Understand

Shiretoko National Park is a remote and untouched area located in Japan. Known for its pristine wilderness, this park offers a unique adventure away from civilization. Unlike other areas of Japan, Shiretoko has no significant settlements and even lacks roads in the northern part of the peninsula. It is truly a hidden gem waiting to be explored. During the short summer season, which is the peak visiting season, the park welcomes tourists from all around the world. However, the park remains open throughout the year, with winter conditions being particularly harsh. Winter adventurers can brace themselves for an extreme experience. One must-visit location in Shiretoko National Park is the Rausu Visitor Center. Located on Highway 334, a few kilometers from Rausu, this center is a gateway to all the wonders of the park. Here, visitors can find a small museum-like display showcasing the park's natural beauty. The helpful Rangers at the center can assist in planning hikes and finding suitable campgrounds. Don't forget to stop by the store, where you can purchase postcards and bear bells as souvenirs. Admission to the visitor center is free, making it the perfect starting point for an incredible journey in Shiretoko National Park.

Get in

Traveling to Shiretoko may require some careful planning, as public transport options are limited. The nearest train station is located in Shari, and from there, around 6 buses per day (during peak season) are available to take you to the western coast of the peninsula, specifically Utoro. These buses are synchronized with the departures and arrivals of the JR Senmo line, ensuring convenient transportation. For more information on bus schedules and routes, you can visit the Sharibus website. They provide detailed information about the buses from Shari to Utoro and back. Another option is the Shiretoko Airport Liner, which offers three daily buses to and from Memanbetsu Airport, with stops in Utoro, Shari, Abashiri JR station, and Abashiri Bus Terminal. Additionally, Chuo Bus provides two daily buses to and from Sapporo Bus Terminal, including a night bus service, connecting Shari and Utoro. On the eastern side of Shiretoko, you'll find the charming town of Rausu. To reach Rausu, you can take a bus from Kushiro, which takes approximately 3.5 hours. During the summer season, there are also two daily buses from Utoro to Rausu. Make sure to plan your transportation accordingly to make the most of your Shiretoko adventure!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing