Things to do in Shiretoko/Abashiri/Kitami

• Age 11～Age 70
• 4～5 hours

Unlike in the summer, Kaminoko Pond can only be accessed on foot in the winter using snowshoes. A blue pond in a world of silver. What a strange sight. The water is so clean that you can see the bottom of the pond, which is about 5 meters long. On your return trip, your nature guide will provide easy-to-understand explanations about Hokkaido's nature while you stroll through the pine forest. A nature guide will take you through a world of nature that is far removed from the everyday world. Please enjoy Kaminoko Pond in winter. If you are participating, please arrive at Kiyosato Ihatov Hostel by 11:30. If you use JR, we will pick you up at JR Kiyosatocho Station. We can run the tour even for just one person, but there will be an additional charge of 3,300 yen if the tour is for just one person. *Please note that the number of participants is limited, so depending on the timing of your application, we may not be able to accept your application because it is full. *Please note that snowshoe trekking may not be possible depending on snow conditions.

• Pickup Service

• Age 11～Age 70
• 5～6 hours

A snowshoe trek to Lake Mashu during the mid-winter season starting in the afternoon. A nature guide will take you to the Uramashu Observation Deck, which is closed during the winter. Would you like to go see the snow-covered Lake Mashu on snowshoes? Please meet at Kiyosato Ihatov Youth Hostel by 11:30 on the day of your participation. If you are coming by JR, please contact us. This is a half-day course with a gentle uphill slope. The course is reasonably priced, so even women can participate. Along the way, you can enjoy encounters with wild animals such as red foxes, red squirrels, and woodpeckers. *Please note that the number of participants is limited, so depending on the timing of your application, we may not be able to accept your application because it is full. [Note] *Children under 10 years old cannot apply. *Please note that snowshoe trekking may not be possible depending on snow conditions. [Ura-Mashu Snowshoe Tour Procedure] 11:30 Please gather at Kiyosato Ihatov Hostel. *For those using JR, we will pick you up at JR Kiyosatocho Station. Please come by train arriving at JR Kiyosatocho Station at 11:24 or 10:58. ■Depart for the Uramashu snowshoe tour *On the way, we will stop at a convenience store and purchase lunch etc. ↓Arrive at the Uramashu Snowshoe Tour starting point around 12:00. Start your snowshoe walk towards the Uramashu Observation Deck. ↓ Around 15:30 Uramashu Snowshoe Tour ends and returns to Kiyosato Ihatov Hostel. ↓Arrival at Kiyosato Ihatov Hostel around 16:30

• Pickup Service

• Age 6～Age 80
• 1～2 hours /2～3 hours
• 09:00 / 13:00

A seasonal feature of winter in Hokkaido! Enjoy ice fishing on a frozen lake (ice smelt fishing). Located 10 minutes from Memanbetsu Airport, the gateway to the skies of Okhotsk, Lake Memanbetsu is a place where you can enjoy smelt fishing every year by drilling a hole in the frozen lake surface. Our professional outdoor guides will take you to the fishing spot while taking you to and from the hotel or airport. This is the most popular winter activity, as you can eat the smelt you catch as tempura on the spot. We will provide you with the equipment, so you can participate empty-handed! ♪ A guide will accompany you, so even first-time fishers can feel at ease. 1. Smelt fishing experience: Experience the thrilling and fun ice smelt fishing that is unique to Hokkaido in winter. You can drill a hole in the ice and feel a sense of accomplishment in catching the fish yourself. Of course, since you are dealing with nature, there may be few hits. 2. Support for beginners: The guide will provide friendly support so that even beginners can participate with confidence. They will carefully teach you how to use the equipment and how to attach bait. 3. Drilling holes using an ice drill: This experience includes drilling holes in the ice yourself using an ice drill, so you can actively participate even in the cold. 4. Lake Abashiri is one of the most famous places in Japan as a sacred place for smelt fishing, and anglers come from all over the country. We will guide you to Lake Abashiri, one of Hokkaido's leading smelt fishing spots. You can enjoy fishing on the lake, catch as many as you want to eat, and enjoy the fresh smelt as freshly fried tempura. 5. Peace of mind in a warm tent: A tent is set up to protect you from the cold, and the freshly caught smelt is fried on the spot and made into tempura. We offer a special time in a warm tent with fresh flavors.

• Pickup Service
• For Groups

• Age 6～Age 80
• 2～3 hours
• 09:00 / 13:00

In winter, Shiretoko's famous waterfall, Furepe Falls, turns into blue icicles, and the spray of the falls, blown by the north wind, creates a mysterious shape. Behind Furepe Falls, the silvery Shiretoko mountain range stands, and during the drift ice season from late January to early March, a majestic drift ice field spreads out below. To reach Furepe Falls, you will put on snowshoes (Western snow shoes) and walk freely through the forest, searching for forest creatures and their traces. Places that are difficult to access from spring to autumn become walkable thanks to snow and snowshoes, so this tour is characterized by many new discoveries. Enjoy the spectacular scenery that is typical of Shiretoko and the snowshoeing experience together. *Due to the lack of sufficient snowfall from early to late December and late March, there is a high possibility that you will be guided in boots instead of snowshoes. In that case, we will guide you to the "Furepe Falls Nature Walk" tour in the same area during the snow-free season (adults: 3,100 yen, children: 2,000 yen). Thank you for your understanding.

• Pickup Service
• For Rainy Days

• Age 6～Age 100
• 1～2 hours
• 14:00 / 14:30

This tour will take you on a drive to search for creatures that represent Shiretoko in winter. The main focus will be on large birds of prey, such as Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, which are designated as natural monuments and visit Shiretoko in winter. You can use binoculars and telescopes to observe their fearless faces as they stare intently at the sea and rivers, searching for prey, and you may even see them diving into the sea to hunt fish. The excitement of finding a large eagle with a body length of 1m and a wingspan of over 2m will be an unforgettable memory. During this tour, you may also encounter Ezo deer and red foxes. *The number of eagles seen will decrease from mid- to late March. *The tour will mainly be by car, but we will occasionally get off the car to observe. Please wear shoes that can walk on snow (snow boots, ankle-length boots, boots, etc.). *Binoculars are available for free rental (no application required).

• Pickup Service
• For Rainy Days

• Age 6～Age 80
• 1～2 hours
• 19:30

This special tour, only available in winter, involves walking through the forest at night on snowshoes. As you get used to the darkness and walk relying as much as possible only on your own eyes, the light of the snow, and the light of the stars, you will have a strange feeling as if a primitive power that had been sleeping inside you has returned. The sound of your feet crunching on the snow echoes through the silent forest at night, creating a tense atmosphere that is unique to this tour. If there is no moonlight and no clouds, countless stars will twinkle in the sky and you can enjoy stargazing. On the other hand, during a full moon, you can appreciate the beauty and brightness of the moon anew. Why not spend a fantastic night in Shiretoko on this tour?

• Pickup Service
• For Rainy Days