Located approximately 60 km west of Wakkanai City in the Sea of Japan, Rebun Island is also called the “floating island of flowers” because of the more than 300 varieties of alpine plants that bloom, many of which can only be seen here.
The small island, measuring 29 km from north to south and 8 km from east to west, has a total area of approximately 82 ㎢ and is centered around the 490-meter-high Mount Rebun.
Alpine plants are distributed over the western half of the island, and the area is crowded with tourists who enjoy observing rare flowers and trekking.
Popular species include the Rebunkozakura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), which blooms like a rubber mallee with many flowers, the Miyamotodamaki (Prunus oedamaki) with beautiful flower colors ranging from blue-purple to white, and the Ezono Hakusan Itige (Ezo sp.) with its characteristic wide, round-tipped leaves.
In addition, rare flowers such as the Rebun atsumorisou, Rebun kinbai-sou, and Rebun usyukisou, which are endemic to Rebun Island, can also be seen here.
The island is also designated as part of the Rishiri Rebun Sarobetsu National Park, and the entire area is rich in nature.
The island’s fishing industry is also thriving, and marine products are one of its tourism resources. From the eastern part of the island, Rishiri Fuji can be seen across the Rebun Channel.
Trekking courses such as the “8-hour course of love and romance,” which begins at Cape Scoton, the northernmost point of the island, the “Cape Tour Course,” and the “Flower Road” are well maintained trekking courses that allow visitors to see alpine flora.
Some scenic spots, such as the Rebun Waterfalls, are sparsely populated and rich in nature, but there are dangerous spots along the way, so it is necessary to follow information and instructions from local authorities and nature guides to ensure a safe visit.
The southwestern part of the area is dotted with oddly shaped rocks such as Peach Rock and Jizo Rock, as well as clusters of alpine plants, which, along with Cape Scoton, are also included in tourist bus routes.
In addition, tetrapods at the various fishing ports provide opportunities to catch black sea bream, gaya, sculpin, and lingcod.
The island is also a great place to enjoy gourmet foods such as sea urchins and hokke, mountain climbing, trekking, and other fun activities.
115 minutes by boat from Wakkanai Port