Illustrative image, not a photograph
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Mount Rishiri

Japan's northernmost of the Hyakumeizan, a conical island volcano nicknamed Rishiri-Fuji

Difficulty
Expert
Duration
About 10 hours return via the Oshidomari Route
Summit elevation
1719 m

Rishiri is a solitary volcanic island off Hokkaido's northern coast, and its mountain rises straight from sea level to a near-perfect cone that gives it the nickname Rishiri-Fuji. The Oshidomari Route climbs through beech and dwarf pine forest before breaking onto an exposed volcanic ridge with sweeping views over the Sea of Japan. Hikers summit the northern peak at 1,719 m; the true high point, 2 metres higher, has been closed to climbers for safety reasons.

Highlights

  • A near-perfect volcanic cone visible from the Hokkaido mainland
  • Beech and dwarf pine forest giving way to an exposed alpine ridge
  • Sweeping views over the Sea of Japan and neighbouring Rebun Island
  • One of the Hyakumeizan, Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, and its northernmost entry

Getting there

Rishiri is reached by ferry from Wakkanai, on the Hokkaido mainland, or by a short flight to Rishiri Airport. The Oshidomari trailhead is a short taxi or bus ride from the ferry terminal at Oshidomari port.

Safety tips

This is a full volcanic mountain with 1,700 metres of ascent and no huts beyond the trailhead, so hikers commit to the whole round trip once above the treeline. Wind on the exposed upper ridge can be severe even on an otherwise clear day, and there is no mobile signal on much of the upper mountain. Start before dawn to allow a wide margin before weather typically deteriorates in the afternoon.

What to bring

  • Wind and rain shell, even on a forecast-clear day
  • A head torch for a pre-dawn start
  • At least 2 litres of water; there is no water source above the campsite
  • A portable toilet kit, since facilities thin out past the lower stations