Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Located on a peninsula that stretches out into the Sea of Okhotsk, Shiretoko National Park takes its name from the Ainu word “Shiretoko”, or “Land’s End”. Registered as a world natural heritage site, the oceans and forests of Shiretoko are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. From sea kayaking and hiking to walking on drift ice; a countless number of adventures await!

Shiretoko is the only site in Hokkaido that is registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. There is a reason for this, as the area features a variety of natural treasures including a pristine land- and seascape as well as one of the world’s richest ecosystems. This beautiful environment also changes dramatically with the seasons, from the lush forests in the summer to the snow-capped mountains in the winter. Furthermore, you do not need to fret the harsh natural environment: while it is always advisable to take common-sense precautions before venturing into nature, there are several spots that allow you to experience Shiretoko’s beauty in a casual manner. One example is the trekking tour towards Lake Rausu, a high-altitude course that is notable for featuring a large variety of alpine plants. Even if you go in June or July, you will be able to walk across remaining snow! Moving along, the Kamuiwakka Hot Falls are unique in that they are, as the name suggests, hot: the water that flows into the waterfall comes from a nearby active volcano. Be sure to go for a dip in the waterfall’s basin. Another highlight is the Sea of Okhotsk, which has a lower altitude than any other frozen sea in the northern hemisphere. You can experience this mysterious body of water for yourself by taking a walk on the frozen shoals during the “Ryuhyo Ice Walk”. Meanwhile, the fact that you can encounter many wild animals including brown bears, deer, red foxes or even dolphins when enjoying the experiences outlined above just add to the intrigue of the area. Shiretoko’s access is also quite convenient, taking less than 4 hours from Tokyo – a 1 hour 40 minutes flight from Haneda to Memanbetsu Airport followed by a 2-hour drive.