Edge of Hokkaido Tour 2026 with Rishiri and Rebun Islands
Touch the northern tip of Japan! Explore the mystique of Hokkaido’s Rishiri and Rebun Islands
Discover for yourself why Japan’s Far North is Far From Ordinary
Immerse yourself in the magic of remote northern Japan! Vistas straight out of a fantasy novel await you on Rishiri and Rebun islands, where unique alpine flowers bloom at sea level and the majestic silhouette of Mount Rishiri—often called Rishiri-Fuji for its resemblance to Japan’s famous peak—dominates the horizon. Rolling hills tumble into the deep blue Sea of Japan while fresh seafood delicacies such as uni (sea urchin) and konbu (edible kelp) provide a satisfying taste of local life.
Early summer’s mild weather makes it ideal for travel, while the solitude and slower pace offer a refreshing escape from crowded tourist routes. This is definitely a side of Hokkaido that few visitors ever reach! In addition to your memorable stay on the islands, you’ll ascend Asahidake, Hokkaido’s highest mountain, via ropeway to marvel at the lingering summer snow, plus pick your own sweet strawberries at a local orchard and have plenty of time to browse the myriad shops of Otaru’s popular canal district. More than just another trip, this is a chance to step into Japan’s wild north, relax, and listen as the whispers of this pristine landscape wash over you like a gentle ocean breeze.
Destination Highlights for the Edge of Hokkaido Tour
Wakkanai – Rebun Island – Rishiri Island – Asahikawa – Biei – Sapporo – and more!
A special highlight of this tour is staying on Rebun Island during the blooming season of the island’s unique alpine flowers. Sometimes called the “Floating Island of Flowers,” Rebun holds over 300 species of alpine plants that flourish even at sea level due to the region’s chilly climate. Some of these flowers exist nowhere else in the world, including Rebun usuyukiso, a type of Edelweiss flower endemic to this special location.
Ready to breathe in the refreshing northern air, savor the region’s famed seafood delicacies, and escape to a world where mountains rise from the sea and wildflowers paint the pristine hillsides? Join us and discover why Japan’s Far North is Far from Ordinary.
What’s included on the Edge of Hokkaido Tour
- Start your journey in peace, away from the airport crowds, with a chance to relax at HIS Hawaii’s exclusive LeaLea Lounge at Honolulu Airport before your flight.
- Expert English-speaking local guides and a professional tour escort from Honolulu
- A private professional driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- Authentic cultural activities like harvesting uni (sea urchin), a hands-on crafts experience using local konbu kelp, picking your own succulent fresh fruit at a local orchard, and more!
- Relaxing stays at exceptional hotels and onsen (hot springs) resorts
- 24 fantastic meals, featuring regional and seasonal delicacies, including a deluxe crab kaiseki dinner!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
Key Highlights:
- Explore both Rebun and Rishiri Islands, home to some of Japan’s most unspoiled natural landscapes, including unique alpine flowers on Rebun and the iconic Rishiri Fuji mountain on Rishiri.
- Wander the Sarobetsu Wetland area, a haven for birdlife and Japan’s largest highland marsh. Filled with wildflowers, this habitat is a RAMSAR-listed site due to its importance to migratory birds.
- Pick sweet strawberries right off the vine at a local orchard outside of Otaru. Japanese fruit is famous for its superior quality and you’ll see why with this activity!
- Climb Hokkaido’s highest peak, Mt. Asahidake, using a ropeway, and admire snowdrifts that remain even during the summer! Definitely a sight not to be missed.
- Savor specialty seasonal and regional cuisine with 24 included exceptional meals, including a premium crab kaiseki-style farewell dinner. Hokkaido is especially well-known for its seafood and its dairy products, and you’ll get your fill of both!
- Feel the richness of the country’s culture through hands-on activities that let you meet local residents and learn from experienced artisans. Try your hand at harvesting uni (sea urchin) and create a konbu souvenir while on Rishiri Island, then stop by Japan’s northernmost distillery to learn how the region’s ingredients are utilized to create distinctive whisky flavors.
- Relax with a full free day in Sapporo to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy certain foods you’ve always wanted to try, all at your own pace! You can also add an optional day tour if you’d prefer. Ask us for suggestions!
Tour Itinerary
10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS IN JAPAN
Click here to see the full tour schedule!
Day 0 – June 13 (Saturday): Departure from Honolulu
- Your journey to Japan begins at Honolulu International Airport. Relax in the exclusive LeaLea Lounge before boarding your nonstop flight with All Nippon Airways (ANA). Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Day 1 – June 14 (Sunday): Arrival in Japan
- Arrive at Haneda International Airport, pass through immigration and customs, then walk to your hotel directly connected to the terminal. Rest and relax!
- Hotel: Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda or similar
- Meals included: Two meals served onboard the plane
Day 2 – June 15 (Monday): Tokyo to Wakkanai
- Take a short domestic flight on ANA from Haneda to Wakkanai Airport, then meet your local guide and begin your tour of Hokkaido! Explore Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Japan, plus a photo stop at the Wakkanai Port North Breakwater Dome for its striking architecture.
- Hotel: Surfeel Hotel Wakkanai or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3 – June 16 (Tuesday): Welcome to Rebun Island
- Ride the ferry from Wakkanai Port to Rebun Island. Discover this unique location, home to alpine flowers found nowhere else in the world. Major destinations include Cape Sukai, Cape Sukoton, Momoiwa Observation Desk, and Kita no Kanaria Park. Enjoy hot springs!
- Hotel: Hana Rebun or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4 – June 17 (Wednesday): Rishiri Island Highlights
- Board the ferry and transfer to Rishiri Island, home to towering “Rishiri Fuji” mountain, said to resemble Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji. Explore the picture-perfect beauty of this remote destination, including Himenuma Pond, Otatomari Marsh, Numaura Observatory, and Senhoshi Misaki Park. Slip into soothing hot springs tonight!
- Hotel: Hotel Rishiri or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 – June 18 (Thursday): Rishiri Experiences
- Try your hand at harvesting your own uni (sea urchin) this morning, then enjoy a hands-on activity to make souvenirs using the local delicacy konbu edible seaweed. Take a tour of Kamui Whisky Distillery, the northernmost such facility in Japan, and have a free afternoon to relax, wander the town, shop for omiyage, and bask in the onsen hot springs.
- Hotel: Hotel Rishiri or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6 – June 19 (Friday): Back to the Mainland
- Transfer by ferry from Rishiri over to Wakkanai, take in dramatic views at Cape Noshappu, then journey south to the Sarobetsu Wetland, a RAMSAR ecological site full of brilliant wildflowers and migratory birds. Savor sweet treats at Gelateria the Green Grass before arriving at your hotel. Enjoy hot springs!
- Hotel: Utanobori Green Park Hotel or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7 – June 20 (Saturday): Down to Asahikawa
- Check out the Nayoro City Northland Museum, dedicated to the theme of “winter life” and featuring exhibitions about the region’s natural history, then find the perfect omiyage at Michi-no-Eki Nayoro shopping area. Move to Asahikawa City and taste renowned Otokoyama Sake plus shopping at Aeon Mall, home to popular staples such as Daiso, Muji, and more.
- Hotel: OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8 – June 21 (Sunday): Asahidake to Sapporo
- Reach the sky with a ropeway ride on Mt. Asahi, Hokkaido’s tallest mountain, where snowdrifts linger even in the summer, then sightsee around lovely Biei Town at Hokusei no Oka View Park, famous “Aoi Ike” Blue Pond, and the expansive flower fields of Shikisai no Oka. Head to Sapporo and check in to your convenient hotel before having some free time to choose your own dinner.
- Hotel: Mercure Sapporo or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 9 – June 22 (Monday): Fresh fruit and Otaru
- Pick your own succulent fruit at a local orchard, then explore Otaru’s famous canal district and Sakaimachi shopping street, including the Music Box Museum, Kitaichi Glass Company, and LeTao Confectionary. Head back to Sapporo for a deluxe farewell crab kaiseki dinner to reminisce and celebrate your journey.
- Hotel: Mercure Sapporo or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 10 – June 23 (Tuesday): Sapporo Free Day
- Explore Sapporo at your own pace! Dine, shop, or just relax. Need ideas? Ask us for suggestions or optional day tours.
- Hotel: Mercure Sapporo or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11 – June 24 (Wednesday): Return to Hawaii
- Free time in the morning before heading to New Chitose Airport. Get in last-minute shopping at the airport before flying to Honolulu via Tokyo-Haneda with All Nippon Airways. Welcome home!
- Hotel: —
- Meals included: Breakfast, plus two meals served onboard the plane
This vibrant early-summer journey takes care of every detail, so you can fully relax and immerse yourself in Japan’s unsurpassed natural northern beauty, plus cultural experiences, gourmet cuisine, and comforting onsen (hot springs) retreats.
Pricing
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$5,490.00*
$4,490.00 **
$1,200.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Early-booking Special Offer:
SAVE $100 by being one of the first ten participants!
Here are just a few of the sights and activities you’ll enjoy:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: Japan during the early summer usually has a pleasant climate, especially in Hokkaido. Average high temperatures for Sapporo in the middle of June are about 71 degrees during the day, with a low of around 56 degrees at night.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour. If you require special consideration, such as a wheelchair, please let us know in advance.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are several periods of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including a full free day in Sapporo.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 24 exceptional meals: 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners. Meals during free time are on your own so you can explore local specialties at your own pace.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of premium, modern hotels and traditional onsen (hot springs) resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international airfare from Honolulu to Japan, plus the domestic flights to/from Hokkaido, are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: This group is limited in size (25 participants) to ensure the best accommodations and restaurants, a comfortable pace, and personalized service from your guide and escort.
