Back to Nature at Floating Flower Island
Japan’s northernmost remote island of Hokkaido, Rebun, is known as the floating flower island and takes its name from the indigenous Ainu of ‘repun-sir’ which means offshore island. Thanks to the cold westerly winds and long separation from the mainland, it has cultivated a unique grassland and alpine flowers ecosystem. Using the seven protected walking trails, visitors can explore on foot — rewarded with breath-taking views of rocky coastlines, rolling hills, and distant islands. Home to a vibrant community, the island is by no means empty. You’ll be surprised at what the island has in wait at the end of the walking trails.
Rebun Island is also a treasure trove for seafood. Sea urchin fishing commences in the early summer, just as the Alpine flowers are coming into bloom. In early morning, when the seas around the island are becalmed, the banners go up and the calls resound in the fishing ports, and the waiting fishermen surge as one onto the waters. Upon reaching their respective intended fishing sites, they peer into the waters with wooden boxes featuring glass bottoms. When they spot urchins on the sea floor, they scoop them up with dip nets. Once they have at least a few in the net, they quickly hoist the catch into their boats. If you’d like to see the daily routines on the island, why not take a morning walk along the shore.
Rebun Island is also a treasure trove for seafood. Sea urchin fishing commences in the early summer, just as the Alpine flowers are coming into bloom. In early morning, when the seas around the island are becalmed, the banners go up and the calls resound in the fishing ports, and the waiting fishermen surge as one onto the waters. Upon reaching their respective intended fishing sites, they peer into the waters with wooden boxes featuring glass bottoms. When they spot urchins on the sea floor, they scoop them up with dip nets. Once they have at least a few in the net, they quickly hoist the catch into their boats. If you’d like to see the daily routines on the island, why not take a morning walk along the shore.
