Nature and Gourmet Paradise, Rishiri

Hello, fellow island-loving travelers✈️ This time, I’m introducing a 2-day, 1-night travel plan to Rishiri Island, departing from Wakkanai, Japan’s northernmost city🇯🇵✨️ If you love nature, sea urchin, or ramen, this is a must-see‼️👀 Rishiri Island is packed with charm that will make you want to visit again and again. You can access Rishiri Island by plane or ferry✈️ (departing from New Chitose or Okadama Airport). For those looking to save money or enjoy scenic views from the sea, the ferry is recommended🚢. ✅ Day 1 Near the ferry terminal! A fascinating supermarket full of surprises 📍Aizawa Food Hall Address: 3-5-8 Chuo, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido 097-0022 Hours: 9:00-19:00 It’s like the northern version of Seijo Ishii, offering bento boxes, fresh seafood, and freshly baked bread made with local ingredients. Perfect for enjoying a meal on the ferry🍞. 📍Wakkanai Ferry Terminal🚢 At the terminal shop, don’t miss the local sweets “Northman” and Wakkanai Milk🐮 (I drank it almost every day for two weeks during my stay🫶. It’s as rich as fresh cream and the best milk I’ve ever had🥇). Upon arrival, head to a popular café where travelers and regulars gather. It’s right near the car rental shop🚗³₃. 📍PORTO Coffee☕️ Address: 200 Oshidomari Port Town, Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0101 ✍️ Check Instagram for operating hours. The bread sold at the café is also very popular🥐, and all the drinks are so delicious you’ll have a hard time choosing✨️. 🚨Must-visit!!!🚨 The most difficult-to-access yet highly sought-after ramen in Japan🍜🍥 📍Rishiri Ramen Miraku Main Store Address: 67 Kutsugata Honcho, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Hours: 11:00-14:30 (Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays) This ramen, packed with the rich umami of kelp, will captivate ramen lovers🍜. The roasted soy sauce ramen is highly recommended‼️. I gave some souvenir ramen to a friend, and they ended up visiting the store themselves✨️. Rare and unique local ice cream 📍Hokurindo Address: 4-5 Kutsugata Midorimachi, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Innovative ice cream made with Rishiri’s sea urchin and kelp. Stir it with a kelp spoon, and it transforms into a texture similar to Turkish ice cream⁉️. You can even eat the kelp spoon😋. The ultimate souvenir spot❄⛄️ 📍Shiroi Koibito Hill (Numanoura Observatory) Address: Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0211 Did you know the motif on the Shiroi Koibito cookie box is actually Rishiri?✨️. A local izakaya serving delicious dishes made with local ingredients🍺🏮 📍Wayo Sosaku Iroha Address: 71 Oshidomari Honcho, Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0101 Hours: 17:00-22:00 (Closed Thursdays) Have you heard of “Tachikama”? It’s a rare delicacy made from pollock roe and salt, usually only available in winter. But here, you can enjoy it even in summer🥹. Enjoy the starry night sky and head to your hotel🏨. *This photo was taken with an iPhone Night Mode📸. Stunningly beautiful😍. ✅ Day 2 Indulge in a luxurious breakfast at the hotel🎶 📍Island Inn Rishiri🏨 Address: Fujimicho, Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Although I usually prefer budget accommodations, I stayed here just to try their buffet🍽. Sea urchin rice, self-serve seafood bowls with unlimited salmon roe, Hokkaido asparagus... I ate so much I needed a break😂. After a rest, take a leisurely walk while admiring Rishiri Fuji🚶♀️. 📍Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park Address: Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Enjoy rare plants and the flow of clouds over the mountain peak while soaking in nature🌱. You can complete the loop in about 30 minutes. Don’t forget souvenirs and trying Hamanasu & Kumazasa tea soft serve🍦. 📍Otatomari Marsh Address: Numanoura, Oniwaki, Rishirifuji Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0211 On sunny days, the reflection of Rishiri Fuji on the water’s surface is stunning🗻. The Hamanasu flower scent and the mild Kumazasa tea flavor are distinct and worth trying👏. Highly recommended soba that impresses even the locals🥢 📍Bonten Address: Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401 Hours: 11:00-14:00 / 17:00-20:00 (Closed Mondays) The tempura here is exceptionally delicious. They also serve sea urchin bowls, perfect for treating yourself◎.