Wonderland of Eastern Hokkaido
EXPLORING the wonderland of Eastern Hokkaido is a fascinating, challenging and enriching experience in all four seasons.
This vast area has diverse traditions and cultural history, beautiful natural landscapes and is rich with food from the sea and mountains. Countless fascinating spots are waiting to be enjoyed, such as World Heritage sites, hot springs and nature spots.
Getting to the eastern part of Hokkaido is fast and easy as it is well connected by air and land. From the new Chitose Airport in Sapporo, there are connecting flights to Nakashibetsu - the eastern town in Shibetsu District, Nemuro Subprefecture. There are also buses and trains which allow passengers to enjoy the rich variety of nature of this well-preserved magnificient land along the way.
The area of Shiretoko is famous for its peninsular, waterfalls, nature and heritage centres.
Shiretoko Peninsula located in the north-east of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is a top tourist destination. The site includes the land from the central part of the peninsula to its tip (Shiretoko Cape) and the surrounding marine area. It provides an outstanding example of the interaction of marine and terrestrial ecosystems as well as extraordinary ecosystem productivity, largely influenced by the formation of seasonal sea ice at the lowest latitude in the northern hemisphere. It has particular importance for a number of marine and terrestrial species, some of them endangered and endemic, such as Blackiston’s fish owl and the Viola kitamiana plant. The site is globally important for threatened seabirds and migratory birds, a number of salmonid species, and for marine mammals including Steller’s sea lion and some cetacean species.
Utoro is the largest and only sizable town along the western coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula. Located at the entrance to the national park, it serves as a transportation hub and is the boarding point for sightseeing boat tours up the peninsula’s coast.
Utoro is blessed with natural hot spring water and offers a range of accommodation from simple minshuku to large onsen ryokan. While the town’s coastal area retains the atmosphere of a small fishing village, a short walk up the hill brings you into the hot spring area where the numerous, large onsen ryokan are located.
Several large rocks stand along the shores of Utoro. The most spectacular of them is the Oronko Rock, which stands 60 meters high just next to the harbor. A small path leads up to the top of the rock, from where you can enjoy nice views of the town and coast.
One of the Eight Views of Shiretoko is the tall and magificient Oshinkoshin Waterfall which has been included in the “100 Waterfalls of Japan”. It is also known as Twin Beauties Waterfall because the waterfall splits into two parts about halfway down.
Experience the dramatic energy of the waterfall by walking up the stairs that lead about halfway up the falls.
From the observatory at the top of the waterfall, you can view the Sea of Okhotsk and the Shiretoko mountain range. It is especially dramatic in winter when the drift ice covers the sea and it is white as far as the eye can see.
Shiretoko National Park Nature Center is located at the entrance of the Shiretoko National Park. It not only serves as an information center for the park visitors but also facilitates your enjoyable stay in Shiretoko.
Watch “Four seasons of Shiretoko” from a giant screen at DynaVision Theater which gives an overview of the spectacular vistas, and hidden pristine land experiences not available on any tour.
English speaking staff at the Shiretoko Nature Center will answer any questions about nature, how to get around, traffic information, and activity options in Shiretoko. Quick lecture on how you should react to the bear encounter is also available.
Visitors can also rent basic outdoor gear for hiking in the snow.
To see life-size photos of brown bears, deer and other animals living in Shiretoko, head to the Shiretoko World Heritage Center which also displays some replicas of scratch by animals such as bears which makes you learn about rules and manners when you explore the great natutre of Shiretoko.
The Shiretoko World Heritage Center also provides real-time information on Shiretoko’s sights and nature, and the latest information on the management of the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage.
To experience touching an ice floe and spin a damp towel in subzero temperatures, head to the Ryu-hyo (Drift Ice) Museum located at the peak of Mount Tento. The Hands-On Drift Ice Terrace at the museum is kept at -15 degrees Celsius, and contains actual drift ice. Visitors can touch the drift ice firsthand and spin a damp towel until it freezes solid. They can also meet creatures from the Okhotsk Sea, such as the clione sea angel.
For a breathtaking panorama of Abashiri, go to the observation terrace which allows visitors a 340 degree view of the town. Before leaving, have a hearty Japanese meal at the Cafe360.