Miraculous Sights: Flower News from Rishiri and Rebun

Club Tourism 's special feature on Rishiri Island and Rebun Island tours! With a tour guide, you'll be well supported! We introduce recommended tours around tourist spots on Rishiri Island and Rebun Island, such as Himenuma Pond, Otatomari-numa, Mt. Pon, and Rebun Forest Road, as well as information on seasonal flowers and recommended foods. Searching and applying for tours is easy.

Rishiri and Rebun: A paradise of plants that captivates the soul
Learn interesting facts about Rishiri and Rebun from local flower guides Matsuda and Hirasawa!

I'm sure you'll find my journey fascinating.

Miraculous Sights: Flower News from Rishiri and Rebun

Rebun Island (Image)

Matsuda on the right

Rebun Hana Guide Club
Kaori Matsuda

After working at mountain huts in Oze and the Northern Alps, he was fascinated by the unique environment of Rebun Island, where alpine plants bloom close to the sea, and has been working at the Rebun Hana Guide Club since 2005.

Hirasawa-san

Rishiri Hana Guide Club
Yoshifumi Hirasawa

After two seasons as a guide on Rebun Island, he began guiding on Rishiri Island in 2008. Charmed by the nature of Rishiri Island with its lush forests and sea, and four distinct seasons, he moved there permanently five years later.

Rishiri and Rebun: A paradise of plants that captivates the soul

Rishiri Island and Rebun Island, located in the northernmost part of Hokkaido, are home to alpine plants that grow on mountains over 2,000 meters above sea level, and in low-lying areas such as near the sea, creating a spectacular natural miracle.
Rishiri Island is surrounded by virgin forests, and the majestic natural beauty of the island is impressive, with Himenuma Pond and Otatomarinuma overlooking Mount Rishiri, and the coastal grasslands at the base of the mountain.
Rebun Island is an island of flowers. During the flower season, 350 kinds of flowers bloom in succession in the hilly areas with great views. Endemic species such as Rebun Lady's Slipper and Rebun-sou are precious plants that can only be found on Rebun Island in the world. Please enjoy the differences between the two islands and the spectacular views that can only be found here.

Rebun Island: When the hills are shrouded in mist, they take on a fantastic look (Image)

Rishiri Island: On a calm day, Otatomari Swamp offers a breathtaking view (Image)

Learn interesting facts about Rishiri and Rebun from local flower guides Matsuda and Hirasawa!

(1) Points to keep in mind when viewing flowers

Collecting plants and animals is prohibited on the island. It is a good idea to enjoy the flowers blooming in the spectacular scenery while hiking, and to take pictures of their beautiful appearance. Some people get so engrossed in taking photos that they end up going over the walking path or touching the flowers. However, even touching the plants can be stressful, which can affect their flowering or prevent them from growing any larger. Please watch over the plants gently without touching them so that the beautiful flowers can be enjoyed here forever.

Rebun Island: Rebun Lady's Slipper (Image)

Rebun Island: Rebunsou (Image)

Rebun Island: Four-leaved staghorn fern and Chishima-style bellflower (Image)

Rishiri Island: Day lilies (Image)

(2) Weather and clothing for June and Jul.

Enjoying the changing nature is one of the best parts of the island. Dress appropriately according to the weather and your physical condition on the day (Image)

In Jul., Rishiri Island and Rebun Island are cool, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 20 degrees Celsius even on hot days. You can experience an early escape from the heat. Even in early summer, the minimum temperature is below 10 degrees Celsius. It is useful to bring thin shirts and scarves that can help regulate your body temperature.
Also, due to the influence of temperature and ocean currents, there can be sudden mist or rain that soaks clothes, known locally as "jiri." This mist and rain helps the alpine plants grow. Strong winds blow on the island, so raincoats are worn when it rains or is foggy. Some visitors enjoy viewing the flowers with a childlike feeling, saying, "It's been a while since I last wore a raincoat."

(3) Recommended gourmet food and souvenirs in Rishiri and Rebun

You can easily enjoy delicious sea urchin at home (Image)

If you're looking for a souvenir from Rishiri Island, we recommend the canned steamed sea urchin. It's a masterpiece packed with the deliciousness of fresh Rishiri sea urchin. You can safely take home the soft and delicate sea urchin if it's canned. It's also convenient because it can be stored for a long time. Opening the can will bring back memories of Rishiri Island anytime.

Fatty Atka mackerel and miso go perfectly together! (Image)

Atsumon, the Rebun Lady's Slipper Fairy (Image)

Rebun Island also has delicious seafood. Atka mackerel is especially famous. You can eat it in Hokkaido, but the island's atka mackerel is exceptional. If you come across "Atka mackerel chanchanyaki", please give it a try. The perfect souvenir is "Tororo konbu" (grated kelp) harvested in Rishiri and Rebun. Also, goods featuring "Atsumon", the mascot character of Rebun Town, which is based on the Rebun lady's slipper, are quietly gaining popularity. They are loved by islanders and tourists alike.