“Don’t Get Stranded at Rishiri Airport: A Traveler’s Guide to Getting In and Around the Island”

▷ What This Article Covers

• Step-by-step transport options to Rishiri Airport
• How to travel after landing (buses, tours, taxis, rentals)
• Smart solutions for smooth island travel
• Real traveler experiences and challenges
• Bonus: Why isolation isn’t always a drawback

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide: Reaching Rishiri Island Without Getting Lost

1. 🛫 Flights to Rishiri Airport

Rishiri Airport is small and often overlooked — and that’s part of the issue.

• From Sapporo (Okadama Airport): Year-round flights, ~55 minutes.
• From New Chitose Airport (Sapporo): Operates only in summer (~50 minutes), typically 1 round trip per day.
• From Tokyo: Fly to Wakkanai (2h), then take a ferry (~1h40m) to Rishiri.

🌀 Tip: Direct flights to Rishiri are rare. Most travelers will transit through Wakkanai, which adds extra planning time.

2. ⛴ Ferry from Wakkanai to Rishiri

• Operator: Heartland Ferry
• Port: Arrives at Oshidomari (main port in Rishiri)
• Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
• Frequency: 2–3 daily trips in summer, reduced in winter
• Fare: ¥2,660 (2nd class) to ¥5,290 (1st class)

🌀 Tip: Ferries may be canceled due to rough seas — always check the weather and consider travel insurance.

🚌 What to Do After Landing: Avoiding the “Stranded at the Airport” Feeling

Rishiri Airport feels remote for a reason: public transportation is limited, and many travelers find no clear sign of a taxi or bus right away.

1. 🟩 Best Option: Soya Bus – Regular and Tour Services

• Route buses operate around the island but are very infrequent.
• However, “Regular Sightseeing Bus” (Teikikanko Bus) is a hidden gem:
  • Two daily courses: Morning and Afternoon
  • Departure: Timed with ferry arrivals
  • Fare: ¥3,500
  • Booking: Online via “発車オーライネット” or local hotel concierge

🌀 Pros:

• No driving needed
• Budget-friendly alternative to rental cars
• Multilingual-friendly staff (some routes have English leaflets)

2. 🚕 Taxis: Convenient but Expensive

• Taxis are available but often require pre-booking, especially during off-season
• Short trips: ¥1,000–3,000
• Full island loop: ¥20,000+

🌀 Pros:

• Flexible, fast
• Local drivers may give insider tips

🌀 Cons:

• Not budget-friendly
• Not always visible at airport — must call or book via accommodation

3. 🚗 Rental Cars: For the Independent Traveler

• Daily cost: ~¥6,000–8,000 + fuel
• Available at Oshidomari port and some lodges
• Booking ahead is strongly advised

🌀 Pros:

• Freedom to explore
• Great if you plan hikes or sunrise views

🌀 Cons:

• Local roads are narrow
• GPS coverage may be spotty

4. 🚲 Bonus Option: Rental Bicycles

• Available at inns and tourist centers
• Best for nearby exploration (cape, village)
• Weather-dependent and tiring due to hills

💡 Common Traveler Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: “Just Wing It” Mentality

• Relying on taxis or buses without checking the schedule
• Solution: Download bus schedules in advance or book sightseeing tours that coordinate with your ferry/flight

Mistake 2: Ignoring Seasonal Closures

• Some services stop in winter or operate on limited days
• Solution: Check season-specific schedules and book everything in advance (especially July–September)

Mistake 3: Underestimating Travel Time

• Even with flights, entire day may be spent in transit
• Example: One traveler left Tokyo at 9 AM and reached their hotel in Rishiri at 6:30 PM

📚 Real-World Experiences: “It Was Beautiful but…”

🧳 Case 1: The Long Haul from Tokyo

“We flew from Haneda to Wakkanai, caught the ferry, and finally reached our lodge at 6:30 PM. It was beautiful, but exhausting.”
– Traveler via Media.ll (2025)

🚫 Case 2: Missed the Only Bus

“Our flight landed at Rishiri Airport, but there were no buses, and the taxi queue was empty. It felt like being stranded in paradise.”
– Blog from a Tokyo couple, 2023

🔍 Reflection: Why Rishiri Feels Isolated — and Why That’s Okay

The sense of isolation isn’t accidental — it’s part of what defines Rishiri. Its raw, untouched beauty comes with the price of minimal infrastructure.

But for those willing to plan ahead, the reward is unmatched:

• No tourist crowds
• Serene mountain views
• Deep cultural immersion (e.g., kelp harvest tours, fishing experiences)

🌀 Rishiri isn’t just a destination — it’s a commitment. And like all great adventures, the effort makes it meaningful.

🎯 Summary: How to Avoid Being Stranded at Rishiri Airport

🔗 References / Sources (English, title-linked)

• Rishiri Island Access Guide – Visit Hokkaido
• Regular Sightseeing Bus in Rishiri – Holospace Media
• Workation Experience on Rishiri Island – Mediall
• Flying and Ferry to Rishiri: A Real Traveler’s Blog – Ameblo