Shiretoko Five Lakes can be accessed via two different routes: an elevated boardwalk and a ground-level trail.
◆ Elevated boardwalk: A 2-meter-high boardwalk designed for bear safety, leading to the shore of Lake 1. The route is 800 meters one way (1.6 kilometers round trip). It offers great views and is free to access. Wheelchair accessible.
◆ Ground trail: A 3.0-kilometer loop that takes you around all five lakes. A guided tour is required from May 10 to July 31. At other times, you can explore on your own after attending a briefing, at your own risk. A fee is charged.

Cruise ships operate from both Utoro Port and Rausu Port.
◆ Utoro Port: Cruises are available on both a large ship (400 passengers) and a small cruiser (under 100 passengers), with three routes (Kamuy-wakka, Rusha, Shiretoko Cape). The cruises offer views of towering cliffs, the Shiretoko mountain range across the sea, seabirds, brown bears, dolphins, and more.
◆ Rausu Port: Different routes operate depending on the season. Cruises offer opportunities to see orcas, whales, seabirds, brown bears, sea lions, Steller's eagles, drifting sea ice, and Kunashiri Island.

A simple trail leading to Furepe Waterfall (commonly known as "Maiden's Tears"), starting from the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center.
◆ Free round trip: 2 kilometers, approximately 40 minutes.
◆ From the viewing platform, you can see Furepe Waterfall, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Shiretoko mountain range.
◆ Hokkaido deer are often spotted, but the trail may be closed if bears are sighted.
◆ From December to April, the area is covered in snow. Rent rubber boots and enjoy a winter walk.

An adventurous activity: climbing a unique hot spring waterfall.
◆ Watching a safety video on the official website, agreeing to the risks, and making an online booking are mandatory. Pay attention to your clothing and equipment. Helmets are required (available for rent on-site).
◆ Fee: 2,200 or 3,000 yen per adult. Limited to 210 participants per day.
◆ A special shuttle bus will operate from August 8 to 17 (private cars are restricted).
◆ Temporary toilets and changing facilities are available on-site. No mobile phone reception.

You can't truly experience Shiretoko without encountering its wildlife. Sharpen your senses!
◆ Shiretoko is home to a wide variety of wildlife rarely seen in other regions, including brown bears, Hokkaido deer, red foxes, large birds, orcas, and whales.
◆ Join a guided tour to increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
◆ Guided nighttime wildlife drives are also available, offering the chance to see nocturnal animals and enjoy the starry sky.

Explore unmaintained trails with a nature guide.
◆ Venture into the pristine forest and learn about Shiretoko's history, wildlife, and ecosystem. Sharpen your senses, listen for animal sounds, and look for signs of wildlife.
◆ If the weather is good, enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the cliff.
◆ The Shiretoko Forest Keepers Trail, located within the 100-square-meter Shiretoko Trust Area, is also open to the public.

With Mt. Rausu and Mt. Shari (both part of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains), Mt. Iou, and the Shiretoko Ridge Traverse, this area offers some of the most spectacular mountain hikes in the country.
◆Enjoy dramatic ridge-line views with the ocean on both sides—a unique feature of peninsula hiking.
◆Comparable to the 2,500m peaks of Honshu(the main island of Japan), the summer hiking season is short, running from June to October.
◆The trails are not technically difficult, but they require good stamina due to the long distances.
◆Cold-weather gear, sufficient water, and bear precautions are essential. There are no mountain huts—tenting is required for ridge traverses.

Lake Rausu, the largest on the peninsula, sits at 700m in the subalpine zone. Unlike the Shiretoko Five Lakes, it offers a different landscape with alpine views and unique highland and wetland vegetation.
◆The trail from the national road to the lake is 3km one way—a moderately long hike.
◆The path includes uneven terrain, gentle slopes, and large steps. Rubber boots are recommended. Be mindful of bear safety.
◆Weather changes rapidly in this mountainous area—rain gear and winter clothes are a must.

Shiretoko has the highest catch of wild salmon in Japan. Witness the impressive scenes of salmon being unloaded at the port and swimming upstream in natural rivers.
◆From mid-September to late October, you can watch salmon landings at Utoro Port around 8 a.m. (except Sundays and stormy days).
◆Large schools of salmon struggling upstream from the Sea of Okhotsk are an unforgettable sight.
◆You may also spot birds feeding on salmon that have finished spawning—an iconic moment in the natural cycle.

Cycling is one of the best ways to experience Shiretoko’s wilderness. Feel the breeze, hear the sounds of nature, and sense the presence of wildlife as you ride through stunning scenery.
◆A popular tour is the exhilarating downhill ride from the 738m-high Shiretoko Pass to the coast. The 10km gravel ride to Kamuiwakka is also a favorite.
◆Though the terrain is hilly, e-bikes make it easy for most riders.
◆Several bike rental and tour companies offer expert guidance and local tips.

Sea kayaking offers the most immersive way to connect with Shiretoko’s coastal wilderness. Glide past 100-meter cliffs and experience moments of peace on the open sea.
◆Paddle at sea level to see the Shiretoko Mountains, sea birds flying along cliffs, the Furepe Waterfall, and the dramatic "Otoko no Namida" up close.
◆Follow the safety instructions provided by tour operators at all times.
◆Week-long expedition tours from Rausu (Aidomari) to Utoro are also available.

Step onto a frozen sea covered in drift ice—a rare and surreal adventure unique to Shiretoko.
◆Participants must wear a dry suit, be accompanied by a guide, and be physically fit (no joint or mobility issues).
◆About eight companies operate this tour, typically priced around ¥8,000 per person.
◆Drift ice conditions change daily with wind and tides—always follow the guide’s instructions carefully.
◆Tours often book out more than two months in advance, so plan early.

Take a special guided snowshoe tour around the frozen Shiretoko Five Lakes during the heart of winter. Experience serene silence and breathtaking views of the mountains and sea.
◆Held daily from late January to late March. Each session is 3 hours and covers a 3km loop.
◆Each guide leads up to 10 participants, with a daily cap of 150 people.
◆Prices start at ¥6,000 per adult, depending on the guide company.

Enjoy winter trekking around the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center, with both self-guided and guided options available.
◆Choose from several routes, including the popular 2km (60-minute) walk to Furepe Waterfall and a course through historic settlement ruins. All self-guided routes are free.
◆Guided treks through ancient forests and to scenic viewpoints are also very popular (fees apply).
◆Boots and snowshoes are available for rent at the Nature Center.

Besides the Drift Ice Walk, Shiretoko’s frozen sea offers more thrilling winter experiences. Be aware that the season is short.
◆Drift ice diving lets you swim beneath the moving ice—a rare and breathtaking experience. A professional guide is essential for safety.
◆In March, as the ice begins to melt, you can try drift ice kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).