Okushiri Island

Okushiri Island (奥尻島 Okushiri-tō) is an island off the southwest coast of Hokkaido, Japan.

Okushiri is a rugged, deeply forested remote island famous for its crystal-clear "Okushiri Blue" waters and striking coastal rock formations. The name originates from the Ainu Ikusunsir, "Other Side Island", somewhat unfortunately phonetically rendered with Chinese characters meaning "Deep Butt".

The island was devastated by a massive earthquake in 1993 that triggered a tsunami, landslides and fires, killing 198 people. The island has since been completely rebuilt with extensive coastal defenses, but it never really recovered and the population has continued to shrink, with only around 3,000 people left as of 2025.

The island experiences a humid continental climate with cool summer ocean breezes and heavy snowfall during the winter months.

• Unimaru is run by the Okushiri Tourism Association.
• Okushiri Town has a tourism section with automatic translation.

42.071667139.4327781 Okushiri Airport (OIR  ^IATA) is served by JAL subsidiary Hokkaido Air System (HAC) with flights from Hakodate and Sapporo-Okadama.

Heartland Ferry runs a daily ferry from Esashi (2 hours 20 minutes, ¥3,460 in 2nd class) to 42.177778139.522 Okushiri Port.

The island's main population centers are Aonae (青苗), at the southern tip of the island, and Okushiri Town, near the port on the east coast.

Okushiri Town operates an infrequent bus service. There are two routes from Okushiri Port, one south towards Aonae and back up the west coast to Kamuiwaki Onsen, the other north towards Cape Inaho. Fares are a flat ¥200.

Renting a car or a bicycle is highly recommended to fully explore the island's coastal roads. Rentals are available at the airport and ferry terminal.

• 42.16623139.5177041 Nabetsuru-iwa Rock (鍋釣岩). A natural rock arch shaped like a pot handle.  
• Okushiri Tsunami Museum, in the Aonae district.

Rent a sea kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the exceptionally clear coastal waters.

• 42.17145139.410671 Kamuiwaki Onsen (神威脇温泉). 11:00-20:00. Simple two-story onsen with sea views. Day visitors only; the hotel here closed in 2018. ¥500/adult, ¥200/child.  (updated Jul 2026)

The island is renowned throughout Japan for its incredibly fresh seafood, particularly its sweet sea urchin (uni) and crunchy Ezo abalone.

Pick up a bottle of unique wine from the Okushiri Winery.

Several family-run minshuku and small ryokan are clustered around the main ferry port and the southern Aonae area.

Budget travelers can take advantage of free, basic campsites located at coastal spots like Kitaoimisaki Park.

All trails on the island, including the hike up Mt. Tamashima, are short enough for day trips, making backcountry camping unnecessary.

Due to the region's seismic history, always familiarize yourself with the well-marked tsunami evacuation routes located throughout the island's coastal areas.

This is about as deep as it gets in Japan, the only way out is back to the mainland.