Mt. Rebun is a relatively low mountain with an altitude of 490 m located on Rebun Island in Rishiri-Rebub-Sarobetsu National Park in the northwestern end of Hokkaido. Rebun Island is a flat island composed of hills and coastal terraces. A variety of alpine plants grow from above sea level due to its high latitude, the island is called “the Island of Flowers.”
Mt. Rebundake is nearly at the center of this longish island. It is counted as one of the 100 beautiful mountains in Hokkaido. Two hours’ walk through the woods of Erman's Birch Sakhalin fir will lead you to the top of the mountain. As the access to the summit is not very difficult, it is visited by a lot of tourists.
In summer, more than 300 species of plants including bunchberry dogwood (Chamaepericlymenum canadense), Isotsutsuji (Ledum palustre var. diversipilosum) and Ezo-suzuran (Epipactis papillosa) come into bloom. However, as the wind is very cold, you must be attentive to your clothes. The 360-degree view from the summit is just magnificent. The emerald green ocean spreads beyond green hills below. Rishiri Fuji on Rishiri Island ―and Teuri Island together with the tip of Sakhalin on a fine day― can bee viewed in the southeastern direction.
Numaura Wetland located in the southern part of Rishiri Island is a designated Natural Monument of Rishirifuji Town. This wetland along with Otadomari-numa Pond and Minamihara Wetland is selected as one of 500 Important Wetlands in Japan by the Ministry of Environment as Rishiri-to Wetlands.
Communities of swamp plants and alpine plants such as Isotsutsuji (Ledum palustre var. diversipilosum) and northern cranberry are formed. This is also the northernmost boundary of Ezo-tsutsuji (Therorhodion camtschaticum).
The wetland was formed in the explosion crater about 4,000 years ago. The reflected image of Rishiri Fuji on the surface of Otadomari-numa Pond is wonderful.
80% of Japan’s wetlands are located in Hokkaido. With the continuing decrease in the number of wetlands in Japan, Rishiri-to Wetlands are what we must protect and conserve.
Kanro Sensui is a fresh water spring that wells up from Mt. Rijiri (1771m above sea level) in Rijiri Island located north east of Hokkaido.
Because of its beauty, Mt. Rijiri is also called Rijiri Fuji Mountain and was voted one of 100 best mountains in Japan.
Kanro Sensui emerges about a third of the way up at the hill station of Mt. Rijiri which is about 290m above sea level. Its water remains at a near constant temperature of 5.5°C all year round. Kanro Sensui, chosen as one of 100 most remarkable waters of Japan, is located at the northern most point of all these spring waters, and as the name, “Kanro”, implies, the water tastes sweet.
Mt. Rijiri is a scenic mountain and treasure trove of rich plant and animal life including pikhta, jezo spruce, acer mono and erman’s birch. The spring water of Kanro Sensui is rain and snow-melt that has filtered for a hundred years through the rocky underground and emerges with a distinct taste and purity.
Mt. Rijiri is not a high mountain; however, it is dominated by steep paths and caution and appropriate equipment are needed for the ascent. Despite that, the mountain attracts many climbers. Breathtaking views of Sakhalin can be seen from the summit. Resting during the ascent and tasting the spring water on the way to the summit is one of the most pleasurable experiences for the climbers.
Mt. Kaimondake (924 m) is located in Ibusuki City in the southernmost part of Kagoshima Prefecture. It is counted as one of Japan’s 100 Fine Mountains. From its fine conical shape, it is called Satsuma Fuji.
Mt. Kaimondake erupted in 874 and 885, by which the lava dome was formed in the crater and it became a two-staged complex volcano. The walking trail winds up to the mountain top.
At the top of the mountain is Mitake Shrine, the back shrine of Hirasaki Shrine at the foot. Mt. Kaimondake itself is the sacred body of this shrine. From the mountain top, you can command a magnificent view from the Kirishima mountain range in the north to Yakushima Island in the south including major sightseeing spots in the prefecture.
In the areas at the foot of the mountain, rape flowers bloom in spring, leaves of the evergreen forest cover the whole mountain in early summer and Chinese tallow trees (Sapium sebiferum) turn red in fall.
Subtropical and tropical plants can be seen in the botanical garden in Kaimon Submontane Natural Park located around the 2nd station of the mountain. At the foot of the mountain area many hot spring towns.
Rishiri Island is a circular island located to the west of Wakkanai City in north Hokkaido. Most part of the island is designated as a part of Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. The word “Rishiri” comes from an Ainu word “ri-sir,” meaning “an island with a lofty mountain.” As its name shows, the island has a lofty mountain of Mt. Rishiri (1,721 m), which has a beautiful conical shape like Mt. Fuji. Being called “Rishiri Fuji,” it is the symbol of the island.
Rishiri Island is blessed with fishing grounds and ocean resources. Especially kelp taken from the sea around the island is famous all over the country as Rishiri Kelp. The island is also the treasure trove of alpine plants including many species peculiar to this island. With a lot of exquisite mountains, highlands, lakes and wetlands, Rishiri Island is a fascinating sightseeing spot.
Mt. Rishiri (1,721 m) stands at the center of Rishiri Island to the west of Wakkanai City in Hokkaido. Its name “Rishiri” comes from an Ainu word “ri-sir,” meaning “an island with a lofty mountain.” Being called “Rishiri Fuji” from its beautiful conic shape, it is counted as one of Japan’s 100 Fine Mountains.
A large part of Rishiri Island is occupied by Mt. Rishiri with its gentle slopes expanding in both Rishiri Town and Rishirifuji Town. As its base reaches the sea, this mountain is “the tallest” mountain in Japan in that the distance between the base (0 meter above sea level) and the top of a mountain is the greatest. The appearance of “the northernmost Mt. Fuji” is brilliant when viewed from the coast in Wakkanai.
Mt. Rishiri is also famous as a place where alpine plants grow. Many tourists, who long for the sight of alpine flowers, visit this isolated island during the blooming season. The summit commands a 360-degree panoramic view including Rebun Island and even Sakhalin on a fine day. As the climbing trails are relatively gentle, it’s not a very big challenge for beginners.
Cape Gorota is a rocky cape located in Funadomari-mura, Rebun-cho on the Northern part of Rebun Island in Hokkaido. In the Ainu language, it is called “Kamui Kotan (the place where the god lives),” which is usually given to dangerous places along rivers and coasts. The cape located at 176 m above sea level consists of the cliff protruding to the westward. You can command a panoramic view of Todo Island, Lake Kushu, Mt. Rebun and Mt. Rishiri (Rishiri-Fuji). The cape looks like a dinosaur lying along the coast. Walking down the promenade to the south, you will get to Gorota Beach and Teppu Beach farther away. Here at Cape Gorota you will encounter the beautiful sky, sea, flowers and winds and fully enjoy the natural beauty.
Mt. Ponyama with an altitude of 444 m is located in Rishiri Fuji-cho on Rishiri Island, Hokkaido. Rishiri Island is a round island with Mt. Rishiri in its center. Mt. Rishiri, which is 1721 m above sea level, is counted as one of Japan’s 100 Fine Mountains. As Mt. Ponyama is far smaller than Mt. Rishiri, it is called “Pon” meaning “small” in Ainu. Consequently there are a lot of “pon” mountains on this island. Ponyama generally refers to Mt. Oshidomari Ponyama, the highest of all the “pon” mountains. From the top of the mountain, you can command a wide view of Rebun Island and the streets of Oshidomari area. You can also enjoy viewing alpine plants and wild birds. On the back side of the island rise several parasitic volcanoes such as Oniwaki Ponyama and Senboushi Ponyama. There are also beautiful ponds like Himenuma Pond and Otadomari Pond, which are thought to be the remains of volcanic craters. As the promenade links Sho-Ponyama, Kanrosui and Himenuma Pond, it is easy to get to the summit of Mt. Ponyama