Snowshoe Hiking in the Heart of Winter to Mt. Rishiri in the Northernmost Reaches of Japan
4-DAY
DIFFICULTY
SNOW SEASON
4 days 3 nights
Min.8, Max.14
Hiking
- HIGHTLIGHTS
-
- Snowshoe hiking on approach to Mt. Rishiri covered with snow drifts in the heart of winter
- Making Hokke Kamaboko, a hands-on program to learn about Rishiri Island's key industry
- Standing at the Monument of Japan's Northernmost Point at Cape Soya, Wakkanai
- LOCATION
-
Northern area of Hokkaido , Rishiri Island, Mt. Rishiri, Wakkanai, Cape Soya.
OVERVIEW
Experience the breathtaking winter scenery of Rishiri Island, known as the island with a single mountain, at the northernmost point of Japan.
Mt. Rishiri, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains, is transformed into a majestic snow-capped peak rivaling the Himalayas due to the seasonal winds blowing from the sea during the winter, creating impressive snow drifts. In this tour, we will approach its magnificent visage with snowshoes alongside a local guide.
On a weather reserve day, we can take part in a program to make ‘Hokke Kamaboko’ and get a taste of the island’s fishing industry.
On the final day, we will visit the Monument of the Northernmost Point of Japan at Cape Soya in Wakkanai to savor the ‘Top of Japan’.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Meet at New Chitose Airport and leave for Rishiri Island
We will gather at New Chitose Airport and take a direct flight from Tamaoka Airport in Sapporo city to Rishiri Airport.
We will stay at Nakahara Ryokan, a Japanese inn, in the Kutsugata district on the west side of the island.
DAY 2
Snowshoe hike on approach to Mt. Rishiri in the heart of winter
Explore a winter wonderland on a snowshoe hike to Mt. Rishiri.
Mt. Rishiri is a beautiful mountain offering splendid views from all angles. Depending on the weather and snowfall, your guide will lead you to the best snowshoeing route from the options below. Regardless of the chosen route, you will experience the essence of winter.
Possible routes
[Hokuroku Campground – Ponyama] (2-hour walk / about 300m difference in elevation)
[Hokuroku Campground – Kanro Sensui spring ] (30-minute walk)
[Senposhi Misaki Park] (1-hour walk)
Guide company: Kukiru Inc.
If there is time, we will stop by a hot spring in Rishiri Island and enjoy walking around the town in the afternoon.
DAY 3
Backup day for the snow hike, and making Hokke Kamaboko as a souvenir in the afternoon
If our snow hike attempt on Day 2 was marred by bad weather, we will attempt our snow hike again on Day 3.
The weather in Rishiri during the peak winter months is very unpredictable, and cloud cover varies significantly on each side of the island. We will not provide a fixed itinerary in advance, but will rely on the expertise of the local guide and a dedicated driver to respond flexibly according to the weather and mountain conditions.
The itinerary is spacious in order to ensure that we can view Mt. Rishiri from the best vantage point and also have enough time to take in the views during the harsh winter season.
We will experience a slice of the fishing industry by making Hokke Kamaboko (fish paste cakes) for souvenirs in the afternoon.
DAY 4
From Rishiri Island to Wakkanai by ferry—stand at the northernmost point of Japan
After checking out from our hotel, we will take the ferry from Rishiri Island to Wakkanai and drive to Cape Soya by private car where we will visit the ‘Monument of the Northernmost Point of Japan’ in Soya-misaki park and receive a certificate.
You will be able to experience the climate and natural features of the cape and relish that you have stood at the northernmost reaches of the nation.
Next we will transfer from Wakkanai Airport to New Chitose Airport, where the tour will end.
ACCOMMODATIONS
| Area | Facility Type | Room Type | Onsen / Spa | WiFi | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rishiri Island | Ryokan | Japanese style | Onsen |  |
| 2 | Rishiri Island | Ryokan | Japanese style | Onsen | |
| 3 | Rishiri Island | Ryokan | Japanese style | Onsen | |
Tour Operator / Contact
Aipine Tour Servise Co.,Ltd.
- Address
Yashima Bldg.2F, 420-3 Dainichi, Yotsukaido-shi, Chiba 284-0001 Japan
- TEL
043-290-9699
info@alpine-tour.com
- Official web site
http://www.alpine-tour.com/
Alpine Tour Service is a travel agency specializing in mountaineering, trekking, hiking, and other mountain travel, as well as bird watching, flower watching, and adventure and nature observation activities. Founded in 1969, we are currently celebrating our 54th year in business. We are actively developing adventure tours not only in the world but also in Japan, as well as long trails and other projects that combine “walking” and “cultural experiences”.
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