Shiretoko National Park

The basics

There are many ways to explore Shiretoko National Park. Driving through the park via the Shiretoko Pass or along the coasts is a popular and easy way to enjoy the landscape, though much of the park is only accessible by foot and sightseeing boats from Utoro and Rausu. Cruises to spot wildlife and waterfalls, and in the winter, experience the drift ice, are available, as are guided hikes to waterfalls and around Shiretoko Five Lakes.

Things to know before you go

• Shiretoko National Park and its visitor centers and field houses are free to enter, though some amenities and trails charge a fee at certain times of the year.

• Food options inside the park are limited, but you can find some at the Shiretoko Nature Information Center and the Shiretoko Goko Lakes Park Service Center.

• Brown bears are especially active over the summer, so guided tours might be required to access certain areas during periods of increased bear activity.

• Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and planned activities.

How to get there

The two main gateways to Shiretoko National Park are Utoro in the west and Rausu in the east. Visitors can fly into Memanbetsu Airport and take a bus, train, and bus to Utoro, or fly into Nakashibetsu Airport and take the bus to Rausu. Over the summer, there is an overnight bus from Sapporo to Utoro. Driving is an easy way to reach the park. Some guided tours offer transfers from Shari, Utoro, or Memanbetsu Airport.

When to get there

You can visit Shiretoko National Park year-round; there are different activities and wildlife during different seasons. Visit in the spring, summer, and fall for hiking, cycling, and sightseeing boat tours. For drift ice experiences, including walking on the drift ice, visit in the winter. Winter weather can impact access though, as the Shiretoko Pass is closed over the winter.

Highlights of Shiretoko National Park

Some of the most popular attractions in Shiretoko National Park include Shiretoko Pass, the highest point on the road between Utoro and Rausu; waterfalls such as the Kamuiwakka Hot Falls, a hot spring waterfall, Oshinkoshin Falls, the largest on the peninsula, and Furepe Falls, which are fed by groundwater; and Shiretoko Goko (Five Lakes), which offers an elevated boardwalk and nature trails.