How to Travel from Sapporo to Rishiri and Rebun Islands: Complete Guide with Route Options

▷ What This Guide Will Solve

If you’re planning a trip to northern Hokkaido and want to reach the serene and remote Rishiri and Rebun Islands from Sapporo, you’re probably facing a few common problems:

• Which combination of train, plane, ferry, or bus is the fastest or most scenic?
• Do I need to stay overnight in Wakkanai?
• Is it safe to plan this trip independently or should I book a tour?

This article provides step-by-step solutions for travelers based on official sources and real-world travel diaries from Japanese visitors. Whether you’re backpacking or seeking a slow-travel experience, we’ll walk you through the most efficient and enjoyable ways to access these northern gems.

🚄 Quick Solutions – Choose Your Route Style

✈️ Option A: JR Train + Ferry (Scenic + Affordable)

1. Sapporo → Wakkanai
   • Take the Limited Express “Soya” from JR Sapporo Station.
   • Departure: Once daily in the morning (around 7 AM).
   • Duration: About 5 hours 30 minutes
   • Fare: ¥10,560 (non-reserved), ¥11,090 (reserved)
2. Wakkanai Station → Ferry Terminal
   • Walk 10 minutes or take a direct bus.
3. Ferry: Wakkanai → Rishiri or Rebun Island
   • Operator: Heartland Ferry
   • Duration: About 1 hour 40 minutes to Rishiri, 2 hours to Rebun
   • Fare: ~¥2,500–¥4,500 depending on class (economy, 1st, Japanese-style room)
4. Total travel time: 8+ hours (excluding waiting times)
   • Best for those who enjoy landscapes and don’t mind long rides.

🛩 Option B: Direct Flight from Sapporo (Okadama) to Rishiri

• Airline: ANA (Operated by Hokkaido Air System)
• Departure: From Okadama Airport (not New Chitose)
• Duration: ~1 hour
• Fare: Around ¥15,000–¥20,000 (can vary by season)
• Highly recommended during peak seasons (June–September)
• Great for those with limited time who want to skip transfers

🧳 Note: Limited seat availability, so book early!

🚌 Option C: Flight to Wakkanai + Ferry to Islands

• Sapporo → Wakkanai Flight
  • Airline: ANA
  • Departure: New Chitose → Wakkanai
  • Duration: ~55 minutes
  • Fare: ¥12,000–¥18,000
• Wakkanai → Ferry Terminal
  • Short taxi ride or public bus
• Ferry to Islands (Same as Option A)

→ This route balances speed and ferry adventure.

🚐 Option D: Overnight Highway Bus + Ferry

• Sapporo Bus Terminal → Wakkanai
  • Operator: Chuo Bus / Hokumon Bus
  • Bus: “Wakkanai-go” (夜行便あり)
  • Duration: ~6.5–7 hours
  • Fare: Around ¥6,500
• Ferry to Rishiri or Rebun (same as above)

💡 Recommended if you’re used to night buses and want to save one night on accommodation.

🧭 What Can Go Wrong? – Real Travel Stories from Japanese Visitors

Several Japanese travelers documented their journeys to Rishiri and Rebun Islands, offering valuable insights for foreigners.

▶ Example 1: Ferry Cancelled Due to Weather

• A traveler planned to return from Rishiri by flight, but the plane was canceled due to fog.
• They had to take an earlier ferry to Wakkanai and then an overnight bus back to Sapporo.
• Takeaway: Always check the weather forecast, especially from June to August. Island weather can change rapidly.

▶ Example 2: Missed the Train

• Another traveler underestimated the time required for ferry–station transfer in Wakkanai.
• They missed the only Limited Express back to Sapporo and had to stay overnight.
• Takeaway: Leave buffer time between connections, especially if you’re not fluent in Japanese.

🌤 When to Visit – Seasonal Considerations

✨ Insider Tip: Visit in late June for alpine flowers on Mount Rishiri and fresh seafood.

🧳 Baggage, Food, and Local Transport

• Island Transport:
  • Rent-a-car is best for flexibility
  • Bicycles available but can be tiring due to hills
  • Local sightseeing buses operate seasonally
• Food Tips:
  • Must-try: Uni (sea urchin), kombu (kelp), fresh scallops
  • Cafés and shops close early (~5–6 PM)
• Luggage:
  • Coin lockers at terminals
  • Some guesthouses offer baggage delivery

💡 Reflection: Why This Trip Is Worth the Effort

Despite the multi-step journey, visiting Rishiri and Rebun is uniquely rewarding. Unlike popular tourist hubs like Hakodate or Otaru, these islands offer quiet, unspoiled nature, low tourist density, and a glimpse into a slower rhythm of Japan.

For many Japanese people, this trip is a “once-in-a-lifetime” northern adventure—and the complexity of the journey makes the reward feel deeper. It’s not a trip for everyone, but for those who seek authenticity and solitude, this region delivers something rare: the silence of nature combined with warm hospitality.

🎯 Final Tips Before You Go

1. Book all ferry and train tickets in advance during summer.
2. Have printed maps and timetables if you don’t speak Japanese.
3. Bring cash – many island areas don’t accept cards.
4. Allow flexibility in case of weather-related changes.
5. Consider staying overnight in Wakkanai to reduce stress.

🧭 Summary Table: Route Comparison

🔗 References & Sources

• Rebun and Rishiri Island Itinerary (A Nomad’s Passport)
• How to Get to Rebun Island (Yomiuri Travel Magazine)
• Travel Log: Rishiri and Rebun Trip with Delays (4travel)
• Model Course to Rishiri/Rebun (Orion Tour)
• How to Go from Sapporo to Rishiri – Public Q&A (Yahoo Japan)