Shiretoko Peninsula

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Facts & Figures

Shiretoko Peninsula (70km length) in Hokkaido is one the last remaining wilderness areas in Japan. Most of the peninsula is protected as UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Buy now and Save >
Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country. Shiretoko national park includes steep mountain peeks, several volcanoes, beautiful waterfalls, virigin forests, the highest population of brown bears (called Higuma bears) in Japan, White-tailed sea-eagles, Ezo deer and so much more. Its biodiversity and ecosystem is absolutely amazing. Interesting to know that Shiretoko is the furthest point south of the northern hemisphere where drifting sea ice appears. The highest mountain there is with 1660m Mt. Rasu-dake (belongs to the top 100 most famous Mt. in Japan). The best way to explore the peninsula and its rough coastline is on board of a sightseing boat. The starting point is the port of Utoro.

• 3 courses are available:
• Kamuiwakka Falls - appr. 1 hr course
• Higuma bear watching - appr. 2 hrs course to Rusha Bay
• Cape Shiretoko - appr. 3,5 hrs course to the tip of the peninsula

• Shiretoko National Park Nature Center:
• Opening Hours: - 8:00 am to 5:40 pm (April 20th - Oct. 20th)
• Opening Hours: - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Oct. 21st - April 19th)
• Closed: - Dec. 31st

History

In 1964 the Japanese government gave the Shiretoko peninsula the status of an national park. In 2005 Shiretoko was added to the list of Japanese UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sightseeing spots

top:

Frepe Waterfall - this beautiful waterfall (height 100 m) also called Otome no Namida (The Virgin's Tears) falls from a cliff into the ocean

Kunnepol Cave - the hole with an diameter of appr. 20m was created over time through drift ice, Kunnepol means dark cave (Ainu language)

Kamuiwakka Falls - is really an amazing and unique waterfall (height 32m) because of its hot water, the source of the hot water is Mt. Shiretoko-Iwo-Zan, enjoy the impressive sight when the water drops into the Sea of Okhotsk

Rusha Bay - is the perfect place to watch Higuma bears along the Rusha River, during autumn the river shows a fascinating spectacle of Chum and Pink salmon swimming upriver

Kashuni Waterfall - is an impressive sight, the water drops directly above a large cave in the sea

Cape Shiretoko - the final point of the peninsula has a wild and rocky coastline

Hot Springs - soaking in hot water is a great way to relax, try out the following places: Kumanoyu Hot Spring (entrance is free), Utoro Hot Spring Village, Kamuiwakka Hot Spring Falls, Aidomari Hot Spring, Iwaobetsu Hot Spring, Seseki Hot Spring

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

end of January - beginning of April

Shiretoko Drift Ice (Ryuhyo) walk
The beautiful ocean is covered with ice in the end of January till the beginning of April. Book your ice walk tour in the city Utoro for appr. 5000 yen. Dont forget to wear a wet suit;)

July

Shiretoko-Shari Neputa Festival (4th Friday and Saturday of July)
The festival last 2 days and is held at Shari's main street in the city center. 15 illuminated Neputa floats (up to 8m high) are on display. The celebration embraces Shari's cutural exchange and friendship with the city Hirosaki (Aomori Prefecture).