2025 Shari District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

The road to heaven in Shari-cho, Hokkaido, became popular nationwide after a social media post said that the straight road seemed to continue to the heavens. This road is National Route 334 and Route 244, and the road continues straight for about 18km. Nearby is a wooden observation deck called "Nameless Observatory", from which you can see not only the road to heaven, but also the vast fields typical of Hokkaido and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk beyond. 📌The road to heaven 📌Minehama, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido (National Route 334 and Route 244 / Shari National Route 📌About 15 minutes by car from JR Shiretoko Shari Station 📌Famousness ★★★☆☆ #Hokkaido Tourism #Road to heaven #Scenic spot #Hokkaido #Touring #Drive #Straight #Shari Town #Shiretoko Shari Station

-This pond was formed by underground water that springs up from Lake Mashu, but the indigenous Ainu people called Lake Mashu "Kamuito (Lake of God)", and this pond came to be called "Kami no Ko Ike (Child of God Pond)". You need to travel by car to get there, but it is a very beautiful pond with a crystal clear cobalt blue that can be clearly seen to the bottom 5 meters deep 😎 The area is closed during the winter, and the opening depends on the snow conditions. Please note that you need to check in advance! Address: 〒099-4526 Kiyosato-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido Opening date: Early May to late October *Vehicles are not allowed during the winter How to access: About 20 minutes by car from Midori Station in Kiyosato-cho. *There is a sign along the road, so you will need to park your car and walk along the forest road, so it is better to wear comfortable shoes #trip2022 #

Kaminoko Pond is a pond located in the forest near Lake Mashu in the southern part of Kiyosato Town in eastern Hokkaido. From June to August, on a clear day, Kaminoko Pond reflects the color of the sky and turns cobalt blue. The white sand on the bottom of the pond emphasizes the blue color. In late autumn and winter, the pond turns indigo blue, and in winter it can only be accessed by snowshoes, so if you're looking for a photogenic shot, we recommend visiting in the summer. Please come and visit us! ! #breathtakingview #coupletrip #Hokkaido #freespot #JapanGenkiProject2021 #amazingnature #breathtakingview #tripwithkids

📍Shiretoko Shiretoko is a World Natural Heritage site that Japan is proud of. It's about an hour's drive from Abashiri. I was excited just to see the magnificent view of the snow-capped Shiretoko mountain range, but hiking around the Shiretoko Five Lakes was also a great experience✨ However, this area coexists with wild bears, so we are only "interfering" with the place. If we see a bear, we have to retreat. We toured the Shiretoko Five Lakes with a group of about 10 to 20 people, but the person at the front said he had seen a bear and quietly retreated. We received a bear prevention training before the tour, but I think that even if we actually encountered one, we would be too scared to do anything😅 The hike ended up being much shorter than planned due to the bear encounter, but it was really nice to be able to explore the beautiful nature🌳 #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Deep in the heart of Shiretoko Peninsula lies Shiretoko Goko (Five Lakes) — a place where time slows down and nature quietly reminds you of its wonder. Even without a guide, you can take in the view of Lake Ikko from a scenic raised boardwalk, free of charge and accessible to all. But for those curious to explore deeper — especially during bear season (May to late July) — you’ll need to join a certified local guide. Don’t worry: there are many to choose from, and they’re full of stories and knowledge about this UNESCO-listed forest. We spotted Ezo deer, a sleeelping snake, and delicate alpine flowers blooming by the trail. The air was rich with the scent of moss and birch, and the forest felt alive — quietly watching. 🌧️ Pro tip: The trails can get muddy, so wear shoes that don’t mind a mess. And during warm months, bug repellent is a must — the mosquitoes here know no mercy! While spring to autumn offers the most color, Shiretoko Goko is open year-round, with winter hiking possible on snowshoes. No matter the season, it's a place to walk gently, listen deeply, and feel small in the best way. --- 📝 Practical Info: Location: Shiretoko Goko (Five Lakes), Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido Access: ~1 hr by car from Utoro area What you can do: 🚶♂️ Walk the free elevated boardwalk to Lake Ikko 🐻 Join a guided tour to access all five lakes during bear season (May–July) ❄️ Enjoy winter hiking (snowshoes recommended) Wildlife sightings: Ezo deer, snake, birds, seasonal flowers What to bring: -Drinking water -Bug repellent (May–Sept) -Shoes that can get dirty — trails may be muddy Guides: Available locally; check online or at Shiretoko Nature Center #知床五湖 #ShiretokoGoko #ShiretokoFiveLakes #HokkaidoNature #UNESCOWorldHeritage #EzoDeer #北海道の旅 #ポストカード日記 #日本の秘境 #知床散策 #森の旅 #四季のある暮らし

Strolling along the Shiretoko coast in the evening, the cold air carries a faint salty scent. The sun slowly descends into the Sea of Okhotsk, painting the sky with a blend of orange-red and purple-blue hues, as if the entire world has paused in this moment. The distant sea reflects the afterglow, shimmering with ripples, occasionally accompanied by the soft cries of seagulls, adding a touch of vitality to the tranquility. Standing amidst this vast expanse, an indescribable sense of awe and emotion fills the heart. The sunset in Shiretoko is not just a view; it feels like nature's gentle whisper, soothing the weariness of the journey and inviting one to quietly treasure this magnificence and serenity deep within.

Shiretoko Five Lakes, Amanoko Road, Kamiko Pond, Rima Shu Observation Deck, Kussharo Lake Sand Bath, Kawayu Hot Spring, Ojuku Xinki Hot Spring, Bettei Honeysuckle The #Shiretoko Five Lakes, a must-visit spot when visiting #Shiretoko National Park, is also a World Natural Heritage Site. I visited it again after seven years and missed it very much. Last time I only walked the "elevated wooden path", this time I walked the "#abovegroundwalk". The ticket was 250 yen, and I had to fill out an application, attend a lecture and watch a video before I could hike freely. The route is divided into a small circle and a large circle, both of which are one-way. I walked the large circle, including taking photos, and walked back along the elevated wooden path. It took about 1.5 hours. There were quite a lot of tourists hiking, and some even hired guides. Maybe because there were so many people and the weather was cold, we didn't encounter any bears. The red leaves along the way have not yet fully bloomed. I found that the elevated wooden path is more beautiful this time. The lake view along the way is actually okay, but not as good as the highlands or the hiking spots last week. At noon, I had lunch at the "#Utoro Fishery Association Women's Department Canteen", which is a popular food with a long queue. Fortunately, I arrived early and didn't have to wait too long. After five minutes, a long queue started to form. After lunch, we drove for half an hour to "#天に続く道", which is truly the road to heaven. The observatory can also take pictures of the sunflower fields below. Another hour's drive brought us to the long-awaited secret spot "#神の子池". The regrets of 2017 were finally fulfilled today. Although the stone road was narrow, turning the car back was not a problem. It took less than a minute to walk from the parking lot to the wooden boardwalk, and we could quickly take pictures of the stunning scenery. It was much easier than the Biei Blue Pond, Aomori Jujuko Blue Pond, and Yamagata Maru Pond, and it was very easy to take pictures. This will be my regular spot in the future. After about ten minutes, we arrived at the "#RiMashu Observatory". Although the air was turbid, the visibility of Lake Mashu was high and the scenery was beautiful. Finally, we came to "Lake Kussharo" after seven years. We didn't take a bath in the "Sand Bath", but the sunset was beautiful and the atmosphere was like being in Europe. We arrived at "#お宿心喜浴二庭壬冬" at 17:00 in the evening. It is very close to "Kusharoko Sand Bath". It is a high-end hotel that was converted from an old facility. The main building "お宿心喜浴" is nearby, and you can take a bath in the main building for free. The room is not big, it is a Japanese style twin room, and it is comfortable to sleep in. The lobby is elegantly decorated, and the "Restrom Haspo Japanese-Yochu Buffet" buffet, which offers two meals per night, is highly rated. The all-you-can-drink dinner and the lounge area in the lobby are worth it. The crab legs, crab miso soup, and freshly made sushi for dinner are all good. The "Kawayu Onsen Village" is filled with the aroma of sulfur, the hiking trail outside is under construction, and the atmosphere of the stream smoking is great! There are many hot springs with the same or similar names in Japan. One of the three most beautiful hot springs in Japan is Yunokawa Onsen in Shimane Prefecture. One of the three most beautiful night views in Japan is the famous Hokkaido hot spring "Kawanoyu Onsen". Near the Ioyama Mountain in Eastern Hokkaido is the Kawayu Onsen in Teshikaga Town; Near the Kumano Kodo is the Kawayu Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture; At the border of Akita Prefecture is the "Yukawa Onsen" in Iwate Prefecture; There is also a hot spring with the same name in Ishikawa Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture called "Yukawa Onsen". Including tonight's accommodation, I have stayed in three places so far. I stayed in Hokkaido's "Kawanoyu Onsen" in May 2015 and Wakayama's "Kawayu Onsen" in March 2023. "Kawayu Onsen" located in the "#AkanMashuNationalPark" used to be a hot spring treatment site. It is adjacent to Lake Mashu to the east and Lake Kussharo to the west. The strongly acidic hydrogen sulfide contains bright and green springs, which are one of the few springs in Japan with volcanic characteristics. It has been a therapeutic spring since ancient times and has a high bactericidal effect. The spring quality is "acidic sulfur-containing iron-natrium-sulfate-halide spring (hydrogen sulfide type)". The electrical appliances here usually only last three years because they will be corroded by acid, so the hotel cost is relatively high. It is similar to the Aomori Sukayu Onsen, Akita Gosokake Onsen, which I visited earlier this month, and Tamagawa Onsen, which I will visit next week. They are also my favorite sulfur springs. After soaking in the large public bath at night, I walked to the main hotel in the morning to soak in the hot spring. The open-air bath has baths of different temperatures, and there are beautiful red maple leaves to take pictures along the way.

The charm of Shiretoko! Shiretoko in Hokkaido is just amazing nature! It's surrounded by incredibly beautiful scenery, and the air is great. What's more, this is where brown bears live, and if you're lucky, you might even see them! It's like a "theme park of nature" where you can meet wild animals. ⸻ Why Shiretoko is Amazing! Shiretoko in Hokkaido is all about wild, untouched nature! You'll be blown away by the stunning scenery and super fresh air. It's also home to wild brown bears, and if you're lucky, you might even spot one! It's like a giant nature park where you can really feel the power of the wild.

📍 Itinerary Overview: otaru, sapporo, ashikawa, abashiri 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions Blue pond, ice breaker ship, otaru canal, ashikawa ice festival 🚇 Transportation: car rental 🍜 Local Cuisine: delicious seafood like a king crab and oyster 💡 Tips: if you can drive in japan, better to rent a car in car rental #localguides #deliciousfood #hokkaido

📍8:30 AM: Woke up for breakfast. The buffet offered a wide variety of dishes, some of which were freshly prepared by the chef. The presentation was nice, and the food tasted good. The window seats offered a sea view. 📍This afternoon, I had a reservation for an ARPA Shiretoko Five Lakes hike. After checking out at 11:00 AM, I tried calling ARPA, but no one answered. As per the email instructions, I walked to the Shiretoko Monsoon Club Hotel, where I would be staying tonight, to meet them. Although it was only a ten-minute walk, dragging my suitcase through the snow was quite difficult. Thankfully, a kind stranger offered me a ride. 📍12:40 PM: The ARPA guide picked us up from the hotel lobby and drove us to the Five Lakes. It turned out that they waited for all the cars to arrive before opening the gate. At 1:30 PM, after putting on our snowshoes, we set off. Each guide was followed by a line of "ducklings," and we entered the area in separate groups. On the way from the fifth lake to the first lake, we saw bear footprints and the entire lake surface covered in snow. We slid down a snowy slope and drank the tea the guide brought. It was my first time seeing such thick snow in a forest. If I wasn't careful, my legs would sink in. As we progressed, the wind and snow intensified, and the guide quickly changed our route. It's a little disappointing that we didn't see any animals. Although the entire hike only lasted 2 hours, my legs felt heavy. 📍After returning to the hotel and resting, we had dinner at 6:00 PM. Unfortunately, we didn't see the sunset due to the weather. We booked a two-night stay with two meals included. We went to the restaurant for breakfast and dinner at pre-selected times. Each meal was different. The first night was tempura. The ingredients were fresh, the tableware was cute, and the ice cream after dinner was delicious! We had reserved the outdoor bath in the small courtyard for 50 minutes after dinner. I loved it! There was a small hiccup during check-in. Because I didn't pay attention when booking, I chose two different room types for the two nights. The young lady at the front desk and her grandmother very enthusiastically tried to communicate with me. Due to my lack of Japanese and not wanting to trouble them, I had already given up. After dinner, the person in charge called us over and told us that they had changed our booking to the same room for both nights. I was so grateful. The grandparents and young ladies greeted us every day. On the second night, the air conditioner in our room broke down. The owners tried to fix it for a long time, but when they couldn't, they quickly brought us a heater. It was so warm. There was a homemade hotel guide and several magazines about Shiretoko in the room. One of them featured photos of local shop owners in Utoro with their storefronts. It was a meaningful local publication.

Shiretoko's Aurora is a thrilling cruise experience on drift ice. The sight of the ship crunching the ice as it moves forward is truly spectacular. You can go outside and see the moment the ice wall breaks up up close, so you're sure to be overwhelmed by the power of the ship. In winter, you can enjoy the spectacular views that unfold in the direction of the ship's movement as it breaks the drift ice. Experience the feeling of adventure as you experience the great nature of Shiretoko with your whole body. 🕰️Opening hours: January to March (varies depending on the drift ice season) 🏖️Atmosphere/facilities: Impressive outside views, warm and comfortable inside the ship 📍Location: Shiretoko Peninsula, Shari-cho, Hokkaido 💰Price per person: Adults 6,000 yen to 10,000 yen (varies depending on the season) #0 yen trip February 2025

I went for a walk around the Shiretoko Five Lakes, the tip of Hokkaido 🌿 The weather was great and the scenery was amazing!! A place rich in nature where many wild animals, including bears, live. There are "two ways to walk" around the Shiretoko Five Lakes! Please use this as a reference and enjoy the great nature of Shiretoko on a course that suits you ✍️ 1. Elevated boardwalk A course that can be safely walked throughout the season! There were electric wires on the side of the boardwalk to keep out brown bears. This time, I walked on a safe promenade 🚶♀️ Luckily, I encountered a wild deer 🦌 2. Ground promenade A course that can only be walked by those who have received a lecture from a guide! The brown bears are a little scary, but it's attractive to be able to walk through nature 👀I'd definitely like to participate next time! ※The ground promenade will be closed when brown bears are in sight. 📍Shiretoko Five Lakes, Hokkaido 📮 549 Iwaubetsu, Onnebetsu Village, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido 099-4356 #Domestic Travel Strategy

We completed the beautiful Shiretoko Five Lakes morning hike with a guide and was blessed with great weather and sceneries. We did not spot any bear 🐻 but saw 2 wild swans 🦢 🦢 and some deers 🦌. The hike is about 3km, and it’s a fairly easy hike. However, the park conditions changes according to weather and seasons and it is safer to go with a guide as there are chances to meet brown bears who call the National park their home. The guide also provide educational info about the flora and fauna in the park in addition to the geology of the park. #travel #hokkaido #Shiretoko

Passing through this place in a car, we saw the endless sea. When we came near the hotel, we headed to the evening balcony, where you can overlook the sea of ​​Shiretoko. There is a place to camp near the evening balcony, if you can watch the sunset or stargazing here is good. 📍Yūhidai Observatory Utorokagawa, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido 099-4351 Japan #Japan Good Places #Travel Photo #Travel Itinerary #Evening Balcony Observation Deck #Even Balcony #Japan #Hokkaido #Shiretoko #Travel Attractions #Travel Hotspots

#Sakura2024 🌈Experience a unique travel experience, Ryuhyo Ice Walk or walking on the ice in Shiretoko, a perfect choice for a special and memorable time in your life. 🕘 Activity duration: Approximately 2 hours (including travel time from the hotel to and from) 🪭Ice walking activity participation fee: 6,000 yen / person (including hotel pick-up and drop-off service, guide, boots and gloves that are lent according to each person's size) can be paid in cash to the guide. 🔆What to bring: Hat, sunglasses 📍Coordinates of the tour to pick up and drop off (if not staying at a hotel nearby) Must come to get on the car here: Roadside Rest Area Utoro-Shirietoku 💡Precautions: Make a reservation for a local tour guide online at least 3 days before the activity date to arrange a convenient date, time, and time for the van to pick you up. 💙If you are staying at a hotel near Roadside Rest Area Utoro-Shirietoku, you can coordinate with The tour company will pick you up at your hotel for free. 📸 Photo taken during: March 2024 ❄️ Temperature around: -8 degrees Celsius 🧊 Months suitable for this activity: February and March (depending on the melting of ice) 📕 Recommended activities: Walking, taking pictures, soaking in ice ...................................................................................... ⭐️ How to get to the hotel in Shiretoko: From Sapporo, take the bus at Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal and get off at Kitakobushi shiretoko hotel & resort (our hotel, the bus stop is in front of the hotel, very convenient) 💴 Fare from Sapporo: 7,850 yen/one way/person, round trip 15,700 yen/person (buy tickets and choose seats online) 🚍 Outbound: Departure from Sapporo at: 23:15 (It is a sleeper bus with reclining seats) There is a toilet in the car) Arrive at Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort the next day at 06:34. 🚍Return: Depart from the starting hotel, Hotel Shiretoko at 09:00, arrive at the destination, Sapporo at around 16:22. **There is only one bus per day for both the outbound and return trips.** 🌸The expected cherry blossom season in Sapporo is around: April 25-29, 2024 #TravelJapan #shiretoko #hokkaido #shiretoko #icewalking #hokkaido

The northeastern part of Hokkaido is rich in nature, with Shiretoko at its center. Shiretoko-Shari Station is used as a base for accessing Shiretoko. This station, located midway along the Senmo Main Line, is the starting point for buses to Shiretoko. The station building feels new. Inside, there are waiting rooms, toilets, and souvenir shops. Trains currently being checked are indicated by signs on a notice board, giving it a nostalgic feel. It is also the departure and arrival station for the Ryuhyo Monogatari train, a tourist train that only operates in winter. If you have the opportunity, please try it out. #DomesticTravel #Hokkaido #HokkaidoTrip #ShiretokoShariStation

Kaminoko Pond, located close to the Uramashu Lake Observatory, is a clear blue water pond in a primeval forest🌳. It is called Kaminoko Pond because it is made from underground water from Lake Mashu (Kamuito, or Lake of the Gods in Ainu).💕 A beautiful and mysterious pond tucked away deep in a mountain path in a primeval forest, it is recommended for a walk while enjoying forest bathing👍 #Autumn Trip #Breathtaking Views

Lake Tofutsu is registered under the Ramsar Convention. It was only a short time, but we were able to look out over the expansive lake and wetlands. On the other side, you can see the sea of ​​Shiretoko. I heard that it is a lake where many wild birds fly, but I couldn't see it well with the naked eye from the moving train. The Abashiri area is rich in nature. You can see a luxurious view that you can't see in urban areas. When you're tired of city life, it feels good to be healed by the great nature of the north. Hokkaido is so big. The Sapporo area is popular, but the natural charm of eastern Hokkaido is also hard to give up 😊 #Abashiri #breathtakingview #LakeTofutsu #wildbirds #Hokkaido #Hokkaidotrip #trip #trip #hokkaido #gw2022jp #lake #shiretoko

The small clear water garden is part of the Abashiri National Park and is located in the grassy area on the sand dunes of Kosumi-cho, Kori-ri, Hokkaido. The native garden refers to the wetland and grass covered by flowers with no vivid colors and natural colors. Due to its unique vegetation features, it is also known as the natural flowerbed. The garden is in the slender area between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bohai Lake. There are often wild birds flying on the lake. 40 kinds of wildflowers are open here, and June-August is a particularly beautiful season. When roses, shrimps, lily, and small apples are open, pink, red, and white reflect each other, and the grass will be plain. Dressed up very beautifully.

One of the reasons why Shiretoko was landed as a World Heritage Site is that it has a biological network that allows rare animals to survive, covering the sea, rivers and land. If you want to see wild animals, but because it is inconvenient to bring the baby or do not want to walk in the snow for a long time, you can participate in the Winter Wildlife Observatory, sit in the car and explore the outside world through the window. The whole journey takes about one and a half hours. The guide will send a telescope to everyone for easy observation and a brief introduction while driving. The windows are generally open, but still warmer than outdoors. Can you see the animal depends on your eyes and luck? The squid is more common, and you can see the footprint of the fox. As for the brown bear, can you see it? The guide said that there are two hundred bears here, 90% of them are hibernating, but some are active. Return time is still relatively early, the guide special zone to see the waterfall (also known as Shuangmei Waterfall). Along the way, the clouds on the sea surface are quite low, as if the world is coming, the momentum is amazing.