ODAITO NEST 尾岱沼ネスト
-野付半島まで10分の個室ゲストハウスー
ODAITO NEST 尾岱沼ネスト
-野付半島まで10分の個室ゲストハウスー
If you’re planning a trip to Shiretoko, you won’t want to miss Utoro, a charming coastal town that acts as the gateway to this breathtakingly wild region. From here, you’ll have easy access to some of the most stunning scenery Hokkaido has to offer—think towering cliffs, untouched forests, and plenty of wildlife. Whether you’re hopping on a cruise to see the dramatic coastline or gearing up for a snowshoe trek through pristine snow in winter, Utoro has something for every nature lover.
I’ll walk you through some of the top experiences and must-visit spots, so you can make the most of your adventure in this unforgettable part of the world!
Shiretoko Five Lakes are five peaceful, mystical lakes nestled in the forests of Shiretoko. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Shiretoko Mountain Range while surrounded by wildlife such as brown bears and deer, immersing you in nature.
You have two options for exploring:
For guided tours led by experienced guides, you can make a reservation through this link.
From late September to mid-October, the lakes beautifully reflect the red and golden autumn leaves, creating a picturesque display.
In winter, although Route 93 is closed, certified guides lead snowshoe tours, allowing visitors to walk across frozen lakes and immerse themselves in the serene, snowy landscape.
The Shiretoko Nature Center is a visitor hub that provides essential information for hiking, trekking, and nature observation. In winter, you can rent snowshoes for ¥550 per day or boots for your winter adventures. The center also has a shop selling outdoor gear from brands like NORTH FACE.
Inside, the KINETOKO mega screen showcases films about Shiretoko’s natural wonders (paid admission). If you’re heading to Furepe Falls next, the center is worth a stop for its exhibits and entertainment.
A 20-minute walk from the Shiretoko Nature Center brings you to Furepe Falls, where rain and melted snow seep through cliffs, creating a gentle stream into the sea. This tranquil fall is nicknamed “The Maiden’s Tears” for its delicate flow. From the observation deck, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Shiretoko Mountain Range.
In winter, the falls freeze into a striking ice formation. Snowshoeing the path to Furepe Falls offers an unforgettable view of drift ice covering the sea—a winter spectacle not to be missed.
Located along Route 334, Utoro Roadside Station Shiretoko is the main gateway to Shiretoko. The building, inspired by local fishermen’s huts, houses a tourist information center, a restaurant, and a gift shop. It’s known for providing extensive information about Shiretoko, having ranked first in the “Best Regional Tourist Information” category of Hokkaido’s roadside station rankings for seven years straight.
At the restaurant, you can enjoy fresh seafood, including dishes made with salmon caught in the nearby waters.
Right next to the roadside station is the Shiretoko World Heritage Center, a facility dedicated to showcasing Shiretoko’s natural beauty while educating visitors on the rules and etiquette for exploring the area. Inside, you’ll find life-sized photos and models of wildlife, including brown bears and deer, offering a glimpse into the local ecosystem.
The staff can guide you to the best sights, so it’s a must-visit before heading out to explore Shiretoko.
Spot Information
Located along Route 334, just a 10-minute drive west from central Utoro, Oshin Koshin Falls is the largest waterfall on the Shiretoko Peninsula. Its flow splits into two, earning it the nickname “Twin Beauty Falls.” It has also been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls.
Climb the stairs to a viewpoint halfway up the falls to enjoy a close-up view of its beauty. Each season offers a different spectacle—from the powerful flow of melting snow in spring to the enchanting sight of a partially frozen waterfall in winter.
In winter, the stairs can become slippery due to ice and snow, so caution is advised. Across the road, you can also catch a glimpse of drift ice, making it a popular photo spot.
Located between Utoro and Rausu, the Shiretoko Pass offers a stunning view from 738 meters above sea level. The pass is on Route 334, one of the shortest open roadways in Japan, as it is closed from early November to late April due to snow. Even during open periods, it can be dangerous with icy conditions in the mornings and evenings.
From the pass’s observation deck, you can enjoy a direct view of Mount Rausu and, on clear days, see as far as the Nemuro Strait and the Kuril Islands. Keep in mind that the weather is unpredictable, and even in summer, it can be cold and windy, so warm clothing is recommended.
The vibrant autumn foliage, with bright reds from Japanese Rowan and Hautschiwa Maple, reaches its peak from early to mid-October, creating a stunning panorama.
Kamuiwakka Falls is a series of four waterfalls along the Kamuiwakka River, which originates from Mount Iou. As you climb the falls, the water temperature increases, with the uppermost falls reaching 35–38°C. This unique natural feature allows for a warm, relaxing river-climb experience.
This activity is available only in summer, and you’ll need to make a reservation and pay a fee to participate. Reservations can be made here.
2024 Fee Structure
| Period | Adult | Elementary & Middle School Students | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Car Period | ¥2,200 | ¥550 | 7/1–8/8, 8/19–9/30 |
| Shuttle Bus Period | ¥3,000 | ¥750 | 8/9–8/18 (includes bus fare) |
| Walking/Bicycle (no bus) | ¥2,200 | ¥550 | Available year-round |
Note: During the shuttle bus period (8/9–8/18), if you walk or use a bicycle instead of the bus, the fee is ¥2,200 for adults and ¥550 for students.
Many parts of Shiretoko Peninsula are inaccessible by car, making a Shiretoko cruise the perfect way to explore its untouched natural beauty from the water. Each cruise company offers different routes, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your schedule and interests.
| Cruise Company | Features | Operation Period | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shiretoko Kankosen Aurora | Three routes: Kamuiwakka Falls, Rusa Bay, Shiretoko Cape. Larger vessels provide stable rides. | Late April–Late October | Website |
| Dolphin Shiretoko Cruiser | Access dramatic cliffs and small inlets for an up-close experience. | Golden Week, June–Early October | Website |
| Godzilla Rock Sightseeing | Summer cruises around the peninsula, whale watching, and winter drift ice tours. | Late April–Late October | Website |
You can choose between shorter routes, like the Kamuiwakka Falls course, or longer journeys to the Shiretoko Cape at the peninsula’s tip. Be sure to check availability and pricing to find the right cruise for you.
In winter, drift ice from northeastern Russia flows into the Sea of Okhotsk, creating a dense field of ice along the Shiretoko Peninsula’s coast, especially around Utoro. This “white land” stretches as far as the eye can see, and you can experience it up close with a guided drift ice walk.
These tours allow you to not only walk on the ice but also float in the open sea between ice floes and search for tiny sea creatures like the Clione, known as the “angel of the drift ice.” As you relax on the ice, you might hear the eerie sound of “drift ice singing,” caused by the ice colliding due to its density.
| Company | Features | Period | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinra | The first company to offer drift ice walks. Four tours daily, each with its own unique charm. | February–March | Website |
| Godzilla Rock Sightseeing (Utoro) | Local guides offer safe and thrilling walks. | February–March | Website |
| Picchio Shiretoko | Offers a 360° drift ice experience with aerial photography and sea glass viewing. | February–March | Website |
| SOT! | Includes a drift ice walk as part of the “Winter Shiretoko Five Lakes Tour.” | March | Website |
| MEPS | Run by local fishermen and diving professionals, offering expert guidance on drift ice walks. | February 1–March 10 | Website |
