This Could Be Japan's Most Stunning National Park — Featuring Exceptional Hiking and Breathtaking Waterfalls

While the vibrant streets of Tokyo and the historic temples of Kyoto grab most of the tourist spotlight, food enthusiasts often venture to Osaka for delicious street fare like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Meanwhile, hot spring destinations such as Hakone and Beppu offer a serene escape, and the tropical allure of Okinawa showcases its own distinct culture.

Tranquil and rich in natural splendor, Hokkaido — named one of the top travel destinations for 2024 by Dinogo editors — welcomes significantly fewer visitors. Its largest city, Sapporo, is renowned for its brewing history, while Niseko draws enthusiastic skiers during the winter months. Beyond that, Japan's northernmost main island remains remarkably serene and unspoiled.

For those who appreciate nature, taking a detour from the usual paths offers an opportunity to discover Shiretoko National Park. Its name, derived from the Ainu term meaning 'far corner of the earth,' embodies a remote destination where land and sea beautifully intertwine, untouched by human influence.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site for its remarkable ecological significance, this area is home to an array of unique flora — such as the rare Shiretoko violet — and diverse wildlife. The dramatic landscapes transition from drift ice and towering mountains to shimmering lakes and ancient coniferous forests. The untouched wilderness is inhabited by Ezo brown bears, orcas, sea lions, and white-tailed eagles.

Here’s everything you need to know prior to your visit to Shiretoko National Park.

Preparing for Your Trip

Entry to Shiretoko National Park is free. Many visitors opt for self-driving tours, with a drive along the Shiretoko Pass (note that it closes during winter) being a standout experience. You can also explore the roads that trace the east and west coasts, stopping at attractions like Shiretoko Goko (Shiretoko Five Lakes). However, the true beauty lies beyond car access. With limited public transportation and the need for boat rides to reach some enchanting areas, guided tours are recommended by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Activities like guided nature hikes, whale-watching cruises, and drift-ice tours can be arranged through local agencies or platforms like Tripadvisor.

Solo travelers entering the park should begin at one of the visitor information centers — Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Center, Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center, Shiretoko World Heritage Rusa Field House, Shiretoko National Park Nature Center, and Shiretoko Goko Lakes Field House and Shiretoko Goko Lakes Park Service Center — to obtain trail maps, learn about local flora and fauna, and check for any safety or weather advisories.

Getting There

Despite its remote location, traveling to Shiretoko National Park doesn’t require an exhausting journey. Regular domestic flights connect both Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo and New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo with Memanbetsu Airport (MMB). From there, you can easily drive or take a two-hour bus ride, available in both summer and winter, to reach Utoro, the western entrance to Shiretoko National Park.

Optimal Visiting Times

Due to its secluded setting, Shiretoko National Park is rarely overcrowded, so the optimal time to visit hinges on your interests. The rare white flower, Viola kitamiana (Shiretoko violet), blooms from late June to early July, becoming a symbol of the peninsula. Guide Yoshiaki Okazaki suggests visiting in July, August, or September, when Mount Rausu thaws, temperatures are warmest, and bear activity peaks.

Autumn brings vibrant foliage along the Shiretoko Pass. For those eager to experience drift-ice walks, planning a winter visit is ideal. However, be aware that some roads may be closed, making guided tours a better option for navigation. Spring is enticing as well, with opportunities to see baby animals, blooming flowers, and orcas and porpoises swimming in the Nemuro Strait.

Top Activities

Shiretoko Goko (Shiretoko Five Lakes)

As noted by Okazaki, no visit to Shiretoko National Park is truly complete without a trip to Shiretoko Goko. These stunning lakes, formed by volcanic activity, captivate visitors with their vibrant blue waters, framed by lush green forests and towering mountains.

Shiretoko Pass

Few drives can match the untouched beauty of Shiretoko Pass, which links Utoro and Rausu. This scenic route winds through pine forests and offers breathtaking views of Mount Rausu and Kunashir Island. Remember, the road closes during winter due to snowfall, so planning ahead is essential.

Furepe Falls

Furepe Falls, located on the western side of the park, is a unique waterfall not fed by a river but by groundwater, which cascades down granite cliffs into the Sea of Okhotsk. In winter, snowshoeing to the frozen falls provides a memorable experience.

Kamuiwakka Hot Falls

Nestled in pristine wilderness, this hot springs waterfall rushes down from volcanic peaks into a natural rock basin, allowing visitors to indulge in a warm, relaxing soak in an outdoor onsen.

Drift-ice Walks

A guided drift-ice trek across the breathtaking frozen landscape is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Shiretoko National Park. Not only does it offer an exhilarating adventure, but it also provides a chance to observe remarkable wildlife, such as white-tailed eagles, in their natural surroundings.

Top Hiking Trails

Furepe Falls Nature Walk

Suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities, the 20-minute walk to Furepe Falls starts behind the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center and leads to a clifftop viewpoint offering expansive views of the waterfall.

Shiretoko Goko Lakes Loop

Another relatively straightforward walk, the Shiretoko Goko Lakes Loop meanders around the forest-encircled, stunning lakes. Covering about two miles, it's easily completed in under an hour, but taking time to soak in the tranquility and pausing for moments of reflection is highly recommended.

Mount Rausu

For seasoned hikers and climbers, conquering Mount Rausu, one of Japan's tallest peaks, is an ambitious yet rewarding endeavor. As the snow and ice melt in summer, eager adventurers can set out towards the summit, rewarded with stunning views of ancient forests, lakes, and the sea.

Wildlife

Shiretoko National Park offers an amazing opportunity for wildlife observation. The park's notable inhabitants, the native Ezo brown bears, are most active during July and August. Orcas and porpoises begin to frequent the Nemuro Strait in April. In winter, the ice floes serve as a breeding ground for seals, while white-tailed eagles dive into the icy waters to hunt for fish.

Top Hotels and Resorts

Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort

Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort is a highly-rated accommodation option within Shiretoko National Park. The suites feature cozy beds, private open-air hot springs, and stunning views of the Sea of Okhotsk. An all-inclusive rate covers food, drinks, and lodging, with guests particularly praising the breakfast.

Hotel Chinohate

Conveniently located within Shiretoko National Park, the ryokan-style Hotel Chinohate provides traditional lodging with tatami mats, both indoor and outdoor public baths, and an on-site restaurant. Its prime location offers easy access to trailheads, the visitor center, and the Five Lakes area.

Kiki Shiretoko Natural Resort

Nestled in the scenic highlands of Utoro Onsen, Kiki Shiretoko Natural Resort stands out as one of the larger establishments in the region. It features numerous amenities, renovated rooms, and a buffet dinner offering a variety of choices, from traditional Japanese to Western cuisine, perfect for replenishing energy after a day of hiking and wildlife watching.

Hotel Kifu Club Shiretoko

Just a short drive from Shiretoko National Park, Hotel Kifu Club Shiretoko offers a clean and comfortable retreat. Guests can relax in the indoor public onsen or enjoy the soothing outdoor private onsen, ideal for unwinding after drift-ice treks and other adventures. The do-it-yourself tempura dinners highlight seasonal vegetables and local seafood.

Dining Options

The wild and rugged charm of Shiretoko National Park is a major attraction for adventure enthusiasts. However, in such an unspoiled area, dining choices are limited. The Shiretoko National Park Nature Center features a café, and the hotels within the park have restaurants for guests to enjoy meals before and after their explorations. For additional dining options, you will need to travel to the nearby town of Shari.