable source.
- Weather is changeable and windy; start early and turn back in poor visibility on the upper scree.
- Rishiri is monitored as an active volcano by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Mount Rishiri?
From the Oshidomari trailhead at about 220 m the round trip takes around 10 hours, with 1,500 m of height gain. Most climbers start before dawn to finish in daylight.
How is Rishiri Island reached?
By ferry from Wakkanai in about 1 hour 40 minutes to Oshidomari, or by air from Sapporo (Okadama) or New Chitose to Rishiri airport in season.
Why do climbers carry portable toilets?
The island's fragile soil and small size mean waste cannot be left on the mountain. Portable toilet bags are sold on the island and used in dedicated booths along the trail; they are brought back down.
Can the true summit be reached?
The highest point, the southern summit (Nanpō), is closed because of rockfall and erosion; climbers stop at the northern summit (Hoppō) a few metres lower, which is the normal goal.
Related
Sources
- 1.日本の主な山岳標高 (opens in a new tab) — 国土地理院 (Geospatial Information Authority of Japan)
- 2.利尻礼文サロベツ国立公園 (opens in a new tab) — 環境省 (Ministry of the Environment)
- 3.活火山（利尻山） (opens in a new tab) — 気象庁 (Japan Meteorological Agency)