I’ve been to Japan many many times in the past and I can read & speak Japanese. However as I researched traveling to the remote islands of Rishiri & Rebun, I realized it would be better to ask a travel consultant company for help!

I came across Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel through my research and sent an inquiry regarding what potential options are available since I was just looking for private sightseeing tours. Hotel & flights & even activity bookings I completed by myself, however transportation & a tour guide around the islands would be more difficult for me to arrange.

I was connected with Mari-san, who was speedy and excellent with her communication. As we worked through travel options, she provided added details and insights, and was patient and accommodating about my detailed questions & concerns.

We booked a private sightseeing taxi on Rishiri island and I provided Mari-san with a general idea of places we wanted to stop at. Hamada-san was our taxi driver & he only spoke Japanese. However, I communicated with him in Japanese to further tailor our tour plan & leverage his knowledge of the island, the weather patterns & trust his judgment for other places we could visit. He also explained and pointed out various points about Rishiri island & the local economy. In addition, he knew many of the shop owners and it was really interesting to listen to his conversations with the locals! He even came on a quick hike around Himenuma Marsh with us 🙂

On Rebun island, we met up with our private English-speaking tour guide at our hotel. Nanae-san spends part of her year in New Zealand & the other part on Rishiri & Rebun islands. She chatted with us and made some suggestions about things that we’d be able to do in the time that we had with her, and thankfully she also drove us around the island! We were lucky & saw the rare Rebun Atsumoriso (lady slipper orchids)!

Both of them made our trip amazing & unforgettable!