Recommended Experiential Spots in Rumoi, Hokkaido! Enjoy the Remote Islands Too!

Rumoi is a town with many hands‑on spots, located about a 90‑minute drive from Asahikawa and about a 2‑hour drive from New Chitose Airport. On Teuri Island and Yakushiri Island—about 28 km northwest of Haboro Port—there are plenty of island‑exclusive experiences. From marine sports like sea kayaking to tidal‑pool foraging for seafood, each activity makes full use of Rumoi’s sea. There are also many outdoor spots for camping and more. This time, we’ve carefully selected the best experiential spots in Rumoi.

1. Uni Harvesting Experience on Teuri Island – Luxuriate in Fresh Uni

Teuri Island is famous as a seabird habitat and for its delicious uni. On this roughly 12 km‑circumference island, you can join the “Uni Harvesting Experience.” Wading into Rumoi’s waters, you part the dense kelp with a net (tamo) to uncover the hidden sea urchins beneath. Searching for, harvesting, and then tasting your very own catch is an experience unique to Rumoi—and enjoying it fresh makes it a perennial favorite.

The experience is held on designated dates from July to August, and the fee is ¥2,000. Instruction is provided in English only, but support in other languages is available. You can reach the island by ferry from Haboro Port in about 1 hour 30 minutes, or by high‑speed boat in about 1 hour.

2. Sea Kayaking Experience – Satisfying Beginners to Experts

The Yakushiri & Teuri Sea Kayak Adventure Center is another renowned spot. On Yakushiri and Teuri Islands, you first receive a shore‑side briefing on kayak features, paddling techniques, and safety. After a land‑based paddle simulation to build muscle memory, you head out onto Rumoi’s waters.

A 30‑minute “sea walk” brings you far enough offshore that the land almost vanishes, offering a true sense of adventure. Courses and durations are Beginner’s Course: ~2 hours, Full Yakushiri Island Circuit: ~4 hours, Full Teuri Island Circuit (with lunch): ~4 hours, and Yakushiri‑to‑Teuri Traverse (with lunch): ~8 hours.

3. Golden Beach Rumoi – Enjoy Marine Sports in Hokkaido’s Beautiful Nature!

Along National Route 231 in Rumoi lies “Golden Beach Rumoi,” a 1 km‑long seaside spot that also offers auto and free campsites. Large tents and bungalows can be rented; beach tents are free, while green‑site tents are ¥500 per pitch (tarps also ¥500 each).

During the beach season, a seaside hut operates here. From Golden Beach to the Reuke Ranch stretch lies Hamanaka Seaside Park—a no‑swim zone—where you can jet‑ski or surf without worrying about swimmers. Every Saturday from late June to mid‑August, the Rumoi Coast Fireworks Festival lights up the sky, drawing crowds of beachgoers and water‑sports fans alike.

4. Shosanbetsu Observatory – Why Not Name a Star?

At Shosanbetsu Observatory, you can not only gaze at Rumoi’s beautiful night sky but also participate in the “My Stars” system—naming your very own star. While many stars only carry catalog numbers, this program lets you register and name one permanently through Shosanbetsu Village.

The star’s name is registered together with the star by Shosanbetsu Village in Rumoi and preserved permanently. It’s a recommended experience for anyone who wants to name a star. The registration fee at the observatory is ¥5,000, and the admission fee is ¥200 per adult. The observatory is about a 1‑hour 20‑minute drive from Rumoi city center.

5. Kunimare Sake Brewery – Japan’s Northernmost Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting!

Founded in 1882 (Meiji 15), Kunimare Sake Brewery is the northernmost traditional brewery in Japan. Its historic buildings served as the set for the 1981 film Station starring Ken Takakura. A must‑visit for both sake lovers and movie buffs!

Tours include a visit to the atmospheric production area and a tasting corner with 16 varieties of sake. The on‑site shop also offers local‑only products—perfect as Rumoi souvenirs. In recent years, many fine brews have been made using Ginpu rice from nearby Mashike Town.

◎Summary

For those seeking a variety of activities in Hokkaido, Rumoi is the perfect choice. In particular, its offshore islands offer countless spots for sea kayaking and camping—including full‑circumnavigation courses of Yakushiri and Teuri Islands for intermediate and advanced paddlers. And on Teuri Island, the Uni Harvesting Experience is a must for sea‑urchin aficionados and gourmet travelers alike.

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