Mount Rishiri (利尻山, Rishiri-zan) is a Quaternary[2] stratovolcano located off the coast of Hokkaidō, Japan in the Sea of Japan. It rises out of the Sea of Japan forming Rishiri Island. Because its cone shape resembles Mount Fuji it is sometimes referred to as Rishiri Fuji. It is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan.

Mount Rishiri's opening festival is held annually on July 2 and July 3. This festival officially opens the climbing season.[3]

Geology

Mount Rishiri is made up of alkali and non-alkali mafic volcanic rock dating from the Late Pleistocene, 130,000–18,000 years ago. Otherwise it is covered in Quaternary volcanic rock debris.[2]

Climbing route

The ascent of Rishiri is challenging in places and not suitable for novice hikers. There is a campsite partway up the mountain from the dock, and an unmanned hut located a short distance below the summit. There is also a small shrine at the summit. On clear days the view extends to Hokkaidō, the adjacent island of Rebun, and as far as Sakhalin Island in Russia.

In popular culture

The package of Shiroi Koibito cookies includes a picture of Mount Rishiri arranged in the centre.

Gallery

  • Rishiri Island
    Rishiri Island
  • Mount Rishiri view from Oshidomari Port
    Mount Rishiri view from Oshidomari Port
  • The summit of Mt. Rishiri taken from just below
    The summit of Mt. Rishiri taken from just below

References

  1. ^ a b c "Japan Ultra-Prominences". peaklist.org. Retrieved 2015-01-02.
  2. ^ a b "Seamless Digital Geological Map of Japan". The Geological Survey of Japan. National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. 2 November 2007. Retrieved 2008-07-16.
  3. ^ Hunt, Paul (1988). Hiking in Japan: An Adventurer's Guide to the Mountain Trails (First ed.). Tokyo: Kodansha International Ltd. p. 11. ISBN 0-87011-893-5.

External links