Okushiri Island (Okushiri Blue Sea)

• Hokkaido
• Sightseeing
• Accommodation
• Food
• Activities
• Nature
• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Okushiri Island floats in the Sea of Japan off southwestern Hokkaido, about 100 km southwest of Hakodate. Its legendary 'Okushiri Blue' — an extraordinary water clarity that ranks among the world's most transparent coastal seas — makes this a destination for divers and snorkelers from Japan and abroad. The island's seafood is equally celebrated: sea urchin (bafun and murasaki), abalone, and yellowtail of the finest quality are among the prized products that have made Okushiri famous across Japan. 'Nabeturi Rock,' a dramatic natural stone arch sculpted by wave erosion, is the island's most iconic landmark and a favourite subject for photographers and social media visitors. The Okushiri Tsunami Museum preserves the memory of the devastating 1993 Hokkaido Nansei-oki Earthquake and tsunami, and the island's remarkable recovery story adds depth and meaning to any visit. Accessible by ferry or small aircraft, Okushiri offers a rare, timeless island escape unlike anything on the Hokkaido mainland.