Summer Trekking on Rebun Island: A Spectacular Blend of Flowers, Sea, and Greenery

Travel Purpose Rebun Island in summer is known as the "Floating Island of Flowers" due to its abundance of alpine plants. Enjoy a two-night, three-day trekking adventure during the best season of early summer! Day 1 From Haneda Airport to Wakkanai Airport, there are direct flights that take about 2 hours. Public buses are available from the airport to Wakkanai city and the port area for ferries to Rebun Island. The Heartland Ferry takes approximately 2 hours to reach Rebun Island. Accommodation is at Pension Uni, which offers shuttle service to the port. As the name suggests, they serve delicious sea urchin dishes for dinner. Rebun Island also has hot springs, such as Usuyuki-no-Yu, located near the ferry terminal. The hosts at the accommodation kindly provided shuttle service to the hot springs as well. Day 2 Embark on the Cape Tour Course, visiting Rebun Island's three major capes: Sukoton Cape, Sukai Cape, and Gorota Cape. This trekking route takes about 6 hours. Sukoton Cape is accessible by bus. The trail is adorned with blooming alpine plants and offers numerous spots with views of the sea, providing a fantastic experience of greenery and ocean. Lunch was a packed meal prepared by the accommodation, enjoyed during the trek. Day 3 On this day, trek the Momoiwa Observation Course, which takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. This course includes the Northern Canary Park, a filming location for the movie "Northern Canary," where you can see the actual buildings used in the film. The scenery is dynamic and panoramic, with breathtaking views of the west coast. Lunch was at Robata Chidori near the ferry terminal, featuring grilled dishes like mackerel and scallops. Afterward, pick up your luggage and take the ferry back to Wakkanai, then return to Tokyo from the airport. Important Notes Trekking is highly weather-dependent. Proper gear, including sturdy shoes, is essential for trekking. Be cautious of muddy trails, especially after rainy days. Transportation Public buses are available, but as it is a remote island, the number of buses is limited. Be sure to check the schedule carefully when planning your itinerary. Rental cars are also available, but options are limited due to the island's size. Plan your transportation carefully. Accommodation Pension Uni is family-run and offers warm, homely service. They are helpful with sightseeing advice and even provide shuttle services to some tourist spots. The meals are delicious and satisfying. Scenic Spots The trekking areas are filled with stunning views. The "Rebun Blue" sea color is incredibly beautiful, complemented by lush greenery. In early summer, the blooming flowers add to the charm.