Rishiri Island and Cycling Road

Rishiri Island (利尻島) is a small volcanic island off the northern coast of Hokkaido, dominated by the distinctive 1,721 m peak of Mt. Rishiri. For cyclists, the island offers one of Japan’s most scenic island loops, combining quiet coastal roads with approximately 25 km of dedicated cycling path.

The complete loop is around 60 km, making it a realistic full-day ride for an experienced cyclist while still leaving plenty of time to stop for photographs, food and the many viewpoints around the island. The official Rishiri Saikuru Road (利尻・彩くるロード) combines 24.9 km of dedicated cycling road with sections of the island’s normal roads.

What makes the ride particularly special is the constant presence of Mt. Rishiri. As you circle the island, the mountain changes shape from almost every direction, while the coastline provides views across the Sea of Japan towards neighbouring Rebun Island.

Rishiri Island is an unusual cycling destination because the ride is not really about the road itself. It is about the combination of a spectacular volcanic mountain, an exposed northern coastline, small fishing communities and a dedicated cycling path that allows you to experience the island at bicycle speed.

The roughly 60 km loop is long enough to feel like a genuine cycling adventure without requiring the extreme fitness of a mountain route. With Mt. Rishiri constantly changing in the background and the Sea of Japan surrounding you, it is one of the most memorable ways to experience northern Hokkaido.

For cyclists visiting Hokkaido, Rishiri Island is well worth adding to the route.

The Route

For most visitors, clockwise is the better choice as that keeps the ocean on the left for better views. Starting from Oshidomari, you reach the settlements and restaurants around the southern and western parts of the island around lunchtime. The western coastline also comes towards the end of the ride, making it a particularly nice place to finish the day if the weather is clear.

From here, the route continues through forests and along the northern coastline before eventually joining the roads around the western and southern sides of the island.

The dedicated cycling road runs between Nozuka Observatory and Rishiri Town Sports Park and is 24.9 km long. Rather than being a continuous circuit, it forms part of the larger island loop, with the remainder of the route using ordinary roads.

This mixture is one of the strengths of the route. The dedicated path takes you away from traffic through some of the island’s quieter landscapes, while the coastal roads bring you directly through the small fishing communities that make up Rishiri.

Mt. Rishiri

The defining feature of the ride is, of course, Mt. Rishiri.

The 1,721 m volcano rises almost directly from the centre of the island, creating the unusual feeling of having a mountain permanently accompanying you throughout the ride. From different parts of the coastline, the shape of the mountain changes dramatically.

On clear days, the contrast between the green slopes of the mountain, blue water and open sky makes Rishiri particularly photogenic.

The mountain can also be seen from many different angles during a single ride, so it is worth resisting the temptation to stop only at the obvious viewpoints. Some of the best views are simply along the road as you round another corner.

The Coast

Although Mt. Rishiri dominates the landscape, the coastline is equally important to the experience.

Large sections of the route follow the edge of the island with the Sea of Japan immediately beside you. Depending on the season, you may see fishing boats offshore, fishermen working along the coast and kelp being dried near the road.

The island is also famous for Rishiri kombu and sea urchin, so the ride offers an opportunity to see some of the industries that support the island rather than simply passing through a scenic landscape.

Around the southern side of the island, Otatomari Pond (オタトマリ沼) is one of the classic stops. The small pond provides another perspective on Mt. Rishiri and is particularly attractive when the mountain is reflected in the water.

Other notable stops include Senhoshi Misaki Park, Kamui Coast Park and the various viewpoints along the western coastline. The official cycling map also identifies numerous cycle-oasis locations around the island where riders can stop and access basic bicycle facilities.

Dedicated Cycling Road

The Rishiri Island Cycling Road is one of the reasons this makes such a good cycling destination.

Rather than simply putting cyclists on the island’s main road, Rishiri has a purpose-built path extending for 24.9 km between Nozuka Observatory and Rishiri Town Sports Park.

The path passes through forests and along quieter parts of the island, providing a very different experience from the coastal road.

For a cyclist, this combination is ideal. The road sections provide the big ocean and mountain views, while the dedicated cycling road provides quieter riding and a chance to experience the island’s natural environment at a slower pace.

The cycling road is also particularly useful for riders who want to stop frequently for photographs without having to worry about normal road traffic.

Summer Riding

Rishiri is a distinctly seasonal cycling destination. The cycling facilities are generally available from late April through October, with the winter season bringing heavy snow and the closure of the cycling road. Hokkaido’s official tourism information lists the main cycling season as approximately May through October.

Summer is the most popular period, when the island’s vegetation is at its best and the weather provides the greatest chance of seeing Mt. Rishiri clearly.

However, weather on an exposed northern island can change quickly. Wind can be more important than temperature, particularly on the coastal sections, so cyclists should check the forecast before setting out.

How Long Does It Take?

The complete loop is approximately 60 km, although published route maps vary slightly depending on exactly where the route starts and which roads are included. The official Rishiri Saikuru Road event uses a 60.2 km course, while the detailed cycling map gives a route of approximately 63.5 km and estimates around 6–7 hours including sightseeing.

For a road cyclist riding continuously, the distance itself is not particularly intimidating. The challenge is allowing enough time to actually enjoy the island.

Getting There and Away

If you are bringing your own bicycle, the island can be incorporated into a wider northern Hokkaido cycling trip. For riders travelling without a bicycle, rental bikes are available on the island.

One particularly useful feature is that bicycles can be carried on local buses with advance arrangements. This provides a useful fallback if the weather deteriorates or you discover that the full loop is more than you want to ride in one day.

Rishiri is also accessible by air, with Rishiri Airport with service from both of Sapporo’s airports providing another option for reaching the island.