Rishiri Island, floating in the Sea of Japan off the northwestern part of Hokkaido, is a round-shaped island with Mount Rishiri at its center rising dramatically to an altitude of 1,721 meters.

There are many scenic spots on Rishiri Island, including Otatomari Marsh, Shiroi Koibito no Oka, and Himenuma, all offering picture-perfect views of Mount Rishiri.

Going around these vantage points is the best way of going sightseeing on Rishiri Island. To do that, we recommend the Mount Rishiri 16 Scenic Spots Stamp Rally.

Since this stamp rally involves a 55-kilometer scenic drive around the entire island, securing a vehicle is your very first step! There are several convenient places to rent a car right in front of the Heart Land Ferry Oshidomari Port Terminal. You'll find familiar, reliable chains just steps away from the ferry terminal exit, including Toyota Rent a Car and Nippon Rent-A-Car.

Rental cars on remote islands are in extremely high demand during the peak summer sightseeing season. We highly recommend booking your vehicle well in advance to guarantee you have a set of wheels waiting for you when you step off the boat!

The Mount Rishiri 16 Scenic Spots Stamp Rally is a fun way to explore Rishiri Island. Visitors can discover the island's beauty by collecting commemorative stamps on a special sheet at 16 different viewpoints. Designed to encourage tourists to experience all the local sights, the rally runs from late April through late October.

Affectionately known as "Rishiri Fuji," Mt. Rishiri transforms before your eyes depending on where you stand. Locals proudly say the mountain reveals sixteen distinct and beautiful faces, and we created this stamp rally to inspire you to discover each breathtaking view firsthand.

Getting started is easy! You can pick up an official stamp sheet for just 200 yen at two convenient island locations: the Rishiri Kaiso no Sato, or Home of Seaweed, in the western Kutsugata district, and the Oshidomari Ferry Terminal in the north. Once you reach your first stop, go ahead and press your very first stamp. After exploring the island and completing your sheet, simply return to either location to claim a special prize. It does not matter where you originally purchased your sheet, giving you the freedom to choose the spot that best fits your travel schedule.

You can pick up an official stamp sheet for just 200 yen at two convenient spots on the island. Simply visit Rishiri Shima-no-Eki in the western Kutsugata district or the Oshidomari Ferry Terminal up north to grab yours.

The fun continues even after you finish collecting your stamps! Once your sheet is complete, head back to either of these locations to claim a special reward. For ultimate flexibility during your travels, you are welcome to redeem your sheet at whichever spot best fits your schedule, regardless of where you originally purchased it.

You will receive a round sheet for the stamps together with a guide that lists hints regarding where the stamp stands are located. Part of the fun is discovering where the locations are by looking at the hints.

Cape Kutsugata, located in the Kutsugata area, marks the first of Rishiri Island’s 16 scenic viewpoints. Following the island’s 55 km coastal road in a counterclockwise direction, the route begins at Spot 1: Kutsugata Cape Park (沓形岬公園) and continues all the way to Spot 16: Tomb of the Aizu Clan Samurai (会津藩士の墓).

You can start and finish the stamp rally wherever you like, and there’s no need to follow the numbered order. Visit the viewpoints at your own pace, in any sequence that suits your itinerary. Better yet, there’s no time limit, so you can take as long as you like to complete the course.

I chose to begin at Spot 13: Near the Aizu Clan Samurai Monument at Cape Peshi (ペシ岬会津藩士碑付近), which is conveniently located close to the ferry terminal.

By car, it takes just about a minute to reach the entrance to the Cape Peshi Observation Deck. There is no dedicated parking lot, so visitors will need to park along the roadside nearby.

After walking about two or three minutes you will come to an open space.

The breathtaking view from the very first stop only heightened my excitement for the 15 viewpoints still to come.

From there, I headed to Spot 12: Himenuma (姫沼), located in the northeastern part of Rishiri Island.

As a side note, the island’s eastern coast offers some of the best views of Mount Rishiri in the morning. With the sun rising in the east, the mountain is beautifully illuminated, revealing its full shape and detail. By afternoon, however, the sun shifts to the west, placing the mountain in silhouette and making its features much harder to see.

Since I had started on the northeastern side of the island, I continued my journey clockwise around Rishiri.

Himenuma can be reached in about 10 to 15 minutes by car from the entrance to the Cape Peshi Observation Deck. Continuing clockwise around Rishiri Island, you'll have the sea on your left as you follow the coastal road. Partway along the route, turn right and head up the gently winding mountain road leading toward Himenuma.

Among the 16 vantage points, this is the only one where the stamp stand is not outdoors. You will find the stamp stand inside the shop (rest house) next to the Himenuma Observation area.

Let's pick up our pace a bit and move along now to the next vantage point.

Next up is Spot 11: Nozuka Observation Deck / Cape Nozuka Parking Lot (野塚展望台・野塚岬駐車場). After leaving Himenuma (姫沼) and returning to the coastal road, continue clockwise around the island. About 10 minutes later, you'll arrive at this scenic viewpoint overlooking the sea and Mount Rishiri.

Next is Spot 10: Near Oozora Bridge (大空橋付近). From Spot 11, Nozuka Observation Deck / Cape Nozuka Parking Lot (野塚展望台・野塚岬駐車場), it takes just three to five minutes by car along the coastal road. However, this spot can be surprisingly easy to miss. It is located on the left-hand side shortly after crossing the small Oozora Bridge, and there are no signs or markers indicating its location. Keep a close eye out, as it's very easy to drive right past it.

Be careful not to miss Spot 9: Near Ishizaki Lighthouse (石崎灯台付近). Continuing clockwise from Spot 10: Near Oozora Bridge (大空橋付近), you'll reach the area in about 10 minutes. As you drive, keep an eye on the horizon, and before long you'll spot the distinctive red-and-white striped Ishizaki Lighthouse standing prominently in the distance straight ahead.

From Spot 9: Near Ishizaki Lighthouse (石崎灯台付近), continue along the coastal road for about 15 minutes to reach Spot 8: Numaura Observation Deck (沼浦展望台), located in the southeastern part of Rishiri Island.

Up to this point, the weather had been perfect, with clear blue skies providing spectacular views of Mount Rishiri. Unfortunately, conditions changed quickly, and clouds rolled in, obscuring the mountain from view.

This kind of dramatic weather shift is not uncommon on Rishiri Island. Depending on where you are, conditions can be completely different from one area to another. It’s not unusual for the northern part of the island to be enjoying sunshine while rain is falling in the south at the very same time.

The weather on Rishiri Island is unpredictably changeable so for that reason, rather than visit the vantage points in order it may be better to alter your course according to the weather.

The Numaura Observation Deck is better known locally as "Shiroi Koibito Hill." It is said that the view from this spot served as the inspiration for the packaging of Hokkaido's famous Shiroi Koibito cookies, one of the region's most iconic souvenirs.

It's easy to see why. The scenery here is truly spectacular, offering one of the island's most beautiful views of Mount Rishiri. On a clear day, the mountain's distinctive shape is perfectly framed, creating the same picturesque landscape that appears on the beloved confection's package.

If you have a photograph taken here at the Shiroi Koibito Hill and then post it at the Tourism Information Desk at the Oshidomari Ferry Terminal, you will receive a Proposal Certificate free of charge. This is something unmarried couples should definitely do!

Next, I headed to Spot 7: Near Otatomari Marsh (オタドマリ沼付近), located at the foot of Shiroi Koibito Hill. The drive from Spot 8: Numaura Observation Deck (沼浦展望台) takes just five or six minutes.

This is one of Rishiri Island's most famous attractions and a stop that nearly every visitor makes during their trip. Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning reflections of Mount Rishiri on calm days, Otatomari Marsh is widely regarded as one of the island's most scenic and photogenic locations.

The mountain is beautifully reflected on the surface of the water, just like at Himenuma, when the wind is too light to ripple the surface. Everyone who visits at times like this calls it the “Reversed Rishiri Fuji”.

There are a few shops selling souvenirs and light refreshments situated along the shore of Otatomari Marsh. This is a good place to take a break.

It is famous for its giant Rishiri scallops fried in butter and its Hamanasu (Beach Rose) ice cream.

Wanting to provide a sweet typical of this northern region, local areas in Hokkaido make their own versions of Kumasasa soft ice cream. Stop by Otatomari Marsh and give it a try.

After taking a break and enjoying a bite to eat, it was time to continue the journey.

Next up was Spot 6: Minamihama Wetlands (南浜湿原), located about five minutes by car from Spot 7: Near Otatomari Marsh (オタドマリ沼付近).

This peaceful wetland area offers a different side of Rishiri Island's natural beauty, with its unique ecosystem and tranquil scenery providing a welcome contrast to the island's more dramatic coastal viewpoints.

There are small marshes within the wetlands and you can walk around the area. This has become such a popular sightseeing spot in recent years that it is not uncommon to see groups of sightseers brought by tour buses walking around.

Continuing with the stamp rally, the next stop is Spot 5: Misaki Park / Senhoshi Misaki (御崎公園), a scenic location where visitors can get surprisingly close to the area's wildlife.

From Spot 6: Minamihama Wetlands (南浜湿原), it's about a 10-minute drive to Senhoshi Misaki Park, located at the southern tip of Rishiri Island. Known for its rugged coastal scenery, tidal pools, and resident seals that can often be spotted resting offshore, it's one of the island's most popular places to experience nature up close.

This pen was originally made to keep fish, but now between spring and autumn seals are borrowed from the aquarium for sightseeing.

Don't forget to refill your water bottle before setting off again!

With a refreshed supply in hand, it's time to continue to the next viewpoint. About 10 minutes by car from Spot 5: Misaki Park / Senhoshi Misaki (御崎公園) brings you to Spot 4: Near the Municipal Museum (町立博物館付近), located beside the museum parking lot. Along the way, you'll be treated to more of Rishiri Island's beautiful coastal scenery as the stamp rally continues around the island.

Next is Spot 3: Near Nagahama Ohkarasawa (長浜大空沢付近). Although it's only about a three-minute drive from Spot 4: Near the Municipal Museum (町立博物館付近), the stamp station can be a little tricky to find.

To locate it, keep an eye out for Reiho Yusui, a spring where visitors can collect fresh artesian water fed by Mount Rishiri. The stamp stand is located nearby, so it's worth slowing down as you approach to avoid missing it.

One thing to note is that Mount Rishiri is not visible from this location.

The actual Spot 3: Near Nagahama Ohkarasawa (長浜大空沢付近) viewpoint is just a few minutes' walk from Reiho Yusui. To reach it, cross the small bridge known as Shioribashi, and you'll find the vantage point on the other side. While it lacks a view of the mountain itself, the peaceful surroundings and lesser-known setting make it a worthwhile stop on the stamp rally route.

Next, we make our way to the Kutsugata area on the western side of Rishiri Island to visit Spot 2: Near Rishiri Town General Gymnasium / Yume Koryukan (利尻町総合体育館 夢交流館付近). The drive from Spot 3 takes about seven minutes.

Located in the heart of Kutsugata, this stop marks one of the final viewpoints on the stamp rally route, bringing you ever closer to completing a full circuit of the island.

Located in the Kutsugata area, Rishiri Shima-no-Eki is a great place to take a break while exploring the island. Inside, you'll find Cafe Jikyu Jisoku Rishiri ni Koishi Mise, whose charming name roughly translates to "The Self-Sufficient Shop in Love with Rishiri."

Just four or five minutes by car from Spot 2, it's an ideal stop for lunch, coffee, or a sweet treat before continuing your journey around the island.

From Rishiri Shima-no-Eki, it's just another three or four minutes by car to reach Spot 1: Kutsugata Cape Park (沓形岬公園).

Located on a scenic cape overlooking the Sea of Japan, this viewpoint marks the official starting point of the stamp rally. With sweeping coastal views and Mount Rishiri rising dramatically in the background on clear days, it's a fitting place to bring a full circuit of the island to a close.

With only three viewpoints remaining, the stamp rally is nearly complete.

After leaving Kutsugata Cape Park, we head north toward the Oshidomari area, where the journey began. The drive takes about seven or eight minutes, bringing us back to the northern side of Rishiri Island and closer to the final stops on the route.

Drive on for another seven minutes.

Continuing along the coastal road, you'll pass Rishiri Airport before reaching the next stop. After about seven minutes of driving, you'll arrive at Spot 14: Fujino Garden (富士野園地).

Located near the northern tip of Rishiri Island, this scenic viewpoint offers another excellent perspective of Mount Rishiri and the surrounding coastline. With only a couple of stops remaining, you're now entering the final stretch of the stamp rally.

It is about five minutes by car from Fujino Garden to Oshidomari Ferry Terminal, where we began the stamp rally. Let’s take our paper with the stamps of the 16 spots to the tourism information office.

So, what did you think of the Mount Rishiri Viewpoint Stamp Rally?

Simply driving around Rishiri Island is enjoyable in its own right, but taking part in the stamp rally adds an extra sense of adventure. Each stop feels like a small discovery, turning the journey into something of a treasure hunt as you search for viewpoints scattered around the island.

It's also a great way to ensure you don't miss any of the scenic spots recommended by local residents. From famous landmarks to lesser-known viewpoints, the rally guides you to some of the island's best scenery while encouraging you to explore every corner of Rishiri.

If you're planning a trip to Rishiri Island and want to make the most of your visit, I highly recommend this experience. It's a fun and rewarding way to discover the island's natural beauty while creating lasting memories along the way.

Make the most of your island adventure with an overnight stay. From cozy guesthouses to seaside hotels with views of Mount Rishiri, staying on the island gives you more time to explore its spectacular scenery at a relaxed pace.