Rebun Island

A sliver of island 60 km off the northern tip of Hokkaido, closer to Sakhalin than to Sapporo — nicknamed "the floating island of flowers" for the 300 alpine plant species that bloom across its treeless plateau each June and July. Because the island has no mountains high enough to create snow-line conditions, these rare arctic-alpine flowers grow unusually low, just metres above sea level.

Location

Why Visit

• 1

  300 species of alpine flowers bloom on the plateau in June–July, including the rare Rebun-usuyukisou (edelweiss relative)

• 2

  The 8-hour hiking course traverses the full length of the island's west coast along dramatic sea-cliff trails

• 3

  Sea urchin (uni) harvested in Rebun's cold waters is regarded as some of Japan's finest — served raw at harbour-side restaurants

• 4

  Cape Sukoton at the north end of the island looks across to Sakhalin on clear days

Local Tips

The full 8-hour west coast hiking course requires an early start — take the first ferry from Wakkanai and begin hiking by 9:00. Pack lunch as facilities are minimal along the trail. Book ferry tickets and accommodation (very limited) weeks ahead for the June–July flower peak.