In my last post I told you about our trip to Rebun island, today we will do Rishiri. Rishiri is a volcanic island and from Rebun is has a similar feel to it as Fuji-san. We managed to get a few photos without the clouds, our guide told us we were lucky as its usually a cloudy view.
Unlike Rebun, Rishiri has one road that loops around the whole of the island. But as there is a whopping great volcano in the middle, there is no cutting across, you basically have to go all the way around. The island is also bigger in size and population that Rebun and this was noticeable as soon as we got off the ferry.
Ahhh, but before we get there I have to give a should out to these guys, I have no idea who there are but as the ferry left the port, in Rebun they were on the dock singing and dancing, thanking us for visiting and hoping to see us again. It was quite the send off. The ferry between the two island only takes about 30 minutes.
We then drove south and checked out a couple more swamps, even though they were in quite close proximity, the different in plants were quite amazing. And our guide was on it, she spotted all kinds of plants that we would have missed.
We were picked up by the hotel shuttle bus so didn't get to see much of the port when we landed, our hotel was basically on the other side of the island, so we got to enjoy the scenery as we drove there. We checked in then went to explore the town and get our bearings. Unfortunately we left it too late to reserve bikes, which was a bit of a bummer because there are some lovely cycle paths. Instead we went for lunch.
The town centre is really just a couple of quiet streets, we decided on this old style cafe, not that there was much choice. It was very laid back, the food was good and it was interesting to sit in. They had shelves of local goods for sale and if you follow the corridor out to the back they have some antique bits and pieces but it also leads you to a small gallery. There we found pictures made of konbu and shells, it was quite interesting and free!
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| I Love Rishiri Cafe |
We did attempt to got for a walk around shinrin koen but I'm telling you, those horseflies are evil. We soon gave up (admittedly, it was me because I was the one getting bitten through my leggings). We picked up some supplies from the one tiny conbini then went back to the hotel and chilled out for a while - it was quite a hot day!
That evening we went to Golly's Pizza. Do book ahead, they only slot they had for us was at 5:30pm which is when it opened and it was packed out. The pizza was great, proper oven and some interesting toppings. They also sell their own sauces and whatnot. Then after pizza we wandered down the road a bit to a place called Amber Shore. This is quite literally 3 tables, 12 chairs and a bloke selling booze out of his kitchen. He also has a few snacks on offer but we had just eaten so just stuck to beer.
The owner is an interesting chap, he told us how he ended up on the island and about his work at the whisky distillery. It was lovely just to chat along, enjoying the views, beer and the sunset.
We headed back to the hotel around 9:30pm and already everything was closing down, party town, this is not! We did go up onto the roof of the hotel - it's OK, it is allowed! To do a spot of star watching, there were a few shooting stars which was exciting.
The next day was another early start as we were meeting our guide again. We left the itinerary up to her as she know the area and what is good to see at this time of year. We started off at Hime Swamp, there is a hut on the way in that sells postcards including one with all the flower and birds that you are likely to see, a good idea to pick one up if you don't have a guide.
She shared lots of knowledge about the trees and plants, and showed us how to extract the pine oil from the tree, sticky but smells divine. We also collected water from a spring up the mountain, the spring is one of Japan's famous 100 springs! Yes, they love that stuff here, I have to say the water was especially good, sweet and cold.
We went back to the town for lunch, the guide had booked us in a Bonten for 12pm, it was packed, they were turning people away, by 12:45pm they had taken the sign down and closed. Seriously, if there is only one thing you take from this post is should be that things happen early and you have to book early!
The lunch was OK, home made soba noodles for me that they make using the spring water and of course, lots of fish for the guys.
I can't say I enjoyed the next park much but the lads did. These islands are famous for their kombu seaweed and uni - sea urchin. So off we went to learn how to crack a sea urchin and Kamui Kaigan Park. If you are new here you should know that I hate fish or anything else that comes from the sea, I don't want to smell it, let alone eat it.
But if your family are seafood lovers, they would probably find this quite interesting. The staff explained all about the sea urchins and then how to crack them and scoop out the edible parts. Which of course, they then ate, you can't get much fresher than that!
The whisky distillery is in the same area too, you can pop in and take a look at what they are doing and there is a small shop/bar too.
We then drove south and checked out a couple more swamps, even though they were in quite close proximity, the different in plants were quite amazing. And our guide was on it, she spotted all kinds of plants that we would have missed.
And just to reiterate what I said in my previous post, there is a lot of poison ivy both in the trees and low down so covering your skin is a good idea and did I mention the horseflies? Two things, wearing loose clothing makes it more difficult for them to bite you, and if you arrive to a swamp by car, turn the car off and give it a couple of minutes before you leave the car, for some reason the sound of the car attracts them.
Our final stop of the day was at CHICO GARAGE, it's a set of 3 shops, cool trendy island goods, adventure equipment and tours and bar. According to our guide they have life acts on at the bar at the weekend, bands that come over from the mainland. Laid back vibes. Unfortunately, the band they had on the night we were there classed with dinner plans so we didn't get to see them.
On the way back to the hotel we stopped at another spring to refill our bottles, and also to check out some of the local landmarks like the tiny shrine and the sleeping bear rock. Not really worth going out of your way to see but if you have time and you are passing, make the stop.
Our final stop of the day was at CHICO GARAGE, it's a set of 3 shops, cool trendy island goods, adventure equipment and tours and bar. According to our guide they have life acts on at the bar at the weekend, bands that come over from the mainland. Laid back vibes. Unfortunately, the band they had on the night we were there classed with dinner plans so we didn't get to see them.
But I thought I'd share the info incase you make it there.
INFO
We stayed at the Island Inn Rishiri, I preferred this hotel over the one we stayed at on Rebun island. The buffet breakfast was really good, great selection of food and included Cava in the drinks selection. We also had dinner here one night, buffet again with full drink bar. The room was clean and spacious.
If you go, I hope you have a great time!
If you want to see the reviews of all the places we visited on the island, I'm a Local Guide on Google and you can see my reviews here. If you find any of my reviews helpful, please give it a 👍!
Our guide is from Hokkaido Guide Service and her instagram is here.
If you go, I hope you have a great time!
We loved both islands, but Rebun was my favourite!
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