An ecosystem thriving on drift ice and a paradise for diverse wildlife
Shiretoko
Your
Trip
Charm of Shiretoko
Shiretoko was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 in recognition of the dynamic food chain that begins with Okhotsk Sea drift ice and its plankton, the fish that thrive on it, birds, mammals, forests and soil. Shiretoko, a peninsula made up of a 1500m-high volcanically active mountain range of precipitous cliffs, rivers and forests, is a place where wildlife such as brown bears, Yezo shika deer, white-tailed sea eagles, whales, dolphins, seals can be seen. This wildlife is of course part of the great ecosystem of Shiretoko connected to the sea and mountains. Therefore, great care must be taken when encountering wild animals here. Bringing your pets or getting too close will cause them stress. Any feeding is absolutely prohibited. Enjoy travel in tune with nature by ensuring your impact on their living environment is minimal as you take in the ecosystem at close quarters. Apart from wildlife, there are all sorts of unique experiences possible in the wilderness of Shiretoko, where the diverse landscape of oddly-shaped rocks, sea cliffs and active volcanoes is largely untouched by human hand. These include trekking and sea ice diving.
Special Contents
We will introduce the story of each world natural heritage from various themes.
Select the theme you are interested in.
- Trekking / hiking
- Traditional food / local cuisine
- Activities of the four seasons
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Shiretoko
Enjoy the mysterious scenery of Lake Rausu while getting in contact with the flora and fauna of the Shiretoko Peninsula
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Shiretoko
A culinary culture that evolved from life in Shiretoko Peninsula, a Natural World Heritage site extending 3 km offshore
Don’t Miss It
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Shiretoko Goko Lakes
Five little lakes sitting quietly amid virgin forest, their surfaces reflecting the Shiretoko mountains. There are two approaches available: a boardwalk offering easy access to one of the lakes, or ground walking trails around all five lakes that bring you up close to the flora and fauna of Shiretoko (conditions may vary by season). The fantastic scenery of the lakes can be enjoyed from mid-April until mid-November.
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Mt.Rausu-dake
Mt. Rausu-dake is one of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains. It is also popular as a destination for viewing beautiful alpine plants and flowers due to its high latitude, despite its moderate altitude of 1,661m. As the highest peak on the Shiretoko Peninsula, the summit boasts a stunning panoramic view of the peninsula. However, the hike presents dangers including encounters with brown bears and lingering snow, necessitating careful preparation and planning.
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Kamuiwakka Hot Falls
The Kamuiwakka Falls flow from a river that combines with the hot springs that seeps from Mt. Io, an active volcano and are considered one of the eight great sights of Shiretoko, alongside the likes of the Shiretoko Goko Lakes. Walking up the river is very popular due to its warm 30˚C water but be careful: it can be slippery in there.
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Drift Ice Walk
This is an activity that is possibly only in Shiretoko. From late January to early March, enjoy the exotic experience of walking on the drifting sea ice and floating in the sea between the ice. With luck, you will also encounter the wildlife of Shiretoko such as seals on the ice, Steller’s sea eagles in the sky and Clionidae ice angels in the sea.
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Nature Cruise
In the southeast Rausu area of Shiretoko, each season brings different animals: whales and dolphins in summer, and sea eagles and sea lions in winter, for example. On a nature cruise, you may meet this wildlife. Do not miss the chance to get up close and personal with the dynamic ecosystem of Shiretoko.
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Brown Bear
Of all the wildlife in Shiretoko, the most famous would have to be the biggest land mammal, the brown bear. Due to the immense danger it is prohibited to approach a brown bear, but a boat cruise will allow you to get closer and observe a wild bear from the sea. The sight of the brown bear, which bravely makes its home in the brutal wilds of Shiretoko, is gripping.
Check the Activities
How to go and Where to stay
Access
Traveling from major cities around Japan
- From Sapporo
- From Tokyo
- From Nagoya
- From Osaka
- From Fukuoka
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Shin-Chitose Airport
By air 45 minutes
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Memanbetsu Airport
By Shari Bus Shiretoko Airport Liner
or
2 hours 15 minutesBy car 2 hours 15 minutes
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Shiretoko (Utoro)
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Shin-Chitose Airport
By air 50 minutes
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Nakashibetsu Airport
By car 1 hour 10 minutes
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Shiretoko (Rausu)
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Haneda Airport
By air 1 hour 45 minutes
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Memanbetsu Airport
By Shari Bus Shiretoko Airport Liner
or
2 hours 15 minutesBy car 2 hours 15 minutes
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Shiretoko (Utoro)
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Haneda Airport
By air 1 hour 40 minutes
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Nakashibetsu Airport
By car 1 hour 10 minutes
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Shiretoko (Rausu)
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Chubu Centrair International Airport
By air 1 hour 55 minutes
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Memanbetsu Airport
By Shari Bus Shiretoko Airport Liner
or
2 hours 15 minutesBy car 2 hours 15 minutes
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Shiretoko (Utoro)
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Chubu Centrair International Airport
By air 1 hour 55 minutes
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Memanbetsu Airport
By car 2 hours 40 minutes
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Shiretoko (Rausu)
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Kansai International Airport or Osaka International Airport (Itami)
By air 1 hour 15 minutes
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Haneda Airport
By air 1 hour 45 minutes
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Memanbetsu Airport
By Shari Bus Shiretoko Airport Liner
or
2 hours 15 minutesBy car 2 hours 15 minutes
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Shiretoko (Utoro)
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Kansai International Airport or Osaka International Airport (Itami)
By air 1 hour 45-50 minutes
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Shin-Chitose Airport
By air 50 minutes
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Nakashibetsu Airport
By car 1 hour 10 minutes
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Shiretoko (Rausu)
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Fukuoka Airport
By air 1 hour 45 minutes
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Haneda Airport
By air 1 hour 45 minutes
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Memanbetsu Airport
By Shari Bus Shiretoko Airport Liner
or
2 hours 15 minutesBy car 2 hours 15 minutes
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Shiretoko (Utoro)
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Fukuoka Airport
By air 2 hours 25 minutes
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Shin-Chitose Airport
By air 50 minutes
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Nakashibetsu Airport
By car 1 hour 10 minutes
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Shiretoko (Rausu)
Accommodations
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Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
An inn with a superb location overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk. In winter, the drift ice can be seen from the rooms facing the sea and from the outdoor baths.
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KIKI SHIRETOKO NATURAL RESORT
A wide variety of rooms, ideal for adult holidays and family trips. The Bornelund-produced Asobi no Mori play area is popular with children.
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Rausu Daiichi Hotel
A place to stay inside the boundaries of Shiretoko National Park. Popular for its milky hot spring and seafood cuisine.
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Yuhi no Ataruie
The highlights are the beautiful sunset and a mural drawn by Miroco Machiko. Convenient for long stays thanks to the public kitchen.
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Hotel Kifuu Club Shiretoko
A small family-run hostel overflowing with warmth. Revive yourself with a natural hot spring and Japanese cuisine using produce from the mountains and the sea.
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Shiretoko Serai
An inn where you can enjoy views of Kunashir Island from your room and a better class of cuisine. Private guides are also available.
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Minshuku Washi no Yado
An inn where you can observe and photograph the wild Blakiston Fish Owl. Attracts guests from Japan and abroad.