- ▷ What This Article Covers
- ✅ TL;DR – Quick Travel Strategy
- 🚉 Step-by-Step: Sapporo to Wakkanai
- 🚶 Step: Wakkanai Station to Ferry Terminal
- ⛴️ Ferry Options to Rishiri / Rebun
- 🚲 On the Islands: Moving Around
- 🧭 Real Experiences: When Plans Didn’t Go Smoothly
- 💬 Reflection: Why Remote Travel in Japan Is Harder Than Expected
- ✅ Final Checklist for a Smooth Trip
- 🔗 References
▷ What This Article Covers
- The best ways to travel from Sapporo to Rishiri and Rebun Islands
- How to book and transfer between train, bus, flights, and ferries
- Real traveler experiences, including common mistakes and time traps
- Why these islands are worth the trouble—and how to avoid getting stuck
✅ TL;DR – Quick Travel Strategy
| Step | Summary |
|---|---|
| 1 | Get to Wakkanai from Sapporo via train, plane, or bus |
| 2 | Walk or bus to the ferry terminal from Wakkanai Station |
| 3 | Take ferry to Rishiri or Rebun Islands |
| 4 | Use rental bikes, local buses, or walk on the islands |
| 5 | Check return ferry times early—some days have only 1 boat |
🚉 Step-by-Step: Sapporo to Wakkanai
Option 1: ✈️ Flight (Fastest, But Limited)
- From New Chitose Airport (CTS) to Wakkanai Airport (WKJ)
- Duration: ~1 hour
- Cost: ¥15,000–¥25,000
- Airlines: ANA or seasonal options
- ✏️ Note: Sometimes flights are full, especially during peak season (June–August)
Option 2: 🚄 Train (Scenic but Long)
- From Sapporo Station to Wakkanai Station
- Via Limited Express Sōya
- Duration: ~5.5 hours
- Cost: ¥11,000
- ✏️ Note: Trains are reliable but can be delayed in bad weather. Book in advance.
Option 3: 🚌 Highway Bus (Cheapest)
- Direct buses like “Soya-go” operate daily
- Duration: ~6.5 hours
- Cost: ~¥6,700
- ✏️ Note: Few stops along the way, and online booking in English may be limited.
🚶 Step: Wakkanai Station to Ferry Terminal
- Wakkanai Station → Ferry terminal: ~5–10 min walk
- The ferry terminal is easy to find, but signage may be only in Japanese
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to buy tickets
- Tickets can also be booked in advance (recommended in summer)
⛴️ Ferry Options to Rishiri / Rebun
- Operated by Heartland Ferry
- Terminal: Wakkanai Port
- Ferries depart for:
- Rishiri Island (Oshidomari Port) – ~1hr 40min
- Rebun Island (Kafuka Port) – ~1hr 55min
- Fare: ~¥2,500–3,000 per person (one way)
- Luggage: Allowed; no extra fee for normal bags
- Car boarding: Possible but expensive (~¥20,000 round trip)
🚲 On the Islands: Moving Around
| Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚶 Walk | Great for short stays near ports |
| 🚲 Rental bike | Popular and widely available |
| 🚌 Local bus | Reliable but few buses per day (check timetables) |
| 🚖 Taxi | Limited and expensive |
✏️ Rental bikes are ideal for visiting scenic spots like Mt. Rishiri or Cape Sukoton.
🧭 Real Experiences: When Plans Didn’t Go Smoothly
✏️ Case 1: “We Arrived Too Late for the Ferry”
A pair of travelers arrived at Wakkanai Station after taking the morning train from Sapporo. They assumed they could buy tickets and catch the afternoon ferry—only to learn it had already left.
“We didn’t realize there was only one ferry that day to Rebun. The next was the next morning. We had to stay in Wakkanai overnight.”
Lesson: Check ferry schedules before leaving Sapporo. Some routes run only once per day, and weather can cancel them.
✏️ Case 2: “Google Maps Showed a Bus That Doesn’t Exist”
A solo backpacker tried using Google Maps to navigate from the ferry terminal to a hotel on Rishiri Island.
“I followed the directions exactly, but the bus didn’t show up. Later I realized it only runs during school days. I walked an hour with my backpack.”
Lesson: Local buses on the islands follow seasonal and local calendars, not digital schedules. Confirm with hotel staff or the ferry office.
💬 Reflection: Why Remote Travel in Japan Is Harder Than Expected
Japan is famous for its public transportation. Trains are punctual. Buses run like clockwork. Everything is orderly.
But not on the far edges—like Rishiri and Rebun.
In these remote regions, the system:
- Runs with minimal frequency
- Favors locals, not tourists
- Depends heavily on weather
- Has limited signage in English
Most overseas travelers underestimate how little flexibility exists in these areas. The result? Missed ferries, confusing schedules, or long, cold walks.
Planning a trip to Rishiri and Rebun requires a mindset shift: this is not Tokyo. You must adapt to nature, not expect nature to adapt to you.
✅ Final Checklist for a Smooth Trip
Before you leave Sapporo, make sure you:
- 🗓️ Know which ferry you’ll take and have a backup
- 🧭 Saved ferry schedules and maps offline
- 🏨 Have accommodation booked near port if needed
- 💴 Carry cash—cards are not always accepted
- 🗺️ Understand how you’ll move on the islands (bus? bike? walk?)
If you answer “yes” to all, you’re ready to enjoy some of the most untouched, beautiful islands in Japan.
