↘ Rishiri — Pon-yama

Pon-yama (444 m) is the rounded hump behind Oshidomari township — 'pon' is Ainu for 'small'. Of the island's several Pon-yamas, this one, the only one without a qualifying place-name, is the highest at 444 m. Its south slope is a front-row seat for the full sweep of Rishiri-zan: a ~7.2 km, ~374 m, ~3 hour round trip with a baked maximum slope of ~28° — the gentlest ski tour on the island. Ideal for beginners, or as the banker tour for days when wind makes Rishiri-zan impossible (this record was in fact skied on the afternoon of a Rishiri-zan retreat).

[The route] From Rishiri-Fuji Onsen follow the snowed-in road toward Hokuroku Campground, wrap around the back (west side) of Pon-yama, and climb the open, treeless, sheltered south-facing slope. Signposts are sporadic, in Japanese, and bury in big snow — assume you are navigating yourself. From the summit: Rishiri-zan filling the southern sky, the Sea of Japan and Oshidomari harbour to the north. The natural descent is the open slope you climbed. Some guidebooks show a line north off the summit direct to Oshidomari, but the trees are dense — returning the way you came is the practical choice.

[Caution] Small mountain, real Rishiri wind — and the island has no avalanche bulletin. The ~28° maximum is borderline ground in avalanche terms: respect wind-loaded pockets and the small stream gully (a 'steep-ish drop down to stream' is waypointed ~1.9 km in). The spring-water point and the campground buildings are useful landmarks if weather moves in. A description of the ground, not a recommendation.

[Start] Rishiri-Fuji Onsen in Oshidomari (~1.5 km on foot from the ferry terminal); parking available.

[Ferry] Heartland Ferry Wakkanai–Oshidomari (Jan–Apr: 6:55 and 13:55, ~¥2,500 each way). A day trip is possible; the Rishiri Green Hill Inn is the classic overnight base.

[Navigation] Signposts are sporadic and often buried — carry GPS. In deteriorating weather the campground–onsen road is the reliable way home.

[Avalanche info] Rishiri has no avalanche bulletin. Carry beacon, shovel and probe even on a small hill.

[After] The route starts and ends at Rishiri-Fuji Onsen (¥500; winter hours noon–9pm, closed Mondays).