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Rishiri, Hokkaido
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Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu is Japan's northernmost National Park, protecting islands, coast, mountains and one of Hokkaido's great peatlands.
Rishiri comes from the Ainu rii-shiri, commonly explained as “high island,” an apt description of mountainous Rishiri Island.
Rebun comes from the Ainu rep-un-sir, meaning an island lying offshore.
Sarobetsu comes from the Ainu sar-o-pet, describing a river flowing through reedlands.
Rishiri kombu is prized for making clear, refined dashi, the savory broth that forms the foundation of countless Japanese dishes.
Mount Rishiri rises 1,721 meters from the center of an island only about 60 kilometers around.
Mount Rishiri is nicknamed Rishiri Fuji, following a Japanese tradition of comparing beautifully shaped local mountains with Mount Fuji.
Rishiri's volcanic activity began roughly 200,000 years ago, gradually building the island around its central mountain.
Rebun Island is famous for alpine plants growing at unusually low elevations because of its cool northern maritime climate.
Rebun atsugesō is one of Rebun Island's best-known rare flowers and is protected as a nationally designated natural monument.
Rebun usuyukisō is an edelweiss relative whose Japanese name literally evokes a thin covering of snow.
Rebun kozakura is another distinctive Rebun flower, adapted to the island's cool and windswept environment.
The best flower season on Rebun generally stretches from late spring through summer, with different species blooming in succession.
Sarobetsu contains one of Japan's largest high moors, with peat accumulated from generations of partially decomposed wetland plants.
Peat forms because waterlogged conditions slow decomposition, allowing plant material to accumulate over thousands of years.
Sarobetsu is internationally recognized under the Ramsar Convention as an important wetland habitat.
The Sarobetsu Plain is an important stopover for migratory birds traveling between northern breeding grounds and warmer wintering areas.
Thousands of geese and other waterbirds can move through the Sarobetsu region during migration seasons.
White-tailed eagles can be seen around the park's coast and wetlands, especially during colder months.
Rishiri and Rebun sit in waters influenced by the cold northern Sea of Japan, helping shape their climate and marine ecosystems.
Sea urchins around Rishiri and Rebun feed in kelp-rich waters, linking two of the islands' most celebrated foods: uni and kombu.
The narrow coastal settlements of Rishiri exist between the mountain's steep slopes and the surrounding sea.
Cape Sukai on Rebun is known for unusually clear blue-green water enclosed by steep coastal slopes.
Cape Sukoton looks toward Todo Island near Rebun's northern end and gives a strong sense of the island's exposed maritime setting.
The Momoiwa area combines dramatic sea cliffs with some of Rebun's richest flower walking routes.
Otatomari Marsh offers one of the classic views of Mount Rishiri reflected beyond a small wetland pond.
Himenuma Pond was created in the early 20th century and today provides a forest-framed view toward Mount Rishiri.
Rishiri's abundant spring water is filtered through volcanic ground before emerging around the island.
Sarobetsu's wetland vegetation includes sedges, sphagnum mosses and seasonal flowers adapted to nutrient-poor peat soils.
Parts of Sarobetsu were drained for agriculture, lowering water tables and accelerating peat drying and decomposition.
Wetland restoration in Sarobetsu includes efforts to control water movement and prevent further drying of peatland habitat.
Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu became a National Park on September 20, 1974.
The park links three landscapes that appear completely different but are all shaped by Hokkaido's far-northern climate: mountain, island coast and peatland.
