Shiretoko
UNESCO World Heritage wilderness — bears, drift ice, and the end of the road.
On Hokkaido's far north-east, Shiretoko ('end of the earth' in Ainu) is one of Japan's three natural UNESCO sites. Brown bears, orcas, Steller's eagles, and Okhotsk drift ice make it Japan's most untamed national park.
3D Landmark Map
Search a landmark or pick From → To to measure distance.
Must-see attractions
- Shiretoko Five Lakes
Boardwalk and ground trail past five glacial lakes with the Shiretoko range behind.
- Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall
Climb a warm-water riverbed in summer — wear grippy water shoes.
- Shiretoko Sightseeing Cruise
3-hr boat along the roadless coast — chance of bears and eagles.
- Drift Ice Walk (Utoro)
Dry-suit walk on the Okhotsk pack ice, late Jan–early March.
- Shiretoko Pass
Mountain pass to Rausu — closed in winter, opens late April.
Recommended hotels
- Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
Ocean-view onsen, observation rotenburo, biggest dining selection.
- Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
Hillside views from rotenburo, two onsen floors.
- Hotel Shiretoko
Mid-range comfortable base in Utoro village.
- Iruka Hotel
Boutique 8-room hideaway with private balcony hot springs.
Food & restaurants
- Shiretoko Aurora Fantasia
Local salmon, Okhotsk seafood and venison course menu.
- Shiretoko Soba Ichikoro
Mountain soba shop with seasonal sansai tempura.
- Hama-yaki Coast Stand
Charcoal-grilled scallops & hokke right on the beach in summer.
- Bojo Stay Cafe
Lobby café at Shiretoko Daiichi, glass-wall sunset spot.
Getting there & around
- From Sapporo
Fly to Memanbetsu (Sapporo-Memanbetsu 45 min) + drive 2 hr to Utoro.
- From Kushiro
Car 3 hr via Rausu side; train via JR Senmo Line + bus possible but slow.
- Within Shiretoko
Rental car essential. Shari-bus connects Utoro & Five Lakes in summer.
