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Shiretoko Family Trip
Hello, this is Tsuyama of Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel writer! There are many fathers and mothers who want to take a long vacation for their children and make a memorable trip for a lifetime.
However, there are various difficulties such as preparing for a trip with your child.…。
A recommended destination for such people is "Shiretoko" located at the eastern end of Hokkaido! The reason is that there are many places in Shiretoko where parents can enjoy their children easily (laughs).
In 2005, Shiretoko was recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site with only five locations in Japan. In Shiretoko, where wild animals such as majestic primeval forests, alpine plants and Hokkaido Sika Deer live, children who do not usually have the opportunity to interact with nature can experience real nature and animals.
However, there are many children who get bored immediately by simply watching nature. When making a schedule, it is important to choose a course of two birds with one stone that is less burdened by parents and that children can enjoy!
Therefore, this time, based on the recommendations of the hotel staff, we will introduce efficient surroundings that children can enjoy and parents can easily relax in a model course format of 2 nights and 3 days.
Finally, we will introduce the services of Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel, which is perfect for family travel, in an easy-to-understand manner!
Day 1 After arriving at Shiretoko Utoro, you will see the scenery of your life at Shiretoko Pass.
Shiretoko Pass Required Time: 1 hour
After arriving in Shiretoko, we recommend that you go straight to Shiretoko Pass so that your child will first have a memorable scenery in your eyes!
The Shiretoko Pass is a pass at the top of the Shiretoko Crossing Road, which is called the shortest national road in Japan. From here, Rausu Pass at an altitude of 1,661m, and Kunashir on a sunny day.
Of course, the magnificent scenery of the lush pass from spring to summer is the best, but in the fall, the entire Shiretoko Pass turns brightly colored leaves and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. You don't need any special activities, just enjoy nature with your whole body. There is no doubt that it will be the best memory for your child!
If you are interested in other autumn leaves spots in Shiretoko, please also refer to this blog.
Details of Shiretoko Pass
Access About 30 minutes by car from Utoro city area
Opening period: Late April to early November (during the opening of the Shiretoko Crossing Road, please refer to road traffic conditions for details)
Shiretoko Nature Center / Flepe Falls Required Time: 1. 5 hours
Source: Shiretoko Nature Center official website
After enjoying the wilderness in front of you at the Shiretoko Pass, stop by the Shiretoko Nature Center on the way back to Utoro and enjoy the nature of Utoro indoors slowly. Here you can learn about the nature of Shiretoko and how to interact with wildlife.
Here, there is a huge screen with a width of 20m x 12m, which is said to be the largest in Hokkaido, where you can sit comfortably and enjoy the nature of Shiretoko. It’s also perfect for your parents’ rest.
Source: Shiretoko Nature Center official website
The souvenir shop "COMNupuri" in the Shiretoko Nature Center also sells limited eco bottles that can only be obtained here. Please refer to the following blog for recommended souvenirs of Shiretoko.
Shiretoko Nature Center Details
Access About 10 minutes by car from Utoro city area
Opening hours:
Summer / Late April to mid-October 8:00 to 17:30
Winter / Late October to mid-April 9:00 to 16:00
Closed days: Year-end and New Year holidays, every Wednesday in December
In addition, near the Shiretoko Nature Center, there is Frepe Falls (also known as Otome Falls), which has been selected as one of the Eight Views of Shiretoko.
It is a flat promenade of about 2 km and 40 minutes round trip. On the way, you can easily enjoy the nature of Shiretoko with children, such as Hokkaido Sika Deer, alpine plants and waterfalls flowing down to Sea of Okhotsk. If you are well, please visit here too!
Flepe Falls Details
Access 20 minutes walk from Shiretoko Nature Center
Period of use: Full year
Day 2: Shiretoko Goko Lakes in the morning and Kamuiwakka Falls in the afternoon or a large ship cruise in the afternoon
Shiretoko Goko Lakes Travel Time: 2-3 hours (in the morning is recommended)
Shiretoko Goko Lakes is a place to visit if you want to enjoy the magnificent nature of Shiretoko, which has been selected as a World Natural Heritage Site. You can enjoy magnificent views of the Shiretoko mountain range, wild Hokkaido Sika Deer, brown bear claw scars, wetlands and old growth forest at once.
If you have a small child, you can't walk on a steep road, but don't worry about that! Shiretoko Goko Lakes has an elevated wooden path with a total length of 800m that can be enjoyed while pushing a stroller. You can enjoy it with peace of mind without encountering brown bears.
If you are an elementary school student or older, we recommend taking part in a guided tour on the ground promenade. A professional guide will also explain rare insects and birds that can be found only in Shiretoko, so parents can rest assured just by following.
As a note, there are many insects in the summer, so bring insect repellents and long-sleeved outerwear. Waterproof shoes are recommended because the road may be muddy.
Shiretoko Goko Lakes is a popular spot, so you can wait for parking, especially during the tourist season from June to August. We recommend that you visit as soon as possible.
Shiretoko Goko Lakes Details
Access About 20 minutes by car from Utoro city area, Obon uses shuttle bus for traffic regulation
Opening hours: From mid-April to mid-November 8:00 to 18:00 (however, depending on the season)
Kamuiwakka Falls (Summer) Time required: 1 hour to 1.5 hours
It is limited to summer, but if you are a child who likes to play in the water, you should stop by at Kamuiwakka Falls. This waterfall is rare in Japan, with the water of the waterfall as a hot spring, and is characterized by the warm water temperature of around 30 degrees.
If you are an elementary school student or older, you can enjoy a natural heated pool at a waterfall called Ichinotaki, which is located just a little up the rocky area. If your child is still small and it is difficult to climb, you can also enjoy playing in the water at the mouth of the river.
As a note, the hot springs in Kamuiwakka Falls are highly acidic, so there is a slight irritation to the skin. Be careful when your child has scratches. In rocky areas, wear non-slip socks to prevent injuries.
Details of Kamuiwakka Falls
Access About 20 minutes by car from Utoro city area, there are vehicle regulations depending on the season.
Period of use: From early June to early November (check the official website as it fluctuates every year)
Large sightseeing boat Orora Required Time: 2 hours
Source: Shiretoko-kankosen Orora official website
If you want to enjoy the magnificent view of Shiretoko from Sea of Okhotsk, we recommend a course to board the large sightseeing boat Orora in the afternoon.
There is news of the accident on a sightseeing boat, and some people are a little worried, but if it is a large ship, it is safe because it has little shaking and heavy, so it is safe. Also, if you ride a sightseeing boat, it is 3 hours round trip, so you can enjoy the great outdoors comfortably on a large boat.
Source: Shiretoko-kankosen Orora official website
I think that children will get tired and sleepy in the afternoon, so in that case, it is recommended to take a leisurely rest in the cabin while watching the scenery. On the boat, binoculars are also available for a fee.
Shiretoko-kankosen Orora Details
Access 10 minutes walk from Utoro city area
Operation period: Late April to late October
On the last day of the third day, visit the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum where you can enjoy drift ice in Shiretoko
Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum Required Time: 1 hour to 1.5 hours
Source: Official website of Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum
On the last day, stop by the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum located on the way from Utoro to Memanbetsu Airport to create memories unique to Shiretoko.
In fact, it is not easy to visit Shiretoko in winter. However, at the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum, you can enjoy the state of drift ice in Shiretoko all year round.
In Japan, the staff will explain why drift ice can only be seen in the Shiretoko area and the ecology of the sea angel Clione, so parents and children can learn about the nature of Shiretoko together.
Source: Official website of Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum
In addition, on the drift ice experience terrace of minus 15 degrees, you can actually wear a coat and experience the drift ice environment. In the real winter, various equipment is required, but here you can easily enjoy drift ice for a moment, so both adults and children are very satisfied!
Details of Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum
Access 90 minutes from Utoro city area, 20 minutes by car to Memanbetsu airport
Opening hours:
Summer from May to October 8:30 to 18:00
Winter from November to April 9:00 to 16:30
Finally, go to Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel, where you can enjoy Shiretoko most with your children.
How was it? After enjoying sightseeing in Shiretoko with your children, I would like to play more Shiretoko at the hotel! The Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel is recommended for such a family trip.
Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Utoro Onsen that is perfect for traveling with children. Here are six reasons for that!
・Jalan Of The Year Hotel Grand Prize 【Dinner】Viking restaurant "Marskoi" selected as 3rd place
・The East Building, which is reopened in April 2022, where you can relax with your family
・Aqualandsonte, an all-weather pool that children love.
・The only open-air bath in Japan overlooking the natural jade large public bath and Sea of Okhotsk
・Private family bath Recommended for those who value private
・Big Game Center for Kids
Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel's proud buffet "Marsukoi" offers dishes made with abundant Hokkaido ingredients, sushi and tempura freshly made in an open kitchen, as well as sweets buffet that children love.
In addition, the East Building, which was just renewed in April, is a room with both a work space and a relaxing space, making it ideal for long-term stays utilizing telework.
Fortunately, during large holidays such as Golden Week and summer vacation, all rooms may be filled. If you are planning a trip to Shiretoko, please check your reservation status as soon as possible!
