13 Popular Things to Do in Shiretoko: Spectacular Views Shaped by Untouched Nature

Shiretoko has a different charm in every season, so you can enjoy it whenever you visit.
The best timing depends on your travel goals and interests, but if you are unsure, June to October is especially recommended.
You can explore relatively freely without being affected by snow, and since plants and wildlife become more active during this period, you’ll also have more chances to see them with your own eyes.
If food is your main priority, September and October are recommended, when many local ingredients are in season.

The table below summarizes transportation options and Approx. travel times to Shiretoko from Hokkaido’s major cities, Sapporo, Hakodate, and Otaru, as well as from Japan’s major metropolitan areas, Tokyo and Osaka.
Since these are long-distance trips, if you plan to drive a rental car, be sure to take breaks as needed and use extra caution on snowy roads.

Oshinkoshin Falls is also known as the “Twin Beauty Falls” because the stream splits into two partway down, and it has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waterfalls.
You can climb the stairs to about the middle height of the falls for an up-close view of the powerful cascade. A short distance above the falls, the Oshinkoshin Observatory offers sweeping views of the Sea of Okhotsk and the mountains of Shiretoko.

Five lakes are scattered through primeval forest with the Shiretoko Mountain Range as a backdrop.
Located in Shiretoko, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, its grand scenery is counted among the Shiretoko Eight Views.
Many wild animals live in the surrounding area, and you may spot Ezo squirrels and Ezo deer. Brown bears also inhabit the area, so be careful.

This mountain pass lies along National Route 334, the Shiretoko Crossing Road, which connects Utoro in Shari Town and Rausu Town.
Located at an elevation of 738 m, it offers beautiful views of Mt. Rausu straight ahead and a deep green sea of trees below, and the scenery from the pass is counted among the Shiretoko Eight Views.
On clear days, you may also be able to see the Nemuro Strait and Kunashiri Island floating beyond it.

A cape on the northern coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula whose name means “place with a hole” in Ainu.
It is said to have been named for its shape, which looks as if it has a hole in it.
It is part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site of Shiretoko, and the beautiful scenery seen from here is also selected as one of the Shiretoko Eight Views.
Enjoy the view from the scenic spot along National Route 334.

One of Shiretoko’s most iconic waterfalls, its name means “red water” in Ainu.
The way it flows down through a crack in a cliff about Approx. 100 m high resembles tears, giving it the nickname “Maiden’s Tears.”
It has a delicate beauty, and the sight of it blending with the surrounding nature is well worth seeing.
The sound of the falling water, together with the quiet forest, has a calming effect.
The air is rich in negative ions, making it perfect for refreshing yourself, and the changing scenery through the seasons adds plenty of atmosphere.
Wild animals such as Ezo deer live in the nearby forest, so if you are lucky, you may be able to observe them up close.

A popular spot counted among the Shiretoko Eight Views, located deep within Shiretoko National Park.
Its name means “water of the gods” in Ainu, and this sacred place is called a “hot falls” because of its warm, strongly acidic water.
It is a very rare waterfall where hot spring water from Sulfur Mountain merges with the river, making the entire falls feel like a hot spring.
There are Falls 1 through 4, and the water temperature gradually rises as you climb upstream, reaching a comfortable Approx. 95°F to 100°F at Falls 4, the final destination.
One of the highlights is being able to enjoy stream climbing and bathing in the waterfall basin (swimsuits required) while experiencing the nature of Shiretoko firsthand.
You can also see the sea turned emerald green by the minerals in the falls, while the steam and the babbling river create a picturesque atmosphere.
Please note that access is possible only from July 1 to September 30 each year.

A famous sunset spot counted among the Shiretoko Eight Views, located on the seaside of the Shiretoko National Camping Ground and within walking distance from Utoro’s hot spring district.
Its prime location overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk and Utoro Port also makes it a popular date spot.
The moment the sun sets and the Sea of Okhotsk turns red is so beautiful it is beyond words.
From spring to fall, the sunset draws a straight crimson line across the sea, while in winter, the white-covered drift ice glows golden, creating another spectacular sight.

A giant rock about Approx. 60 m high located at Utoro Port, close to the hot spring district and relatively easy to visit compared with other sightseeing spots in Shiretoko.
Its name comes from the indigenous “Orokkko people,” and another feature is the sense of local culture it conveys.
After climbing around Approx. 200 stone steps, you will reach the broad, flat summit, where you can enjoy a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of the Sea of Okhotsk, the Shiretoko Mountain Range, and the townscape of Utoro.
Looking out over this natural beauty, which is also one of the Shiretoko Eight Views, will likely leave you feeling refreshed.
The pleasant breeze, along with the sight and calls of seabirds and gulls flying freely overhead, adds even more color to the scene.

Lake Rausu is the largest lake in Shiretoko National Park.
It is a precious place where untouched nature remains, and its remote, hidden atmosphere and natural beauty continue to captivate visitors.
Even on the way to Lake Rausu, you can experience the unique appeal of Shiretoko through its large and small lakes, rich ecosystem, and marsh plants showing many different faces.
The grand view of Mt. Rausu from the lake is especially beautiful, and the mirror-like reflection of the mountain on the lake surface is famous as one of Hokkaido’s finest scenic sights.

This endlessly straight road is located around the route from Shari Town in Hokkaido toward Utoro, and it is said to have been named “The Road to Heaven” because the road stretching straight ahead appears to connect to the sky.
Recommended viewpoints near the top of the road include the “Starting Point” and the “Nameless Observatory.”

A visitor center that shares the appeal of Shiretoko with tourists from around the world.
Located in Shiretoko National Park, it provides the latest sightseeing information and also sells and rents goods related to hiking and trekking.
Through video works and special exhibitions, it also offers opportunities to deepen your understanding of Shiretoko’s beauty and the importance of protecting nature.
Think of it as a base that supports your trip in every way while helping you feel close to the great outdoors of Shiretoko.
Free admission and free Wi-Fi are also nice perks.
You can also enjoy lattes made with local milk, lunches using regional ingredients, and shop for souvenirs, so it is well worth stopping by casually.

A hidden gem located along National Route 334 from Rausu Town on the way to Shiretoko Pass.
It takes about 15 minutes on foot from the entrance to the walking trail to reach Kumagoe Falls.
The surrounding area is thick with wild trees, grasses, and flowers, and towering Mongolian oaks and Erman’s birches over 200 years old can also be seen.
Look down and you’ll find a beautiful Shiretoko scene, with clear streams and plants spreading all around your feet.
As you enjoy a forest bath, a powerful waterfall with a drop of Approx. 8 m appears along with the roaring sound of rushing water.
From the observatory area, you can see the upper part of the falls, and if you continue farther along the trail, you can view the whole waterfall.
In summer, the fresh greenery is a highlight, while in winter, the snowy scenery creates a beautiful contrast.

A spectacular cruise on the waters of Shiretoko, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, where you can observe wildlife.
From spring to fall, the focus is on whale watching, giving you the chance to see sperm whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and other marine mammals up close.
In winter, cruises combine drift ice viewing with birdwatching.
Along with comfortable onboard facilities, the cruises also feature detailed nature commentary by knowledgeable guides, making them easy for beginners to join with confidence.

Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort is a large resort hotel located about a 5-minute walk from the Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal.
This resort hotel lets you fully enjoy both a luxurious stay in an upscale setting and the abundant natural beauty of Shiretoko. Located near Utoro Fishing Port, where sightseeing boats also depart and arrive, it is convenient for exploring Shiretoko through nature watching, sea kayaking, mountain climbing, and more.
One reason for its popularity is the superb location, with sweeping views of the Sea of Okhotsk and the mountains of Shiretoko from the top-floor panoramic public bath with open-air bath, the sauna with large exterior windows, and the terrace with a footbath.

About a 20-minute walk from the Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal, KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort is an all-inclusive accommodation.
Built on a hill overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk and facing the forests of Shiretoko, this all-inclusive hot spring resort hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere throughout the entire property. Not only the guest rooms, but also spaces such as the wood-deck terrace where you can feel the rustling trees and the lounge with an impressive 250-inch screen displaying Shiretoko’s natural scenery make it a comfortable place to unwind.

Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel, located on a hill in Utoro Onsen, is an accommodation with the largest number of guest rooms in the area.
In addition to its extensive facilities, the hotel is packed with the appeal of Shiretoko, including a large public bath with spectacular views of the Sea of Okhotsk and spacious guest rooms where you can relax at ease.
At the buffet restaurant “Maruscoi,” you can enjoy both Japanese and Western dishes made with local ingredients, and it is also highly rated for its flavor.
The indoor facility Aqua Land “Sonte” has a children’s pool, slides, and athletic play equipment, so even when bad weather prevents sightseeing, you can still have fun inside the hotel with your children.