Rebun island is located at the most northern part of Hokkaido and is better known for its alpine flowers and the 8 hour hiking course that circumvents through the island. Rebun is accessible from Wakkanai via the Higashinihonkai ferry.
Upon reaching Rebun, we were informed that public buses and most hiking trails have been closed due to the wet weather. However, we were informed that the Rebun Woodland trail was still opened. Undaunted, we asked that they send us to the trail anyway.
The Rebun Woodland trail is approximately 8km that covers the southern tip of the island commencing at Kaifukai and ends near the Kafuka port. This scenic route is suitable to casual hikers of all ages and on fine days, hikers would be able to see Mt Rishiri and the sea of Japan at the observation point.
We commenced our hike at the Kafukai Woodland path. The trail was partially flooded initially but surprisingly not muddy as the trail was paved with gravel. We made a gradual ascent into the hills, through fragrant pine forests dotted with wild flowers on both sides of the path. Near the observation point, the peak was bare with stunted pine trees bent towards one side. The blooms were colourful but sparse and closer to the ground compared to those found at the foothills. Alas, the rain brought in mist and we were unable to see far. It covered the hills, giving it a mysterious air.
Midway, the trail branched off to the waterfalls. We decided against it due to the rain. It was pouring by then. We were pleasantly surprised to see our guide from the minshuku too. We were the only "mad" hikers to take on the trail on a rainy day and he was worried. He soon disappeared into the mist when he found us sane and alive.
We completed the hike in 4 hours instead of the suggested 3 hours, in part, due to the many stops we made to photograph the alpine flowers we found along the way. This hike has given us a glimpse of the beauty of Rebun and we would not hesitate to come back again to try the other trails too.
Getting aroundThe best way to get around the island is via bicycles which can be rented either near the port or at the minshukus. There are public buses but trips are infrequent. Some minshukus provide complimentary transport to the trail heads. Alternatively, you can join the day tours at the Kafuka port timed to the arrivals of the ferry. However, the tours cater mainly to Japanese tourists and are conducted only in Japanese.
This website gives an overall picture of the island and the various hikes.
This is the official Japanese website of the island.
Note:The best time to visit Rebun is between June to August. This is also the peak season. If you intend to hike, do stay for at least 2 nights.
From journal Kita no sora- Hokkaido in Summer