Name (Japanese & English)

• 利尻島サケ釣り大会
• Rishiri Island Salmon Fishing Tournament

Background

利尻島サケ釣り大会(Rishiri-tō Sake-tsuri Taikai) is a popular autumn event on 利尻島(Rishiri-tō), a northern island of 北海道(Hokkaidō). Some editions also use the English nickname THE SALMON KING in their promotion.

This is not a shrine-based religious matsuri, but a friendly competition rooted in local maritime life. Participants try to catch 鮭(sake, salmon) and are ranked using simple criteria that are easy to understand (for example: the weight of the biggest salmon, or the number of catches). Rules often include several categories (men, women, teams, families, etc.) so different profiles can join.

After a period of interruption, local information indicates that the tournament was cancelled for several consecutive years(notably around the COVID-19 period), then revived depending on local organizing capacity (staffing, safety, logistics).

Location & date

• Area: 利尻島(Rishiri-tō). Fishing zones can vary by edition (often around fishing ports: 漁港, gyokō).
• Main landmark to use: 利尻漁業協同組合 鬼脇支所(Rishiri Gyogyō Kyōdō Kumiai Oniwaki Shisho, local office of the Rishiri fishing cooperative, Oniwaki area).
  For non-Japanese visitors, this is a very practical map landmark: a clearly named building, easy to give to a taxi, and logically tied to the fishing activity of the area.
• Address: 〒097-0211 北海道利尻郡利尻富士町鬼脇字鬼脇67番地
  Oniwaki 67, Rishirifuji-chō, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaidō 097-0211, Japan
• Access: arrive by ferry via 鴛泊港(Oshidomari-kō), then reach 鬼脇(Oniwaki) by car, taxi, or local bus. Once in Oniwaki, head straight to 利尻漁業協同組合 鬼脇支所.
• Date: typically early October, often the first weekend (exact day varies by edition).

How it unfolds

The day runs across a long time window (very early start), then ends with collective moments that are easy to follow even if you are not competing: 開会式(kaikaishiki, opening ceremony), 競技(kyōgi, fishing competition period), sometimes 港清掃(minato seisō, port clean-up), and finally 表彰式(hyōshōshiki, awards ceremony).

The ranking highlights the “SALMON KING” idea: the most impressive catch (often by weight) gets a headline prize, with additional prizes depending on categories. Instructions also emphasize safety and respecting professional work zones on the docks (do not block passages or working areas).

For visitors, the most “spectacle-friendly” moment is the 表彰式(hyōshōshiki): you see the catches, trophies, and local atmosphere. It is also the best time to take clear, meaningful photos even without knowing all the rules.

Practical tips

Photos

Aim for sunrise light at the port, then focus on the 表彰式(hyōshōshiki): it’s the best moment to photograph the catches and the atmosphere. Bring a cloth: sea spray and humidity can quickly mark the lens. If it’s windy, secure your camera (strap): a gust on a dock can surprise you.

Weather

Early October on Rishiri can feel cool and very windy, especially by the sea. Simple setup: base layer + fleece + waterproof windbreaker, plus a beanie/thin gloves if you stand still for long. Stable shoes are recommended on port surfaces.

Transport

The “zero-mistake” GPS destination: 利尻漁業協同組合 鬼脇支所. On site, organizers may guide participants/visitors to the exact fishing/check area depending on the edition’s plan. If you’re on foot, plan taxi/bus in advance: timings can be very early.

Visitor tips

Even if you don’t compete, you can enjoy the vibe by coming for the 表彰式(hyōshōshiki): it’s the easiest part to understand for newcomers. Useful cheer phrase: がんばって!(ganbatte!, “Good luck!”). Port rule of thumb in Japan: never block passages or work zones.

What to bring

Cash, windbreaker, thin gloves, beanie, pocket warmers (カイロ, kairo), power bank, and a small bag to keep your hands free. If you participate: gear that matches the edition’s rules (sometimes a safety vest, etc.).

Sources & references

• Rishiri Fishing Cooperative (official)

  Official cooperative website (useful to confirm the existence and address of the Oniwaki office as a landmark).

• RISHIRI PLUS island calendar: Rishiri Island Salmon Fishing Tournament

  Local calendar entry (typical period, area, and basic info).

• Rishirifuji Town (official): news/events

  Official channel to confirm an edition’s announcement (held/cancelled, details, rules, schedule).