Shiretoko National Park Tourist Spots Play Leisure Special Feature

Shiretoko National Park
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Located at the northeasternmost tip of Japan " Shiretoko National Park ” (excluding the Northern Territories).
An attractive national park with unique topography and abundant wildlife such as brown bears, killer whales, and fish owls. is.

This time, Shiretoko National Park Special feature!
guided tour You can enjoy it even in winter Snowshoes/snow trekking Such, Activities to enjoy in Shiretoko National Park I will introduce it to you in detail.

History, scope, and location of Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park

Consists of the central part of the Shiretoko Peninsula, Cape Shiretoko, and the surrounding sea area. Shiretoko National Park ”.
Shiretoko is derived from the Ainu word ``Siri Etoku,'' which means ``the tip of the earth,'' or ``the end of the earth.'' .

As the name suggests, it is located at the northeasternmost tip of Japan, excluding the Northern Territories.
On June 1, 1964, it was designated as the 22nd national park in the country, along with Minami Alps National Park. On July 14, 2005, the area including Shiretoko National Park world Natural Heritage Site has been registered.

Shiretoko National Park Total area is 38,954ha (hectare/land area only). The municipalities related to the park are Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido, and Rausu-cho, Menashi-gun, Hokkaido. is.

Characteristics and charms of Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is characterized by a rugged and majestic landscape formed by volcanic activity and drift ice, and a rich ecosystem inhabited by wild animals. is. Especially since the park still has untouched virgin nature, brown bear or killer whale large mammals, such as Fish owl or Steller's sea eagle There are also many large birds of prey that are at risk of extinction.

The Shiretoko Peninsula is long and narrow, approximately 70km long and approximately 25km wide at its base. . Opposite topography can be seen on the west and east sides of the peninsula, bordered by the Shiretoko Mountain Range, which was formed by volcanic activity.
The coastline on the west side of the peninsula is lined with cliffs over 100m high. You can also see groundwater flowing between cooled and hardened lava, forming waterfalls on the cliffs and flowing into the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. On the other hand, the eastern side of the peninsula has a relatively gentle coastline and is dotted with many kelp fishing banyas.

More than half of the land area of ​​Shiretoko National Park is a "Special Protection Area" . Conservation of nature and ecosystems is progressing.

How to get to Shiretoko National Park

  • For public institutions
    ■About 60 minutes by bus from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station to Utoro
    ■About 70 minutes by bus from Nakashibetsu Airport to Rausu
  • For cars
    ■Approximately 2 hours by car from Memanbetsu Airport to Utoro City

Shiretoko National Park tourist attractions

Cape Shiretoko

Shiretoko Peninsula and Cape Shiretoko photographed from the air

At the tip of the Shiretoko Peninsula, Cape Shiretoko, facing the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, has vast grasslands. . As it is a special protection area, access to tourists is restricted. sightseeing boat You can view it from the sea. If the timing is right, You can also encounter wild animals such as brown bears and white-tailed eagles. Yo.
The operating period of sightseeing cruise ships depends on the company, but generally From late April to late October is.

Frepe Falls

Frepe Falls in Shiretoko National Park

A beautiful waterfall where groundwater flowing from the mountains of Shiretoko gushes out from the middle of a sheer cliff about 100m high. . alias" maiden's tears ” is known as.
in winter snowshoe You can go to see the frozen waterfall.

Shiretoko Goko Lakes

Shiretoko National Park, Shiretoko Goko Lakes

Five fantastic lakes dotted within the virgin forest . Shiretoko It is known as a representative landscape.
The Shiretoko Goko Lakes area is equipped with elevated wooden paths and promenades, so you can enjoy a casual stroll. .
Many wild animals such as Ezo squirrels, Ezo deer, and brown bears live in the area, making it an attractive place to get in touch with nature.

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Images of the charms of Shiretoko Goko Lakes and recommended guided tours
Charms of Shiretoko Goko Lakes and recommended guided tours
Updated on 2022/09/08
Introducing the popular Shiretoko Goko Lakes in Hokkaido. We will explain the course and time required for a stroll, as well as things to keep in mind when strolling. We will also introduce recommended guided tours, so if you are interested in exploring the Shiretoko Goko Lakes, please refer to this article.
Hokkaido Shiretoko/Abashiri/Kitami Eco tour/nature guided tour

Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall

National Park, Kamuiwakka Hot Falls

Waterfall over the Kamuiwakka River It means "water of the gods" in the Ainu language (kamuy = god, wakka = water).
The hot springs gushing out from the middle of Mt. Shiretoko Sulfur Mountain flow into the Kamuiwakka River. The whole river is a hot spring It becomes. There are multiple waterfall basins, and the temperature increases as you ascend the river.
You can usually enjoy sawanobori from July to late October. . In July and August, there is a temporary period in which private cars are prohibited, so be sure to check in advance.

Rausu-dake

Asahi and Mt. Rausu

Rausudake (Rausudake) is the main peak of a group of volcanoes located almost in the center of the Shiretoko Peninsula. . The altitude is 1,661m, From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the peninsula, which is surrounded by the sea on the east and west. .

Climbing season runs from early July to mid-September . In July, there is still a lot of snow remaining, and in mid-September, the daylight hours become shorter and snow begins to fall. It also takes more than 8 hours round trip to climb the mountain, so you need to plan and prepare well when visiting.
Recently, the number of brown bears appearing around Mt. Rausu has increased, so Bear countermeasures We also need to do enough. You can rent bear repellent spray at the Shiretoko Nature Center and Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center.

Shiretoko Pass

Shiretoko National Park, Shiretoko Pass

Shiretoko Pass is a mountain pass located at the highest point of the Shiretoko Crossing Road (National Route 334) that connects Shari Town and Rausu Town. . The altitude is 738m.
Shiretoko eight views Mt. Rausu rises directly in front of you, and a sea of ​​deep green trees spreads out below you. If the weather is good, far away Nemuro Strait and Kunashiri Island You can hope for it.
however, Completely closed to traffic in winter It becomes. Please check the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's website for the schedule of road closures and reopening.

Lake Rausu

Shiretoko National Park, Lake Rausu

Lake Rausu is a beautiful lake located at an altitude of approximately 700m. . Although it is at a low altitude, alpine plants can be seen in the surrounding area, and a high-rise wetland is spreading.
Recently, trekking routes have been developed, guided trekking tour You can now visit . An area rich in nature, perfect for nature lovers and trekking It is an attractive place for lovers. Be sure to have sufficient equipment when climbing.

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Kumagoe Falls

Shiretoko National Park, Kumagoe Falls

Kumagoe Falls is an impressive waterfall located on the Rausu River with a height of approximately 15 meters. is. The amount of water is abundant and spectacular.
Kumagoe Falls can be visited via a promenade that can be accessed from the Shiretoko Crossing Road. The promenade follows a clear stream, A beautiful place where lovely bicamas grow thickly .
It is a spot where you can feel the power and beauty of nature.

Rausu intermittent spring

Shiretoko National Park, Intermittent Spring in Rausu

An intermittent hot spring is a type of hot spring that spouts steam and hot water at regular intervals.
Rausu intermittent spring was discovered in 1962 (Showa 37), Currently, it continues to spout hot water approximately 8m high at intervals of approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour. .
Many tourists from Japan and abroad visit Shiretoko National Park, but the intermittent hot springs in Rausu are a spot only known to those in the know. . Natural monuments of Hokkaido is also specified.
Why not visit the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center and ask for directions and the expected eruption time?

Shiretoko National Park tourist attractions map

Recommended activities in Shiretoko National Park

Eco tour/nature guided tour

People enjoying Shiretoko guided tour at Okhotsk Jinendo

In Shiretoko National Park, Eco tour/nature guided tour is popular.
You can enjoy Shiretoko more deeply with the guide's commentary.

☆Shiretoko, Hokkaido☆ Primeval forest and cliff trekking ~ A nature guide will show you places that are not listed in guidebooks!

Shiretoko Nature Guide Starhours
Shiretoko/Abashiri/Kitami
5,000 Yen~ (tax included)

Even during busy periods such as summer vacation and autumn holidays, you can experience the tranquility of Shiretoko here. This is a course that goes through a former land and forest to see a waterfall of underground water flowing into the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. If the weather is clear, you can see the 200m high cliffs that extend all the way to Cape Shiretoko. This is a course that goes to see the waterfall on the cliff like "Furepe Falls", but there is no promenade here and you have to climb over logs.

[Hokkaido/Shiretoko] Enjoy the rich nature of Shiretoko! Shiretoko 1-day guided tour

Okhotsk Jinendo
Shiretoko/Abashiri/Kitami
10,000 Yen~ (tax included)

Hokkaido is a place that everyone wants to visit at least once in the summer. We will take you on a leisurely day-long tour of Okhotsk, one of Hokkaido's richest natural areas. The theme of the Shiretoko area is "Enjoying nature to the fullest." In the morning, a guided walk around the Shiretoko Five Lakes takes you through Shiretoko's representative fields. For lunch, we will take you to a restaurant in Utoro. The remaining half day is spent trekking through the primeval forest. Walk along the animal trail and meet the cliffs

[Hokkaido/Shiretoko] Stroll towards the waterfall that falls from the cliff! Furepe Falls Nature Watching

Shiretoko Nature Office
Shiretoko/Abashiri/Kitami
3,000 Yen~ (tax included)

Stroll along the 1km one-way promenade that stretches from the Shiretoko Nature Center to the coastline. You can walk through a secondary forest that has been influenced by land reclamation, see the majestic Shiretoko Mountains from the natural grassland, and see Furepe Falls cascading down from the cliffs from the observation deck. During your walk, you will see forest wild birds such as the Ficed Flycatcher, grassland wild birds such as the Great Sandpiper, and seabirds such as the Cormorant Cormorant.

night tour

Shiretoko Nature Office

Would you like to enjoy Shiretoko at night?
Enjoy the wild animals that can only be seen at night and the star-filled sky that is unique to Shiretoko!

【Hokkaido・Shiretoko】エゾシカorキタキツネを見に行こう!夜の動物ウォッチング!ご家族での参加も楽しめる!6才~OK

Shiretoko Nature Office
Shiretoko/Abashiri/Kitami
4,000 Yen~ (tax included)

Use lights to look for wildlife from inside your car. Observe the scenery at night, which is different from the daytime, and the behavior of wild animals.

[Hokkaido/Shiretoko] Astronomical observation at a world natural heritage site ~ Watch the stars using a reflecting telescope!

Shiretoko Nature Guide Starhours
Shiretoko/Abashiri/Kitami
4,000 Yen~ (tax included)

In addition to observing the starry sky with the naked eye, we will also conduct astronomical observations using a Newtonian reflecting telescope with a focal length of 800 mm and an aperture of 200 mm. What you can see, such as stars, the moon, and comets, will change depending on the conditions that day. If the weather is good, you can often see shooting stars. You can participate empty-handed or bring your camera or your own telescope!

[Hokkaido/Shiretoko] Completely chartered Shirietoku night tour with free transportation!

Shiretoko Kiyosato Town Ueneusal Midori
Shiretoko/Abashiri/Kitami
30,000 Yen~ (tax included)

Enjoy an unforgettable night in Shiretoko by admiring the large natural planetarium and wild animals! Complete transportation to each Utoro Onsen hotel! ! Proceed through the forest of Shiretoko, where there are no street lights, while watching wildlife from the car window.When you arrive at each point, get off the car and enjoy the full sky and night atmosphere that is unique to Shiretoko. Commemorative photo of customers with the starry sky of Shiretoko/datap

Snowshoes/snow trekking

A woman enjoying Shiretoko snowshoe trekking at Shiretoko Nature Office

During the snowy season Snowshoes/snow trekking is recommended.
Why not enjoy Shiretoko covered in snow, which can only be enjoyed in winter?

[Hokkaido/Shiretoko] Feel free to take a walk in the forest! Frepe Falls Snowshoeing

Shinra
Shiretoko/Abashiri/Kitami
5,100 Yen~ (tax included)

How about a casual morning stroll through the forest? Wear snowshoes and take a walk around Furepe Falls in winter. Let's enjoy a snowshoe walk on a course packed with the charms of Shiretoko in winter, with the destination being "Furepe Falls", which is located at the end of the forest and snowy fields! ☆Tour time 9:00-11:30☆Flow of the day☆Around 8:45 [Pick-up] 15 minutes before the tour starts from each hotel

☆ World Natural Heritage Shiretoko ☆ Easy 2-hour snow trekking ☆ A 2km round trip course that includes primeval forest, cliff waterfalls, and animal hunting ☆

Shiretoko Nature Guide Starhours
Shiretoko/Abashiri/Kitami
4,000 Yen~ (tax included)

Walk through Shiretoko National Park, a World Natural Heritage Site, on snowshoes during the snowy season. If there is no snow, walk without snowshoes. You can walk through a natural forest and see waterfalls flowing into the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, huge icicles, and depending on the time of year, drift ice. You can mainly observe sika deer and wild birds. You may even see eagles, woodpeckers, and flying squirrels, all of which are designated as natural monuments.

Related article

Shiretoko National Park Tourist Spots Activities Summary

Shiretoko Nature Guide Starhours

Shiretoko National Park We introduced recommended sightseeing spots and popular activities in the area.

Shiretoko National Park, with its unique topography and pristine nature, has so much to see!
In recent years, there has been an increase in reports of brown bear sightings, so when sightseeing, please visit visitor centers to gather information and prepare adequately. Also, More than half of the land area has been designated as a special protection area, so we recommend joining a tour when sightseeing. you know.

Why not experience the majestic nature at Shiretoko National Park?

*The contents of this article are current as of November 2023.

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