The Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site is an area located in the towns of Shari and Rausu on the eastern side of Hokkaido.

Because it's a tourist destination rich in natural beauty, the main tourist season used to be mostly summer. However, in recent years, the number of activities and events that can be experienced in winter has increased, making it more fulfilling than ever before.

This time, we'll introduce ways to enjoy Shiretoko in the middle of winter. There are plenty of activities where you can really feel the cold of Shiretoko!

<Table of Contents>
1. Explore a world of silence! Shiretoko Five Lakes Eco-Tour in the depths of winter
2. Is it okay to fall into the sea in the middle of winter!? Ice floe walk
3. A new winter staple event: Shiretoko Drift Ice Festival
4. A collaboration of drift ice and wildlife! Drift ice and birdwatching cruise
5. A wild and natural open-air bath: Kuma-no-yu
6. Enjoy Shiretoko Utoro and Rausu in winter by making use of the bus!
Final thoughts

The Shiretoko Five Lakes Eco Tour in the depths of winter offers an experience of silence and a world of pure white covered in snow and ice. This tour is only available with a certified nature guide, but it is well worth the effort.

With the majestic, snow-covered Shiretoko mountain range as a backdrop, we'll make our way through a pristine, unspoiled natural world, untouched by human activity, wearing snowshoes, towards the Shiretoko Five Lakes.

While one of the concepts of this eco-tour is to "enjoy the silence," silence is not the only thing you'll find there.
If you listen carefully, you can hear them: the cries of wild animals, the flapping of birds' wings, the howling of the wind, and the sound of water.

It is precisely because these places are normally inaccessible to humans that one can truly appreciate the absolute beauty of nature there.
Perhaps the true breathtaking scenery is found when you walk through nature on your own two feet and arrive at your destination.

<Shiretoko Five Lakes Eco-Tour in the Deep Winter>
TEL: 0152-22-2125 (Shiretoko Shari Town Tourism Association)
Event period: January 22, 2019 - March 22, 2019
Time required: about 3
Official site:http://www.shiretoko.asia/shiretoko_goko_winter.html

[Read the experience report here!]
Snowshoeing around the Shiretoko Five Lakes in winter! Have the magnificent Shiretoko nature all to yourself!

For those of us born and raised on the Okhotsk Sea coast of Hokkaido, "Don't ride on drift ice" was an absolute rule. I remember our homeroom teacher often saying it during homeroom at the end of the day.
However, this ice floe walk directly challenged this rule and made it a viable winter activity.

You'll wear a drysuit that will keep you safe even if you fall into the freezing Sea of ​​Okhotsk, so even those who can't swim can participate with peace of mind. It can withstand even the freezing temperatures of mid-winter seawater and will always float, so there is absolutely no risk of drowning.

"Walking across the drift ice," "Floating in the sea packed with drift ice," "Listening to the sounds of the drift ice creaking," "Searching for the sea angel, Clione."
These are all experiences you can only have on an ice floe walk. While ice floes are rare and beautiful to look at, this activity is recommended for active people who want more than just that.

<Drift Ice Walk>
Guide: Shiretoko Naturalist Association (SHINRA), a non-profit organization
TEL：0152-22-5522
Period: February 1st - late March *Subject to change depending on drift ice conditions
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Official site:http://www.shinra.or.jp/ryuhyo_walk.html

[Read the experience report here!]
Drift Ice Walk [Experience Report] A special experience of freely walking on drift ice!

The Shiretoko Drift Ice Festival is a new long-running event set in wintery Shiretoko, following the Shiretoko Aurora Fantasy which ended in 2016. 2018 marks its second year.

The world created by the main attractions, the ice tower (ice sculptures) and the ice bar (special drinks served in dome-shaped igloos made of ice and snow), is incredibly beautiful, allowing visitors to experience a different side of the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage site compared to its summer wilderness.

I especially recommend the bonfire experience corner, which uses stylish outdoor gear from Snow Peak.
You can roast marshmallows and cheese, and you can also experience boiling water over a campfire and making your own coffee from freshly ground beans.
Drinking coffee in the middle of a vast, snowy forest, while enjoying the warmth of a campfire, offers a special feeling that can only be experienced in Shiretoko, so be sure to try it.

<Shiretoko Drift Ice Festival>
Location: Shiretoko National Campsite
TEL: 0152-22-2125 (Shiretoko Shari Town Tourism Association)
Event period: January 30th (Wed) - February 28th (Thu), 2019
Hours: 18: 30 ~ 21: 00
Official site:https://blog.shiretoko.asia/2017/12/2018130228.html

[Read the experience report here!]
[Shiretoko Drift Ice Festival] Report - Enjoy the fantastical night forest and sea!

Image provided by: Shiretoko Rausu Town Tourism Association

In Rausu, located on the southern side of the Shiretoko Peninsula, you can experience drift ice and birdwatching cruises.
Aboard the Evergreen, which makes its way through the drift ice, we search for birds and animals that have come to overwinter.

Image provided by: Shiretoko Rausu Town Tourism Association

The chances of spotting white-tailed eagles or Steller's sea eagles are over 90%! Wild seal families may also make an appearance. Rausu is the only place where you can cruise and see the magnificent Sea of ​​Okhotsk, overflowing with drift ice, and the wild animals that live there.

It will be much colder than you imagine in Hokkaido in the middle of winter, especially since you'll be out at sea. Please make sure to dress warmly, wearing a down jacket, knit hat, gloves, and other protective gear.

<Drift Ice and Birdwatching Cruise>
Guide: Shiretoko Nature Cruise Co., Ltd.
TEL：0153-87-4001
Period: January - April
Duration: Two courses available, approximately 1 hour and 2 hours each.
Official site:http://www.e-shiretoko.com/

Image provided by: Shiretoko Rausu Town Tourism Association

"Kuma-no-yu" is a natural open-air hot spring located at the foot of the Shiretoko Pass on the Rausu side.
The water is so hot, over 45℃, that it's difficult just to get in, but it's the perfect hot spring to warm up your body after a winter trip to Shiretoko.

It's free to use, but since it's an open-air bath managed by local volunteers, please use it respectfully. (Adding water to lower the temperature is strictly prohibited!)

The open-air bath is located across a bridge over the river. The women's bath has a wall so you can enjoy it without worrying about being seen, but the men's bath is completely open to the elements. It might be a little embarrassing, but you'll be able to experience the ultimate sense of freedom.

So, if you're actually planning a trip to Shiretoko in winter, how should you go about getting there?

Driving a rental car on snowy roads in Hokkaido during winter is not recommended for those unfamiliar with the area.

Therefore, I recommend the winter-only bus!

The following buses operate to Shiretoko Utoro and Rausu.

・Higashi Hokkaido Express Bus (operating from January 26th to March 11th)
　[Example Route]
　Express Bus No. 1: Sounkyo → Abashiri → Shiretoko Utoro
　Express Bus No. 2: Utoro → Abashiri → Akan
　Express Bus No. 5: Utoro → Rausu → Nakashibetsu → Rausu → Utoro
　・Express Bus No. 7* Shibecha (SL Shitsugen-go departure/arrival station) → Kawayu Onsen → Utoro
　・Express Bus No. 8* Utoro → Kawayu Onsen → Shibecha
　*Trains 7 and 8 operate in conjunction with the SL Winter Marshland Train.

- Winter Higashi Hokkaido Bus (January 12th to March 10th *Some routes until February 28th)
・Eastern Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus (January 25th to March 12th * Routes may vary)
　[Example Route]
　・Sounkyo → Utoro Express
　・Utoro → Sounkyo Express
　Obihiro/Tokachigawa → Utoro Express
　・Utoro →→ Obihiro/Tokachigawa Express

↓Click here for details on the two types of buses mentioned above↓

・Shiretoko Airport Liner (operates from January 19th to March 11th)
- Memanbetsu Airport - Abashiri to Utoro (3 round trip flights each way)
For bus details and online reservations, please visit the following URL.
http://www.kosokubus.com/search/brand/BB/

By using the bus mentioned above, you can efficiently enjoy sightseeing in Shiretoko without having to rent a car!
　

Final thoughts

This article introduced winter tourist spots, events, and activities in Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage site.

While the lush greenery of nature in midsummer is beautiful, the world of drift ice and silvery white landscapes that can only be experienced in winter is truly exceptional.

After sightseeing, returning to the hotel, toasting with Hokkaido's seafood, and soaking in a warm hot spring is the ultimate luxury, isn't it?

Even if you've experienced Shiretoko in the summer, we highly recommend you try enjoying Shiretoko in the winter next time!

★Let's plan a trip to Shiretoko!★

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