Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, Japan's most northerly national park takes in the Sarobetsu Plain at the northernmost tip of Hokkaido and the offshore islands of Rishiri and Rebun. This area, of particular interest to birdwatchers, can be reached from the port of Wakkanai.

Thanks to the warm Tsushima Current Wakkani (pop 60,000), in Soya Bay, is ice-free throughout the year. South of the town are Toyotomi and the little seaside resort of Toyotomi and the little seaside resort of Toyotomi-onsen. From Toyotomi Station there is a bus to the Sarobetsu Plain with the Sarobetsu Gensei Kaen, a well-watered garden with sub-Arctic vegetation (azaleas, etc).

Off the coast opposite the Sarobetsu Plain lies the almost exactly circular island of Rishiri, with the volcanic cone of Mount Rishiri (5,640ft/ 1,719m). A road encircles the coast. There is good fishing to be had in Lake Himenuma, and pleasant walks to Misaki Park and Kutsugata-Misaki Park. The ascent of Mount Rishiri takes about 10 hours there and back; in the summit area there are rare species of seabirds and alpine plants.

Six miles northwest is the island of Rebun (32sq.mi/ 82sq.km) known as the "Island of Flowers", from which a fine view of Mount Rishiri may be enjoyed. There is a beautiful beach at Motoshi-kaigan and imposing cliffs at Nishitomari-kaigan.