5 Must-Visit Islands in Hokkaido! Recommended Tourist Spots and Attractions for Your Trip!

5 Hokkaido Islands You'll Want to Visit at Least Once! Introducing Recommended Tourist Spots and Must-See Attractions for Your Trip!

Hokkaido is home to numerous remote islands, each brimming with beautiful nature and unique cultures. Every island possesses a special charm that cannot be experienced on the mainland, making them popular destinations for a journey that offers a taste of the extraordinary.

This article introduces five recommended inhabited remote islands in Hokkaido. It details the highlights, ways to enjoy each island, event information, and access methods. This content is perfect for those planning a short weekend trip or summer vacation.

Why not explore Hokkaido's remote islands for your next travel destination, where you can encounter breathtaking scenery that feels like another world, just a short distance from the mainland?

The five inhabited remote islands in Hokkaido

Hokkaido has inhabited remote islands rich in nature, perfect for sightseeing. Among them, Okushiri Island, Teuri Island, Yagishiri Island, Rishiri Island, and Rebun Island are popular spots recommended for family trips.

Each island possesses a unique charm distinct from the mainland, making them easily accessible for both tours and independent travel.

Access is convenient not only by ferry but also by plane to some islands, making them recommended for short trips. On the islands, you can enjoy nature and fresh seafood, and the warmth of the local people is another significant attraction.

The five islands I will introduce from here each have their own unique charm, allowing for completely different experiences depending on the purpose of your visit and the season.

This is an area that I highly recommend for those who want to escape their busy daily lives and savor some leisurely time.

"Okushiri Island (Okushirito)," where you can be healed by its mysterious blue and rich nature.

Okushiri Island is an inhabited island floating in the Sea of Japan, southwest of Hokkaido. It is a remote island where you can particularly experience a sense of seclusion within Hokkaido. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters known as "Okushiri Blue," and embraced by beautiful coastlines and lush forests, it beckons visitors to a landscape far removed from the ordinary.

The symbol of Okushiri Island is Nabetsuru-iwa (Pot-Hanging Rock). This massive, peculiar rock formation towering in the northern part of the island is about 19.5 meters high and has a mysterious shape that resembles a pot handle being hung. It's a popular photo spot for tourists visiting Okushiri Island.

At dusk, they blend into the sky and sea, creating a fantastical silhouette. Shaped over many years by the power of waves and wind, these rocks are a place that evokes the beauty and mystery of natural formations.

Furthermore, among fishing enthusiasts, it is also called a fishing paradise due to the extremely abundant fish population. Even from the shore, you can target flatfish, rock greenling, Atka mackerel, and at times, large species like fluke and yellowtail.

Especially from spring to autumn, fishing success is stable, and many anglers visit from both within and outside the prefecture.

There are also tours where you can enjoy fishing while interacting with local fishermen, which is an attractive feature as it allows even beginners and families to enjoy it with peace of mind. Fishing while feeling the sea breeze is a luxurious moment that cannot be experienced in everyday life.

Furthermore, Okushiri Island boasts a unique wine culture, characteristic of Hokkaido's remote islands. Okushiri Wine is a meticulously crafted local wine made from grapes grown in vineyards stretching across the southern part of the island. The cool climate, surrounded by the sea, and the mineral-rich soil contribute to its distinctive aroma and profound flavor.

At the winery on the island, you can observe the wine-making process and enjoy wine tasting, which are also popular as souvenirs.

In addition, there are many attractions such as the Okushiri Island Tsunami Museum, which conveys the memory of the tsunami, and Uni-maru Park, where you can get a glimpse of local life. The island suffered immense damage in the 1993 Southwest Offshore Earthquake, but through the efforts of its residents, it has been revived and now warmly welcomes visitors.

This tranquil island with relatively few tourists is recommended for solo travelers or couples seeking quiet time, as well as those looking for a sophisticated culinary journey. The pairing of fresh seafood and local wine is a truly luxurious experience for adults.

There are also direct flights from Hakodate Airport to Okushiri Airport, which can be reached in about 30 minutes by air. Rental cars and rental bicycles are also available on the island, making it comfortable to explore freely.

"Teuri Island," where you can encounter seabirds soaring across the sky.

Teuri Island, located off the coast of Habo town on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido, is a small inhabited island with a circumference of only about 12 kilometers. Despite its small size, it boasts surprisingly rich nature and the vibrant lives of its creatures.

It is nationally famous, particularly as a seabird island, and from spring to summer each year, hundreds of thousands of seabirds fly to the island, allowing close observation of them sustaining their lives for breeding.

Teshima Island's most impressive highlight is undoubtedly its magnificent seabird habitat. In particular, it is known as a breeding ground for the extremely rare Black Guillemot (Ororon bird), allowing visitors to observe this rare species, seldom seen elsewhere in Japan, living in its natural environment.

From May to July, seabirds such as UAS, Cormorants, and Marbled Murrelets gather to breed, creating a spectacle where the sky and sea are covered with flocks of birds.

A recommended spot for observing seabirds is the Akaiwa Observatory on the west side of the island. From this observatory, you can look down on seabirds nesting densely on the sheer cliffs, and the view, especially at dusk, is breathtaking.

The homing rush as a flock of urus returns from the sea stimulates all five senses with the vast ocean stretching in 360 degrees, the sky dyed red, and the calls of the birds conversing with each other.

Furthermore, a walking path has been developed that circles the island, allowing you to easily explore it on foot or by bicycle. The island's small size offers a sense of tranquility and openness, and you may encounter unexpected scenic views as you travel. From spring to early summer in particular, wild flowers bloom in abundance, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue of the sea, a landscape that's irresistible to photography enthusiasts.

Every year, a Bird Festival is held on Teuri Island, featuring island tours led by nature guides and lectures by experts. Not only bird enthusiasts, but even those who don't normally pay much attention to birds are sure to be moved by the grandeur of nature.

Amarijima is the perfect place for those who want to refresh themselves in a tranquil environment. It is especially recommended for families who want their children to experience authentic nature. This island, where one can encounter nature as it is, without relying on artificial structures, is sure to be an excellent learning environment that fosters children's curiosity and sensitivity.

Access is primarily by seasonal ferry service from April to October, taking approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes from Haboro Port. There is also a regular ferry route connecting to the neighboring island of Yagishiri, making combined tours of both islands a popular option. Express buses run from Sapporo to Haboro Port, allowing for flexible travel plans that can be tailored to your schedule.

Yagishiri Island: A silent paradise woven from primeval forests and grazing sheep

Yagishiri Island is a remote island located in the town of Habo, just next to Teuri Island, with a circumference of about 12 km. It is about a 15-minute ferry ride from Teuri Island, and tourist tours that visit both islands together are popular. Surrounded by serene nature, where time flows at a relaxed pace, this island is a healing spot where virgin forests and grazing sheep coexist.

The primeval forest spreading across the central part of Yagishiri Island can be considered its symbol. This forest, a rare coastal forest of Sakhalin fir in Hokkaido, has been designated a national natural monument and is densely covered with rowan, Mongolian oak, and Japanese maple.

There are many giant trees over 300 years old, and as you walk through the quiet forest, you'll feel as if time has stopped. Walking paths are maintained within the forest, allowing for easy strolls, making it perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing forest bath.

In the southern part of the island, you can see sheep leisurely grazing in the pastures. On Yagishiri Island, about 300 Suffolk sheep are pastured, creating a pastoral tranquility reminiscent of foreign countryside scenery.

Furthermore, it has established a brand as an island of sheep, and locally raised Suffolk lamb is reputed to be exquisite. It is characterized by its lean, tender, and mild flavor, and can be enjoyed at restaurants and accommodations on the island. Enjoying the local flavors between sightseeing is also a highlight of any trip.

For sightseeing, we recommend the area called Yagishiri Forest Park, which circles the island. Here, courses are available that allow you to enjoy not only forest bathing but also the coastal scenery.

Shirarahama Beach, in particular, is attractive for its highly transparent sea, and in the summer, you can see families enjoying playing in the water and on the rocks.

Yagishiri Island has many gentle slopes overall, and you can enjoy touring the island using rental bicycles. The time spent feeling the wind and listening to the scents and sounds of nature is an irreplaceable luxury.

The Yagishiri Sheep Festival is held every year, offering a cozy event where you can enjoy yourself alongside the local residents. You can spend a memorable time packed with the island's charms, including traditional dances, drum performances, and food stalls featuring fresh seafood and lamb.

Yakushiri Island is the perfect remote island for those who want to refresh themselves in nature, or for those who wish to quietly enjoy the scenery and atmosphere. It also offers a safe environment for families with small children.

Yagishiri Island can be reached by ferry from Habo Port on the mainland in about an hour, and Habo can be accessed by highway bus from Sapporo. There are also accommodations on the island, allowing for a relaxed trip over two days and one night.

"Rishiri Island," where you can enjoy both mountains and seafood.

Rishiri Island is a circular volcanic island with a circumference of about 60 km, floating in the Sea of Japan, north of Hokkaido. Mount Rishiri (Rishiri Fuji), with an elevation of 1,721 meters, majestically stands at the center of the island, and its beautiful silhouette is a familiar sight on Hokkaido tourism posters and the like. The entire island is brimming with natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for active pursuits such as hiking and cycling.

On Rishiri Island, you can first enjoy the great nature centered around Mt. Rishiri. From the summit, a magnificent 360-degree panorama unfolds, and on clear days, you can see as far as the neighboring Rebun Island and even Sakhalin. While the hiking trails are relatively well-maintained, the significant elevation gain makes it a serious climb, requiring proper equipment.

Even those who find climbing difficult can enjoy the beautiful appearance of Mt. Rishiri from various angles at observation decks and along the coastline scattered across the island. Among these, Yuuhigaoka Observation Deck is particularly popular. Here, you can witness a picturesque scene where the silhouette of Mt. Rishiri overlaps with the sunset sinking into the Sea of Japan.

As the sun sets, the sky is painted in hues of orange and purple, creating a scene that deeply imprints itself on the hearts of visitors. Many tourists come with cameras in hand, making it a perfect spot to capture and preserve travel memories.

We also recommend the fresh seafood from Rishiri Island. Particularly famous are the Murasaki Uni (sea urchin) and Ezo Bafun Uni. Their peak season is from June to August when sea urchin fishing is permitted, and there are many restaurants on the island where you can enjoy fresh raw sea urchin rice bowls.

The Northern Sea Urchin is characterized by its refined, light sweetness, while the Ezo Bafun Uni offers a rich, melt-in-your-mouth umami. Both are exquisite delicacies that are difficult to compare. Freshly harvested sea urchin eaten while traveling is exceptional, and many people visit islands solely for the gourmet experience.

Rishiri Island boasts many tourist spots where you can experience its rich nature. At quiet lakes and ponds like Himenu and Otatomari-numa, you can enjoy the reflection of Mt. Rishiri on the water's surface. Both locations have well-maintained walking paths, making them popular spots for families who can enjoy a leisurely stroll with a light hiking feel.

This remote island is recommended for those who love nature and physical activity, for couples or groups who want to enjoy an active trip, and also for solo travelers looking to hike or take photographs.

Rishiri Island is accessible by both plane and ferry. By plane, it's about a 50-minute flight from Sapporo to Rishiri Airport. Ferries depart from Wakkanai, arriving after approximately a 1 hour and 40-minute sea journey. Many tours also combine plane and ferry travel, allowing you to choose based on your travel plans.

Rebun Island, a "floating island of flowers" that blooms year-round.

Rebun Island (Rebun-to), known as Japan's northernmost remote island, is located west of Wakkanai City, Hokkaido's northernmost point. It is approximately 40 minutes by ferry from the neighboring Rishiri Island.

This small island, surrounded by the sea, boasts a truly miraculous natural environment where, despite its low elevation, alpine plants rarely found elsewhere can be seen along the coast. It is so beloved by plant and nature enthusiasts that it is also known as the "Floating Island of Flowers."

The charm of Rebun Island lies, above all, in its rare plant life. While the island is characterized by low mountains ranging from 100 to 200 meters in elevation, it is unique in all of Japan for harboring hundreds of alpine plant species that grow wild. From late May to mid-August, endemic and rare flowers such as the Rebun lady's slipper, Rebun edelweiss, and Rebun kimpaiso bloom in a riot of color.

If you want to fully enjoy the flowers, we recommend walking along the well-maintained trekking courses. Particularly popular is the long-distance route called the 8-hour course. This course, which runs north to south across Rebun Island, allows you to fully savor both the spectacular coastal scenery and the wild mountain flowers.

For those with limited time, there are also short courses of 4 and 3 hours, so it's best to choose according to your physical condition and schedule.

While on your tour, we recommend stopping by the island's gourmet spots. Rebun Island is a treasure trove of seafood, and particularly popular is the "chan-chan yaki" made with hokke (Atka mackerel). Fresh hokke is grilled over charcoal and seasoned with a sweet miso sauce along with vegetables. Local diners serve it piping hot off the grill.

The rich, oily mackerel and the fragrant miso combine to create an exquisite dish so delicious it will blow away the fatigue of your island journey. It's a culinary delight that we highly recommend you savor as part of your travel experiences.

Rebun Island also boasts many breathtaking landscapes. At Sukoton Cape, you can fully immerse yourself in the vastness of the Sea of Japan, and on clear days, it's even possible to see Sakhalin. The crystal-clear blue sea at Skai Cape possesses a transparency comparable to a tropical resort, and the scenery woven by flowers, wind, and sea is picturesque no matter where you look.

Rebun Island offers an irresistible environment for those who enjoy walking in nature and are interested in flowers and plants. Even if you don't have a lot of stamina, there are many short trails and scenic spots, making it enjoyable for seniors and families with children as well.

The common way to visit Rebun Island is by ferry from Wakkanai, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes to 2 hours and 40 minutes. As tourist numbers increase during the summer, it is recommended to plan and book sightseeing tours and accommodations early.

Summary

Remote islands are places where you can not only sightsee, but also have experiences that allow you to connect with nature and free your mind. For those who wish to feel the tranquility that cannot be found in cities and a sense of oneness with nature, any island is a place worth visiting at least once.

Furthermore, access to each island is being improved year by year, making them easier to visit, with increased flights and ferry services during the summer.

On this occasion, please consider a trip to an outlying island to truly feel the breath of nature.

Please see the following article for recommended remote islands nationwide.