Introduction to Shiretoko | Shiretoko Travel and Shiretoko Tours
Club Tourism 's Hokkaido World Heritage Shiretoko sightseeing tours and trips! Shiretoko, registered as a World Natural Heritage site, is a precious and rich natural area. We introduce recommended sightseeing tours around Shiretoko, which is full of attractions such as Shiretoko Goko Lakes, drift ice, hot springs, and fresh seafood.
It is located in eastern part of Hokkaido, at the very edge of the area known as Michihigashi. It is approximately 25km wide and 70km long, and is large enough to fit 15,200 Tokyo Domes.
The name is derived from the Ainu word 'Sir-etok,' which means 'the edge of the earth,' 'a protrusion of the land,' or 'a dead end or tip.' This term was adapted into a Japanese place name.
The tip of the peninsula, including Shiretoko Cape, Japan's northeasternmost point, is designated as Shiretoko National Park, and much of its natural beauty remains intact as Japan's last frontier.
Introducing the highlights and most scenic spots of Shiretoko!
Shiretoko Goko Lakes
*Road is closed during winter
There are five lakes, named Lake One through Lake Five.
There is an elevated boardwalk and a ground walkway, the latter of which is about 800m long. It takes you all the way to the shore of Lake Ichiko. You can easily experience the charms of the Shiretoko Five Lakes, including the Shiretoko Mountain Range reflected in the lake and the Sea of Okhotsk stretching out in the distance.
The ground trail is about 3km long, and the conditions for use vary depending on the season. On clear, calm days, the beautiful Shiretoko mountain range can be seen floating on the lake's surface. The trail may be closed due to bear sightings.
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Shiretoko sightseeing boat
Viewing the Shiretoko Peninsula from the sea is one way to enjoy it! Regular tours take you on the Iouzan route, which lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can enjoy the unique rock formations and the full view of Furepe Falls, which can only be seen from the sea.
There is also a tour that takes you on Shiretoko Cape route to the tip of the Shiretoko Peninsula, which takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes.
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Oshinkoshin Falls
It is also known as the "Twin Beauties Falls" because the waterfall splits into two midway through.
You can climb up the stairs to the middle of the waterfall, which is quite impressive. It has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls (Source: Japan Forest, Waterfall and Beach National Council).
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Shiretoko Pass
This pass is at the top of the Shiretoko Cross-Island Highway, which connects Utoro in Shari Town and Rausu Town, and is located on the ridge of the Shiretoko Mountain Range at an altitude of 738m. It is also a popular driving course, and the white remaining snow that can be seen even in late Jul. is impressive. Furthermore, the view of Rausu from here is magnificent. If the weather is good, you can also see Kunashiri Island.
*Road is closed during winter
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Furepe Falls
There is no river at this waterfall, so the snow and rain that falls on Shiretoko mountain range seeps underground and pours down from a crevice in a vertical cliff about 100 meters high.
The way it trickles down resembles tears, so it is affectionately known locally as "maiden's tears." It is about a 20-minute walk one way from Shiretoko Nature Center along the promenade.
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Oronko Rock
It is said that the name comes from the indigenous Orok people who used to live in this area.
Located near Utoro Port, this huge rock is about 60 meters high. After climbing about 170 steep stone steps, you will reach the flat top from which you can see the clear blue Sea of Okhotsk, the town of Utoro, and Shiretoko mountain range.
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Cape Puyuni
This is a famous spot for spectacular views and sunsets on the uphill stretch on the way from Utoro to the Shiretoko Nature Center. You can see the beautiful coastline of Okhotsk and Utoro Port in one go, as well as the mountains of Akan National Park in the distance. In winter, it is also a good place to see drift ice.
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Yuhidai
As the name suggests, it is a famous sunset viewing spot and is located in a corner of Shiretoko National Campground.
From spring to autumn, when the setting sun casts scarlet streaks on the sea's surface, to winter, when the sea, covered in white drift ice, takes on a golden hue, each is beautiful and impressive. Snow is not removed in winter.
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What to see in Rausu
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Wildlife of Shiretoko
In the summer, male sperm whales, which are rare in Japan, arrive in the sea of Rausu, Shiretoko. They are over 15 meters long and their spectacular dives with their tails raised high as they dive deep are a spectacular sight.
The population has increased dramatically, causing ecosystem instability and causing damage to agricultural crops. Their main natural enemies are brown bears.
It is the largest land animal in Japan. Brown bears on the Shiretoko Peninsula are often seen eating salmon and trout.
The Ezo owl, known to the Ainu as "Kunnerek Kamuy" (the god that cries in the darkness), is a whitish-colored owl that lives in Hokkaido, with a total length of about 50 cm and a wingspan of about 100 cm.
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