Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park spans the northeastern peninsula of Hokkaido, where you'll find brown bears catching salmon along rocky shores and pods of orcas swimming in the surrounding waters. In winter, you can walk on drift ice or photograph Steller's sea eagles perched on ice floes. During summer, hike to waterfalls like Kamuiwakka, where hot spring water cascades down volcanic rocks. Many parts of the peninsula remain wild and untouched, accessible only by boat tours or hiking trails.

Getting to Shiretoko

The closest train station to Shiretoko National Park is JR Shiretoko Shari Station, about 40 kilometers from the park entrance. From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Sapporo (3 hours), then drive 6-7 hours to reach the park. During summer, direct highway buses run from Sapporo to Utoro, taking approximately 8 hours. A rental car will help you explore the park more easily, as local buses run only a few times per day.

Walking on Winter Ice

From late January to early April, drift ice from northeastern Russia reaches Shiretoko's shores - one of the most southern points in the northern hemisphere where this occurs. Join guided walks on the ice wearing special dry suits, and look for spotted seals resting on the frozen surface. The ice forms geometric patterns of white and blue that extend to the horizon.

Wildlife Encounters

Brown bears walk the coastline and forests throughout the park, especially when salmon swim upstream to spawn. You can spot orcas, sperm whales, and 20 other marine mammal species during boat tours from Utoro or Rausu ports. Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles build nests in the coastal cliffs, while Blakiston's fish owls live near rivers in old-growth forest areas.

Exploring the Five Lakes

Spring water fills five crater lakes created by past volcanic activity. A raised wooden boardwalk leads to viewing platforms at the first lake, taking about an hour to walk. To see all five lakes, join a guided tour lasting about 3 hours. On still mornings, the lakes mirror the surrounding mountains, with Mount Rausu visible in the background.

Hiking Mount Rausu

The trail to Mount Rausu's 1,661-meter summit starts at Iwaobetsu Onsen, passing through birch forests and alpine meadows during the 8-hour round trip. Snow covers parts of the trail until July. From the top, you can see the entire peninsula and Kunashiri Island. The trail closes in winter due to snow and strong winds.

Cultural Heritage

The name Shiretoko comes from the Ainu word "siretok," meaning "end of the earth." The Ainu people, who first inhabited this peninsula, considered brown bears and Blakiston's fish owls sacred. Their traditional hunting and fishing methods adapted to the peninsula's seasons and wildlife patterns. You'll find Ainu names throughout the park, marking important locations and natural landmarks.