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Overnight Climbing Trip on Mt Rishiri

Overnight Climbing Trip on Mt Rishiri
Shadow of Rishiri at Sunset
Stars and Rebun island
Overlooking the sunset from the summit of Rishiri
The summit turns into an entrance to the universe after the sunset

Come and experience a memorable overnight Mt Rishiri Climb; the overwhelming sunset, stars, and sunrise, with the local certified mountain guide, Toshiya

2 Days

Aug - Oct

Intermediate

Intermediate


Description

Come and find the breathtaking view of the sunset, the stars, and the sunrise that you will never be able to find at the base of mountains

There is a moment that change your whole attitude towards life. And maybe, that moment is the Overnight Climbing Trip on Rishiri Mountain.

A mountain that is 360 degrees surrounded by ocean, like Mt Rishiri, is rare in the world, and that is why you can enjoy the special and spectacular scenery that is hard to find wherever in the world.

The sunset, stadium of stars and early-morning sunlight… you will have glorious views of the nature during the tour on Rishiri Mountain. I would like you to experience this special moment with us. This is the best tour to have a lot of fun whilst climbing.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Total hours of walking: 4.5 hours (ascent)

After gear check, we will start at around 10:00 am. If you come by Heart Land Ferry, which leaves Wakkanai at 7:15 and arrives at Oshidomari (Rishiri) at 8:55, then you can also join this tour. After walking about 4.5 hours, we will arrive at the bivouac hut. Enjoy looking at the setting sun and dinner. After dinner, star-filled night sky will welcome you!

Day 2:  Total hours of walking: 6 hours (2-hour ascent, 4-hour descent)

Our day starts at around 2 hours before the sun rise. With a small backpack with basic gears and a head torch, we will start walking. It will be about 30 minutes before the sun rise when we should arrive at the summit of Mt Rishiri. There, we suck in the early-morning rays of sunshine and prepare for the descent. After returning at the bivouac hut, we will have a breakfast and start the remainder of the descent. It maybe around 1:00 – 2:00 pm when we return to the starting point of the hike. I will then drive you back to your hotels. (restricted to the Oshidomari area)

* It is not allowed to stay overnight at the bivouac hut on Rishiri Mountain except in case of emergencies. Therefore, this programme is not offered in June-July during the peak climbing periods. We will only be using the hut to take a light nap.

TRANSPORTATION:

Coming to Rishiri can be done either by flight (45 min) from Sapporo either by ferry (1.40) leaving from Wakkanai.

KIT LIST:

– Large Backpack (over 40L)
– Usual hiking / mountaineering clothing
– Sleeping bag
– Sleeping mat
– Portable toilet (3 sets)
– Toilet paper
– Head torch (with spare batteries)
– Warm clothes (beanies, gloves, etc..)
– Change of clothes
– Toiletries, towel
– Alcoholic beverages
– 4L of Water (2L for drinking, 2L for cooking meals)
– Others: Rain wear (top & bottom), personal medical kits, trash bag, snacks, emergency food, etc.)* In some cases we may ask you to carry foodstuffs. We appreciate your help.

Other Info:

  • This tour is available for a limited time only from August to October. In these months, night is long and the air is clear. it will be comfortable to spend the night on the mountain

  • Joining this trip in Aug-Sept is great, but seeing the first snowcap on Mt Rishiri in October is also very special.

  • It is recommended to schedule an extra / contingency day in case of bad weather. We will then be able to pick the best day for camping and for summiting.

  • Check out my hiking trip that lets you see both Rishiri and Rebun islands, and even the sea kayaking trip on Rebun island, if you're very into the outdoors and like enjoying the nature!

Disclaimer:

  • For your safety and comfort, please follow the instruction given by the guide during the tour.

  • For hazard avoidance, this program could be cancelled, postponed or changed in case of bad weather.

Cancellation Policy:

Please see Cancellation Fee as below in case of last minute cancellations:

  • For cancellation on the day before the trip – 50% of Trip Price

  • For cancellation on the day of the trip – 100% of Trip Price

Price includes

  • Guiding fee

About the guide

Guide profile image

-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

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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!


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