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Mount Rishiri, Japan, Guided Hiking

Come and join JMGA certified guide Toshiya on a wonderful 1 day hike to the top of Mount Rishiri on the beautiful Japanese island that bears the same name.

Not specified

1 Day

Jun, Jul, Aug

Fit

Beginner


Description

This full day hiking adventure revolves around a single, simple idea, and that’s enjoying a beautiful hike in a beautiful place. That beautiful hike is to the top of the majestic Mount Rishiri (1,721m), while that beautiful place is the Rishiri Island.

Located off the coast of Hokkaido in northern Japan, this small island appears like a gorgeous painting from afar. And the main highlight of the whole island is the stunning volcano that looks so similar to the famed Mount Fuji (3,776m), that it is sometimes called Rishiri Fuji. This mighty peak rests like a king in the centre of the small island, and to reach its summit is to enjoy an unforgettable view that includes a panoramic perspective of the ocean from all sides.

This hike will take approximately 12 hours. As a result, participants should be in good enough physical shape for a hike of that length of time. Furthermore, because of the time, the trip will begin very early. The start times are 4:00 am in June and July, and 4:30 am in August.

Before we start the hike, we will spend some time warming up. After that, we will make our way up the mountain. We will stop at several stations along the way. And when we get to the summit of Mount Rishiri, you will be given time for pictures and admiration. And finally, when you’ve had enough of the great views,  we will descend back to the trail’s entrance, where the guide will take you back to your hotel.

This hiking tour of Mount Rishiri is a great experience that you won’t forget. The alpine flowers are stunning, and there is even a hidden area that I can take you too that only local guides know about. So if you would like to join me, please send me a request.

I can also lead you an overnight hike to the summit of Mount Rishiri if you’re interested.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Transport during the trip


Details

Accommodation

There are several hotels where you can stay in the Oshidomari area of the island.

More info

This tour 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. 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

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


What people are saying about -Toshiya Watanabe

denis joly

5.00

March, 2023

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 Vanska

5.00

March, 2023

Outstanding service in pension and guiding.

Ben Rowlinson

5.00

January, 2023

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!

Angela Gillespie

5.00

April, 2021

If it were possibke to award 100 Stars I would !

Davide Jacks

5.00

March, 2020

The traveller did not leave a comment.

M. R. Grimshaw

5.00

March, 2020

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Joel Schy

5.00

January, 2020

Toshi is world class from pick-up to drop-off. Very friendly, very professional and he knows Rishiri inside out. His guest house is outstanding and the food they serve like nowhere else. Will be back very soon!

Anonymous

5.00

April, 2019

Toshi and his crew gave us a truly remarkable experience! From the food to the accommodations to the epic skiing: this trip was out of this world!

Chris Pierce

5.00

March, 2019

Toshi and his staff are great! Very knowledgeable of the local terrain. Definitely recommend bringing a group of people with similar abilities and objectives. If you end up in a mixed group they do their best, but they have to slow the pace to the least experienced people in the group. The accommodations at the pension were very comfortable and the staff was excellent as well. Food was fantastic, including several unique and authentic Japanese dishes.

Paul Johnston

5.00

March, 2019

We had a great trip to Rishiri! The snow gods were not on our side but Rishiri is a mountain of many slopes and aspects and thanks to a great guiding team we always managed to find good snow! Toshi ran a great operation with 3 other guides which meant we were split into two groups with a max of 9 per group and two guides. This allowed the group to be split even further on the day... Special thanks to Shohei and Kosukei - very professional guides!! Arigatou-gozaimashita!!

Bruce Barnett

4.00

February, 2019

I recommend this trip for any backcountry skier who likes to ski Japan powder. Toshi has a great set up with snow mobiles for initial access and a large variety of steeper terrain for skinning up and skiing down. Can suit a range of wind directions and conditions. The accommodation is new and comfortable and the Japanese dinners and breakfasts are great if you like seafood. There is also an onsen there. Unfortunately we were there at a time when there was no new snow however this was compensated for with the magnificent views we had if Rishiri mountain and surrounding islands.

Craig

3.00

February, 2019

I can not rate Toshiya because he was not our guide. Our experience was marred by a void of communication prior to the trip. We never recieved email or other communication prior to our trip, despite frequent requests. Simple questions like, "Do we need crampons?" were unanswered. The day before our arrival, we called Toshiya (whos phone number was being withheld). He was unaware of what day we were visiting, he did not know how many days or how many people in our group.

Elisabeth Smajda

5.00

January, 2019

English very limited. But otherwise the experience, the accommodation, the snow, the place and the guide were truly amazing!

Nick Oats

5.00

March, 2018

Toshi and his team are fantastic - great guiding and accom, and Rishiri has some amazing terrain for backcountry ski/snowboarding.

James Ramsay

5.00

February, 2018

One of the best trips I have ever done. One of the most beautiful places I have visited in Japan and the rest of the world. Toshi is an exceptional guide, is an expert on the islands skiing and has a fantastic set up including accomodation. His pension is perfect for daily excursions into the backcountry. I cannot recommend this trip enough except that I don't want eveyone else to know about this very special place.


 

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