Okushiri Island (Okushirito) 奥尻島

From walking and cycling to filling up on fresh seafood or relaxing in a hot spring, Okushiri Island repays adventurous travelers who make the detour to this ruggedly beautiful island off the southwestern corner of Hokkaido.

You can reach the island by ferry or plane.

From Hakodate, it is a two-hour bus ride to the port of Esashi, from where it is a further two hours by ferry to Okushiri Island. Much quicker is the direct flight from Hakodate Airport, which gets you there in around 30 minutes.

Explore Okushiri Island's hiking trails, cycle along the breezy coastline, and take in the panoramic view from Mt. Tamashima. Enjoy sea kayaking and snorkeling in the clear blue waters in summer, or watch the sun go down while relaxing at Kamuiwaki Onsen, Hokkaido's westernmost hot spring.

Okushiri is a seafood lover's paradise. Make sure to try one of the island's signature seasonal dishes, a bowl of fresh abalone and sea urchin on rice. Okushiri also produces its own wine and sake.

Perhaps the island's best-known landmark is a donut-shaped granite arch sculpted by the wind and waves. You will find the 19.5-meter-high Nabetsuru-iwa off Okushiri's east coast. You will not miss it even at night, when it is illuminated to dramatic effect.