Shiretoko Sightseeing Best Season

Hello, this is Tatsuhama of Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel writer!

Shiretoko registered in World Heritage in 2005. Every year, many tourists from all over the world visit Shiretoko's magnificent nature, drift ice, wildlife, etc.

However, it is not a place where you can go with your family and it is not easy to go, so if you go, you want to visit the best season and make memories of your life!

Therefore, this time, based on the recommendations of the staff who knew everything about Shiretoko, we will introduce the best season for family trips and recommended spots! !

How to enjoy sightseeing in Shiretoko recommended for families

First of all, I would like to introduce how to enjoy sightseeing in Shiretoko.

Shiretoko is located on the peninsula facing Sea of Okhotsk and offers a variety of ways to enjoy nature scenery, hot springs and gourmet throughout the year.

Here are 5 ways to enjoy especially for families!

1.Enjoy the natural scenery

There are many spots such as Shiretoko Goko Lakes, Shiretoko Pass, Oronko Rock, Cape Puyuni, etc. During the summer walk, you can also meet wild animals such as Hokkaido Sika Deer.

2.Join the tour

If you want to know Shiretoko, we recommend taking a tour around World Heritage or a drift ice walk. You can hear the explanation from the guide only here.  

3.Take a sightseeing boat

In addition to the powerful Flepe Falls and Shiretokomisaki seen from above the sea, you can safely enjoy wildlife such as brown bears and dolphins.   

4.Taste the gourmet

Speaking of Shiretoko, we are proud of fresh seafood such as sea urchins, crabs, and shakes obtained from Utoro and Rausu! 

5.Go to a hot spring

For families who want to enjoy the superb view of Shiretoko, Utoro Onsen is recommended! In addition, there are many facilities for families around Tokachigawa Onsen.

For more information about other Shiretoko sightseeing spots and model courses, please see the following article in detail!
Staff recommendation 7 Must-see sightseeing spots in Shiretoko and 3-day 2 nights model course

The Shiretoko best season recommended for families is early summer to autumn!

The best tourist season in Shiretoko is from the fresh green May to the autumn leaves around October. However, in winter, there is a major event called drift ice grafting, and there are not many people who come to see this.

The following is a summary of recommended spots and precautions for each season that you need to know about your family trip.

Highlights from summer to autumn and recommended spots

In summer Shiretoko, beautiful flowers such as rugosa rose and Ezoshikashiri are in full bloom, and you can also encounter valuable wildlife such as Hokkaido Sika Deer, foxes, brown bears and blakiston's fish owl.

The wildlife of Shiretoko is also summarized in the following article, so please refer to it!
[Animal lovers must see] Shiretoko Seven Wildlife Spots and Staff Recommended Appreciation Period

Recommended sightseeing spots in Shiretoko in summer

1. Shiretoko Goko Lakes

Speaking of Shiretoko, first of all, Shiretoko Goko Lakes! Located in the World Heritage area, you can enjoy spectacular views such as the lush old growth forest and the beautiful Shiretoko Mountains reflected in the lake.

There are two walking routes on Shiretoko Goko Lakes: an elevated tree path and a ground promenade, and you may encounter many rare wildlife such as Hokkaido Sika Deer, Ezo squirrels and Fox. Especially in June, because of the birth season of Hokkaido Sika Deer, if you are lucky, you can meet a newborn baby Zika!

In addition, on the ground promenade, it is mandatory to be accompanied by a tour guide because brown bears appear from May to July. You may encounter brown bears while walking, so prior measures are required.

Please refer to the following article for details.
[Take enough measures against brown bears] How to deal with encounters with three famous sightseeing spots with high brown bear encounter rates in Shiretoko

2.Watch killer whale and whales in Sea of Okhotsk!

Perfect for animal lovers, this cruise offers views of killer whale and whales. Around 200 killer whales appear in Shiretoko from May to June every year. Minke whales also appear in May to July and sperm whales from July to October. From the top of the ship, you can also see brown bears on the coastline.

If you are a family member and want to enjoy a cruise with safety first, we recommend a large ship that has little shaking and good at safe operation.

For recommended cruise companies and precautions in Shiretoko, we recommend that you refer to the following article!
【Thorough Anatomy of Shiretoko Cruise Ship】 A thorough comparison of the services of the five companies operating Shiretoko-kankosen

Highlights and recommended spots of Shiretoko in autumn

In Shiretoko, from late September to late October, you can enjoy beautiful autumn leaves in various places such as the Hakkei of Shiretoko. You can also enjoy delicious gourmet foods such as autumn salmon.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Shiretoko in autumn

1.The beautiful autumn leaves of Shiretoko Pass

The famous spot for the autumn leaves of Shiretoko is the Shiretoko Pass. There are many tourists visiting in October. The road leading to heaven, which was selected as one of the 100 most impressive moments of Hokkaido, is also popular as a spot where you can appreciate autumn leaves and beautiful sunsets.

Please refer to this article for recommended spots for autumn leaves!
Five Shiretoko viewing spots recommended by residents of Shiretoko, and a must-see event for autumn

2. Salmon run up in Shari-cho

Shari-cho in Shiretoko is famous for having one of the largest salmon catches in Japan. From September to October, you can see salmon run up on the surrounding Peleke River and Iwao Betsu River, and you can see dynamic salmon landing on the Utoro Salmon Terrace.

By the way, every October, an event called Salmon Week is held in Shiretoko. Salmon dishes are served at nearby hotels, quizzes related to salmon are served, and children are sure to be delighted!

Family can enjoy it too! How to Enjoy the Winter Season in Shiretoko

Winter highlights and recommended spots

Speaking of Shiretoko in winter, the beautiful drift ice covering Sea of Okhotsk is the best highlight. If you want to see drift ice, we recommend it from late January to late March! However, the drift ice season changes every year, so be sure to check the latest information on the drift ice in Shiretoko in advance.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Shiretoko in winter

1.Drift ice walk in Sea of Okhotsk

In Sea of Okhotsk, only between January and early March, there is a special tour to enjoy wildlife such as steller's sea eagle and seal, drift ice and pure white Shiretoko mountain range while walking on the frozen lake! If you are confident in your physical strength, please try it. However, please note that you can not participate in the drift ice walk unless you are elementary school students or older.

2.Drift Ice Cruise in Sea of Okhotsk with "Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora"

For families wishing to experience the magnificent drift ice of Sea of Okhotsk, we recommend a drift ice cruise on the "Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora"!

Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora Official Website

There is little shaking, and the rooms on the first and second floors are equipped with heating, so there is an environment where mothers with small children can spend a comfortable time! It is impressive to see how the drift ice is crushed as "Dokan".

If you want to fully enjoy Shiretoko's drift ice, please refer to the following page for detailed activities!
One side of the silver world Learn more about the drift ice Shiretoko

Important points for sightseeing in Shiretoko in winter

In winter, due to the effects of snow, National Route 334 Shiretoko Crossing Road will be closed. It is recommended that you check the information of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in advance for other places.

In addition, the minimum temperature may drop to -20 ° C to -10 ° C within one day, so sufficient waterproofing, cold protection, and windbreak measures are required.

For specific clothes, please refer to this website. Be prepared in advance and enjoy Shiretoko in winter safely.

If you want to fully enjoy Shiretoko, we recommend Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel!

How was it? This time, we introduced the best season of Shiretoko!

If you're going to visit Shiretoko, you'll want to enjoy Shiretoko's hot springs and gourmet food at the hotel. Therefore, I would like to recommend Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel!

Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel offers a number of plans that allow you to enjoy family trips at a great price. You will surely find a plan that is perfect for your travel plan, such as a 30% discount rental plan, a tour guide set plan, and a half price plan for children.

Also rare in the Shiretoko and Utoro districts, it is located in a location overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk, and even in cold winters, you can enjoy the fantastic snow scene and drift ice that spreads out over Sea of Okhotsk from open-air baths and rooms.

In addition, Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel also offers a number of activities for children to enjoy.

・Shiretoko's only children's pool and hot springs
・Sweets buffet
・Game corner
・Room bath that can be enjoyed many times by family
・Live kitchen where you can enjoy gourmet food such as tempura and sushi
…Etc.

There are many guests with families throughout the year, and during holidays and long holidays, rooms with good views and rooms with a bath will be filled with reservations immediately.

If you are planning a family trip to Shiretoko during the best season, please check the reservation status as soon as possible!