Shiretoko Peninsula

The Shiretoko Peninsula, situated in the northeastern part of Hokkaido and facing the Sea of Okhotsk, is one of the lowest latitudes globally where sea ice occurs. The Shiretoko Peninsula stretches about 63 kilometers (39 miles) long, and Shiretoke Pass at its tip literally means “the end of the earth” in local language. Like its name suggests, it is a place where human footprints are rare and it has been preserved in its natural state, boasting the most pristine and untouched natural beauty in Japan, thus being called “The Last Secret Realm in Japan.” 

The sea of Shiretoko Peninsula

Designated as a national park of Japan in 1964 and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, the Shiretoko Peninsula is home to several active volcanoes, primeval forests, rare birds, and wildlife. It stands as one of the areas boasting the highest density of brown bears in the world. Additionally, it serves as a habitat for endangered seabirds and an important stopover site for migratory birds. The Shiretoko Peninsula is divided into Utoro in the north and Rausu in the south by the Shiretoko Pass. Most travelers choose Utoro as the starting point for their tour of the Shiretoko Peninsula.

Must-See Attractions in Shiretoko Peninsula – Eight Views of Shiretoko

1. Shiretoko Five Lakes

The Shiretoko Five Lakes are collectively known as the five lakes within the Shiretoko National Park. These lakes do not have names; they are simply numbered. The Shiretoko Five Lakes are like five pearls scattered in the pristine forest. Hiking is the best way to explore the Shiretoko Five Lakes.

Notes: The forest hiking trails are usually open from May to October.
From May to July, it is necessary to join a tour group to enter the forest during the bear-spotting season, and the fee is about 5,000 yen per person with the admission fee.
From August to October, you can enter without a guide for an admission fee of 250 yen per person.

2. Kamuiwakka yunotaki Hot Falls

Although it is called a fall, it is actually a very representative open-air hot spring in Shiretoko Peninsula. The water temperature is around 40℃ (100℉), making it very comfortable to soak in.

Opening time: Early June to early November

A fall in Shiretoko Peninsula

3. Furepe no taki Falls

The Furepe no taki Falls has a drop of about 60 meters (200 feet). Because the water flow of the falls is not large and its resemblance to tears flowing from the eyes, it is called the “Tears of the Girl.” In winter, the falls freeze, and its shape is also very magnificent. And wild animals such as Hokkaido deer and squirrels are often seen around the trail.

4. Cape Puyuni

Cape Puyuni, located on the northern coast of Shiretoko Peninsula, is famous for offering the observation of the first ice floes to arrive in winter. In addition, from here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline of the Sea of Okhotsk and distant green mountains.

5. Oronko Rock

Oronko Rock is a huge rock located near the Utoro fishing port, reaching a height of 60 meters (200 feet). This rock may be the lowest “mountain” on Shiretoko Peninsula, and it can be reached by climbing 170 stone steps to the top, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Utoro district and the vast mountains in the distance.

A rock in Shiretoko Peninsula

6. Yūhidai Observatory

Yūhidai Observatory is famous for its magnificent sunset views, serving as an ideal spot to watch the sunset and a popular destination for lovers. Yūhidai Observatory is beautiful all year round, but especially in winter when the white ice floes floating on the sea are dyed golden yellow by the setting sun, making for a rare and beautiful sight.

7. Oshinkoshin Falls

Oshinkoshin Falls is about 30 meters (100 feet) wide and has a drop of 50 meters (160 feet), with the water flowing in two branches. One of the charms of this waterfall is that you can enjoy its different appearance depending on the season. In the green season, the water volume increases due to the melting snow from the mountains, and you can enjoy the magnificent waterfall. Surprisingly, it does not freeze in winter, so you can enjoy its unstoppable water flow all year round, which is the reason why it was selected for Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.

8. Shiretoke Pass

Shiretoke Pass, located at the tip of Shiretoko Peninsula, is a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset, and also the best spot to capture the mountains and the Sea of Okhotsk.

Top Things to Do in Shiretoko Peninsula

1. Touring by Cruise

To fully appreciate the natural richness of Shiretoko Peninsula, you cannot only stay on land but also venture into the sea. From April to October, take a Shiretoko cruise ship to admire 200-meter (660-foot) high cliffs, bizarre rocks, and various waterfalls. There are two options: large boats that are further from the shore and focus on viewing cliffs and waterfalls, with a 1.5-hour cruise that is more comfortable; and smaller boats that can venture closer to the coastline to view bears, seals, and other wildlife, with a 2-hour cruise. In addition, there will be a special icebreaker cruise in winter to admire the awe-inspiring sight of sea ice.

Reference price: 3,500-7,000 yen

Seascape of Shiretoko Peninsula

2. Walking on Drift Ice

From February to March, the coast is surrounded by drifting ice, where you can step onto the ice that has drifted onto the shore and where the waves are small and the sea surface is calm. Put on the special clothing provided in the store, and follow your local guide to start a new experience of “Walking on Drift Ice.” Standing on the ice, the feeling of losing balance is strange, and if you feel like it, you can even jump into the sea without worrying about safety.

Reference price: 7,000 yen
Time: 90 minutes
Tip: Don't forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the reflection of the snow.

3. Visit the Shiretoko Drift Ice Festival

The Shiretoko Drift Ice Festival is the largest winter event on Shiretoko Peninsula. Craftsmen retrieve drift ice from the sea and create stunning ice sculptures. The highlight of the festival is the simulated fantastic Aurora Borealis on the snowy ground, created by projecting seven-color laser lights onto the drift ice.

Date: February 1 - March 8

4. Watching Birds

About 300 species of wild birds live on the Shiretoko Peninsula, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers.

5. Enjoy Delicious Seafood

A restaurant in Shiretoko Peninsula

The Sea of Okhotsk is rich in prawns, scallops, mackerel, and other seafood, so you can enjoy the freshest seafood here.

How to Get to Shiretoko Peninsula

1. First step: Get to Utoro

By train:
The nearest train station to Shiretoko Peninsula is Shiretokoshari Station located in the center of Shari, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Shiretoko Peninsula. First, you need to take the train to Shiretokoshari Station, and then take the bus bound for Utoro, which takes about an hour to reach there.

By plane:
The nearest airport to Shiretoko Peninsula is Memanbetsu Airport, which is located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Shiretoko Peninsula. During the summer from early June to early October and the winter from mid-January to late March, you can take an airport shuttle to Utoro, which takes about two hours one-way.

2. Second step: Getting Around

Public transportation between various attractions on the Shiretoko Peninsula is not very convenient, so it is recommended to join a guided tour to get around.

Admission fee:

It’s free to entre Shiretoko Peninsula.

Recommended tour time:

3 - 4 days