Covering most of the Shiretoko Peninsula, a remote northeastern corner of Hokkaido, Shiretoko National Park is a wonderland heaving with flora and fauna. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has thriving wildlife and is home to various species including the Hokkaido brown bear and the killer whale. Here you can witness the gorgeous scenery of Kamuiwakka Falls and the Shiretoko Five Lakes.
To preserve this area, the website Shiretoko Sustainable was made available in 2019 to promote and improve sustainable tourism in Shiretoko National Park. We spoke to Mr. Gen Terayama, the Secretary-General of Shiretoko Shari Tourism Association to find out how to get the most out of your visit to this beautiful sanctuary.
Shiretoko National Park is located in one of Japan’s most beautiful regions. (Photo from: Shiretoko Shari-cho Tourism Association)
What are some of the best things to do at Shiretoko National Park?
Summer is probably the most popular time of the year to visit the national park. Although many of the hotels in the area are still closed due to COVID-19, they will slowly resume business in June. The trails and the visitor centre have been open since 16 May. During the summer months, going on a sightseeing boat cruise is a great way to appreciate the peninsula's varied coastline, from its tall cliffs and waterfalls to the spectacular ocean views.
Trekking is a popular activity in Shiretoko National Park. (Photo by Shiretoko Shari-cho Tourism Association)
In Spring, we recommend going on guided forest walks. The terrain is pretty flat, making it easy even for beginners, and the air is very fresh. One of the most popular walks is the leisurely 90-minute trek around Shiretoko Five Lakes, which offers many photo opportunities. No matter which forest walk you take, we recommend going with a guide — not only can they point out the various sights, they are also trained to keep a lookout for brown bears, which roam freely in the area.
In Autumn, large schools of salmon start to return to the peninsula, making it a popular time for fishing. While fishing is not allowed in the rivers itself, it is permitted at the river mouth.
During winter, a must-try activity is ice walking. (Photo by Gen Terayama)
When winter comes along, the national park transforms into a snowy playground with activities like ice walking and skiing being the most popular. Walking on drift ice requires wearing a special dry suit and going with a seasoned guide but it’s worth it as the experience is absolutely magical.
From the sightseeing boat, you are able to admire wildlife on both land and sea. (Photo from: Shiretoko Shari-cho Tourism Association)
The raw beauty of Shiretoko National Park has the power to humble and captivate. (Photo by Shiretoko Shari-cho Tourism Association)