The Shiretoko Peninsula, located in eastern Hokkaido, was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. It is an area of untouched nature where you can enjoy wildlife such as brown bears and white-tailed eagles, as well as scenery that changes with the seasons. It is a place where you can experience different attractions throughout the year, with drifting ice in winter, virgin forests and waterfalls in summer, and spectacular coastline views. It is a tourist destination where you can particularly feel the power of nature, and is visited by many travelers from both within Japan and overseas.
Highlights
- Stroll along the Shiretoko Five Lakes promenade and enjoy the view of the Shiretoko mountain range across the lakes
- The Sea of Okhotsk in winter as seen from a drift ice sightseeing boat
- A group of natural waterfalls, including Kamuiwakka Hot Spring Falls and Furepe Falls
- Wildlife observation (brown bears, deer, eagles, etc.)
access
It is about a 2.5 hour drive from Memanbetsu Airport. It is about a 50 minute bus ride from JR Senmo Main Line's Shiretoko Shari Station to the Utoro area. It is about a 2 hour drive from Nakashibetsu Airport to the Rausu side.
Estimated stay
If you plan to visit the main tourist spots, a two-day, one-night trip is ideal, but if you plan to include hiking and a sightseeing cruise on the drift ice, two to three nights is ideal.
Nearby spots
- Utoro Onsen (Shari Town) — A hot spring town overlooking the sea
- Rausu Onsen (Rausu Town) — A hot spring surrounded by nature in the mountains
- Lake Mashu (Teshikaga Town) — A mysterious lake with crystal clear water
Points to note
Be careful of encountering wild animals. It is safest to join a guided tour, especially in brown bear habitats. In winter, there is a lot of snow and frozen roads, so winter gear is essential when traveling by car. Tourist facilities and transportation options change depending on the season, so we recommend checking in advance.
