Discover Rishirifuji: Harbor panoramas, mountain views, and island nature

Rishirifuji combines striking views and nature experiences with small discoveries in Oshidomari. At the harbor, Cape Peshi opens up a 360-degree panorama; in the primeval forest, Mount Rishiri may be reflected in a pond. There is also a famous spring, a lighthouse with far-reaching views, and a local specialty at the ferry terminal. You can choose between viewpoints, nature, and a culinary stop for your trip.

Views between harbor and forest

Cape Peshi is right beside Oshidomari Harbor. From its summit, the panorama stretches all around; anyone interested in island views will find a striking viewpoint here. The Oshidomari Lighthouse stands near the summit. From there, you have an unobstructed view of the Sea of Japan, Rebun Island, Hokkaido, and Mount Rishiri. The cape and lighthouse are distinct vantage points for taking in the surroundings: the 360-degree panorama from the cape, and the specifically named distant views from the lighthouse.

Himenuma offers a different natural setting in a primeval forest. The pond has a circumference of about one kilometer. In calm weather, the silhouette of Mount Rishiri, also known as Rishiri Fuji, may be reflected in its waters. This possible reflection makes it worth considering the conditions on site: it does not appear in every kind of weather. For planning your stay, it is also important to know that Himenuma is inaccessible from early November to late April. It is in Oshidomari Bay, about a 10-minute drive from the ferry terminal, and has 16 free parking spaces.

Those interested in springs and mountain scenery can also visit Kanro Spring. It is near the third station on the Oshidomari trail up Mount Rishiri and is one of Japan’s 100 famous springs. Its connection to the trail and the mountain makes it a distinct natural attraction alongside the harbor views and the forested pond.

Using Oshidomari to guide your choice of location

Several of the experiences described are in Oshidomari, while the Rishiri Island Cycling Road is in the wider surrounding area. The cycling route is well maintained and purpose-built; it lets you explore the landscapes of Rishiri Island.

The distances from the ferry terminal also offer practical guidance for two places in Oshidomari. Rishirifuji Hot Spring in Oshidomari-Sakae is about a five-minute drive or a 20-minute walk from the terminal. Himenuma is about a 10-minute drive away.

A local specialty at the ferry terminal

For a culinary highlight, Maruzen serves uni-meshi-don on the second floor of the Oshidomari Ferry Terminal. This local specialty is a rice bowl topped with sea urchin. It adds a specific dish to the nature and viewpoints, served at a clearly identified location. If you would like to discover local cuisine as well as the scenery during your trip, you can include this stop as a point of interest.

Discover more places

You can also explore Shibetsu, Saroma, Rebun District, Odori, Kato District, Kamishihoro, Kitami, and Okushiri.

For the overview of the wider region: Hokkaido.