Shiretoko National Park (知床国立公園) is one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in Japan, untouched by man, located on a single-domain peninsula on the island of Hokkaido. The landscape here seems harsh and inhospitable, and active volcanoes, which seem to march towards the center of the island, at one time threw out large black stones that dotted the coast.
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| Shiretoko National Park |
General Information
The main port of this area is Uturo, located 10 km from the most beautiful place in the park - Shiretoko Go-ko. Here visitors will see wonderful lakes connected by paths and wooden paths. It will take at least an hour to get around them, although their length is no more than 2.5 km. The landscape is magnificent. Admiring the reflections of the mountains in the water, you can spend a lot of time here.
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| Shiretoko National Park |
A little inland - and you find yourself in Kamuliwakkano - an impressive reminder that Japan is a land of volcanoes. There are natural hot springs on three different levels, and the Iosan volcano heats up the waters in the river and waterfalls. The closer to the top of the volcano, the hotter the springs become.
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| Shiretoko National Park |
You can climb the slope of the Iosan volcano, but most often tourists go to Rausu-dak, the highest peak on the peninsula. Even if you choose the easiest trails, the landscape will be magnificent - you may be able to see deer, foxes and other animals. In summer, you can take a boat ride from Uturo to the lighthouse on the edge of the peninsula.
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| Shiretoko National Park |
Things to do
Walk up the river to see natural hot springs and ponds.
How to get there
By plane from Tokyo to Kushiro, by train from Kushiro to Sari, then by bus.
When to go
The weather is best from June to September.
Need to know
If you go on foot, beware of brown bears!