Mount Rishiri, Hokkaido, One day Guided Traverse

Join JMGA certified guide Toshiya for a full day traverse of the beautiful Mount Rishiri off the coast of Hokkaido, Japan, utilising 2 different routes.

1 Day

Jun - Sep

High

Intermediate

Description

Mount Rishiri (1,721m) is a beautiful volcano to behold, and when you see it rising high from the centre of the island bearing its name, it is not difficult to see why.

This Japanese wonder is one of the country’s 100 most famous peaks. The island where it proudly stands is located off the coast of Hokkaido. And while it may appear to be an isolated location, it is actually quite accessible from the mainland.

There are different routes a person can take both ascending and descending this wonderful peak. And due to the varied routes we will take, this trip to the summit of Mount Rishiri will be more challenging than the more conventional round trip Oshidomari route. As a result, participants on this trip should be physically fit, and have some previous hiking experience. However, because this trip is more challenging, the rewards are even greater!

You will get to enjoy some spectacular views during the nearly 12 hour hike. And on the summit, you will get to admire the faces of Candle rock and the the Senpoushi ridge. However, it will be during the descend along the much lesser used Kutsugata route where you will really get to see some glorious scenery. This route is very quiet, has an abundance of lovely alpine flowers, and offers a number of variations. Thus making it a wonderful way to end this amazing adventure.

Mount Rishiri is a magnificent peak that offers a memorable experience for anybody who wants to hike to its summit. And on this trip, I want to present you with a more challenging way to the top. So if you would like to join me, please send me a request.

I can also lead you to the summit of Mount Rishiri along the more traditional route on this one day hike.

Price includes

Guiding fee
Transport during the trip

Details

More info

This traverse can be changed or cancelled due to weather conditions or other unforeseen events. The tour guide may change from Toshiya Watanabe to another equally qualified JMGA certified guide. Also, when there are more than 4 participants in a group, an additional guide will be present. Participants should bring with them the following items: hiking clothing and shoes, Rain wear, portable toilet, drinking water, gloves or army cotton gloves, hat or cap, sunscreen, towel, change of clothes, backpack (25 to 40L), head light for emergency use after dark, personal first aid kit, trash bag, snacks.

Meeting point

You can fly from Sapporo's Okazu Airport to Rishiri Airport or from Haneda Airport to Wakkanai Airport, where you can come to Rishiri Island by ferry from Wakkanai. If you come by ferry we'll be able to pick you up at the ferry terminal for free.

About the guide

-Toshiya

4.8

(22)

Ski Guide

I was born on the island of Rishiri in 1969. I still live here today! Since my childhood, I have spent most of my time in the sea, going fishing, and in the mountain going skiing. I’m a ski guide (level 2) from the Japanese Mountain Guide Association. I’m the only one on the island. I have reached the summit of Rishiri more than 500 times… It’s my great pleasure to guide here and let people from all around the world discover this beautiful island all year round. Please feel free to get in touch with me if you are looking for a local expert to guide you in Rishiri. Besides mountain guiding, I'm managing a family hostel here so I can help you with the accommodation as well.

Languages

Japanese | English

Certificates

JMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about -Toshiya

We had an amazing experience on Rishiri, perfect snow, good weather and a guide who knows the island like his pocket. The very steep slopes and the overwhelming nature satisfied every wish we had. We have been looking for a guided tour avoiding the normal tracks on Hokkaido and then saw the pictures of the floating mountain. And definitively the adventure included. We went to the southern part of the island, as Toshi-san knew that there would be the best snow conditions. The first 5km we have been toed in by a snow mobile and then climbed up a several times, riding different gullies each time. Toshi-san is an amazing person, always happy, friendly and very welcoming. As said before, he knows every bit of the island and guided accordingly bringing us to breathtaking places. We all would and will totally recommend him to friends visiting Japan. The reality was much better than expectations! We had some concerns regarding the weather conditions and difficulty but got lucky with the weather and never felt that Toshi chose a route too difficult. Rishiri is a floating mountain! Steep like in the Swiss alps, but just one single mountain, which makes the it much more imposant. On the sunny day, we could see the Sibirian mainland. What are your top 3 memories during the trip ? Riding very steep slopes in perfect snow, Toshi-san with his warm and welcoming attitude, and the travel to get there and back

Our two guides have been really great and showed us the beauty of Rishiri and Rebun Island by sharing their knowledge and passion. We did learn a lot about the flora on Japan's most Northern islands! Rishiri-Zan was a great, pleasant summer hike and must be beautiful and fun for ski touring in Winter time. thanks again!

denis

We had a great trip, no powder but fabulous Spring ski, thanks to Toshiya who is super friendly and excellent at picking the right route according to the weather especially in windy conditions. Thanks a lot

Mikko

Outstanding service in pension and guiding.

Ben

Had a great time on Rishiri with Toshi. He really knows how to make the best out of all weather conditions. Had some of the best skiing of my life, plus the food was great!