*This article has been translated by an AI translation tool.
*All images are for illustrative purposes only.

Shiretoko Pass

A scenic observation point at the summit of the Shiretoko Trans-Kyushu Highway, 738m above sea level.

This pass is located at the highest point of National Route 334 (Shiretoko Trans-Peninsula Road), which connects Utoro in Shari Town and Rausu Town. Standing at the 738m summit, the majestic form of Mount Rausu—one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains—towers directly in front of you, while a vast sea of deep-green stone pine forest stretches endlessly below. On clear days, you can see the blue waters of the Nemuro Strait and even the silhouette of Kunashiri Island in the Northern Territories, making it one of the "Eight Views of Shiretoko" and one of Hokkaido's premier scenic spots.

In autumn, the autumn leaves of Mount Rausu, colored by fullmoon maples and Japanese rowan, are stunning, and residual snow can sometimes be seen on the roadsides even in late July. During the winter period (early November to late April), it becomes the only national highway in Hokkaido to be closed to traffic, and it is known as the national highway with the shortest opening period in Japan. At the "Shiretoko Snow Wall Walk" held just before the reopening, you can enjoy the fantastical experience of walking between walls of snow that tower over a person's height.

Shari Town, Shari District / Rausu Town, Menashi District, Hokkaido (National Route 334, Shiretoko Pass Summit)
Immediately after getting off at "Shiretoko Pass" by bus bound for Rausu from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes).

Shiretoko Five Lakes

A group of five mysterious lakes embraced by primeval forests.

This is a collective term for five volcanic dammed lakes of various sizes standing quietly within the primeval forest at the foot of the Shiretoko Mountain Range. Named from the First Lake to the Fifth Lake, the scenery where the peaks of Shiretoko are reflected on the silent lake surfaces is truly worthy of being called a "Primitive Paradise," and it is counted as one of the "Eight Views of Shiretoko." As a core zone of the World Natural Heritage site inhabited by Yezo deer, Yezo squirrels, and brown bears, it offers a unique experience where you can feel the presence of wildlife up close through sights such as the feeding marks of Black Woodpeckers and the claw marks of brown bears.
There are two types of walking courses: the 800m "Elevated Wooden Path," which offers views of the First Lake from an observation deck, is free and can be enjoyed freely throughout the season. The "Ground Pathway" (approx. 3km long), which visits all five lakes, requires a guided tour depending on the season, but it is a fulfilling course where you can feel the deep nature and the presence of brown bears firsthand. Please note that the path may be closed if there are sightings of brown bears, so we recommend checking with the Shiretoko Goko Field House in advance.

Iwaubetsu, Onnebetsumura, Shari Town, Shari District, Hokkaido (Shiretoko Goko Field House)
Immediately after getting off at "Shiretoko Goko" by Shari Bus Shiretoko Line from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station (approx. 1 hour 25 minutes).

Shiretoko Nature Center

A hub for Shiretoko sightseeing / National Park Visitor Center

Established by Shari Town in 1988, this visitor center for Shiretoko National Park serves as a starting point for sightseeing, located at the junction leading to Shiretoko Pass and the Shiretoko Five Lakes. Managed and operated by the Shiretoko Foundation, it provides real-time field information essential before heading out for climbing or trekking, including the latest brown bear sightings, trail conditions, and sightseeing boat updates.

The center's greatest highlight is the massive 12m high x 20m wide "Dynavision" MEGA screen. It screens original films, "The Adventure of Shiretoko" and "THE LIMIT," which dynamically showcase the four seasons of Shiretoko, including the flight of white-tailed eagles soaring over steep cliffs, aerial footage from Mount Rausu to Cape Shiretoko, and the arrival of drift ice (English and Chinese subtitles available).
In addition, the facility features slide lectures by staff, along with the THE NORTH FACE / HELLY HANSEN Shiretoko Store and BARISTART COFFEE SHIRETOKO, where you can enjoy lattes made with Hokkaido milk. It also manages the entrance to the walking trail to Furepe Falls (Maiden's Tears), allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll starting from the center. During the summer private vehicle restriction period, it serves as a hub for shuttle bus transfers.

531 Iwaubetsu, Onnebetsumura, Shari Town, Shari District, Hokkaido