The Four Seasons of Shiretoko Pass | Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage Site: Spectacular Scenery and Charm in Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter - Hokkaido Lab ~A Hokkaido Travel Guide to Enjoy Gourmet Food, Nature, and Culture~

The Four Seasons of Shiretoko Pass | The breathtaking scenery and charm of Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage Site, throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

: Post

: Last updated: September 11, 2018

Table of contents

2. Dramatic events unfold in the snow removal and snow walls of Shiretoko Pass.

shiretoko-pass-parking The Shiretoko Pass in Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage site, is closed to traffic for half the year due to snow. The news of its reopening after enduring the harsh winter is a heartwarming spring tradition for the locals.

Because of its harsh natural environment, the scenery of the mountain pass from spring to summer to autumn is incredibly colorful! Let me introduce the charm of Shiretoko Pass in each of the four seasons.

1. What is Shiretoko Pass?

shiretoko-pass-image1

Shiretoko Pass is the summit of the Shiretoko Crossing Road (opened in 55, 23.8 km in length), which connects Utoro in Shari Town and Rausu Town. It is a mountain pass (elevation 738m) located on the ridge of the Shiretoko mountain range.

It's a popular driving route through nature, but it's closed to traffic from late October to late April every year. For that reason, it's also known as "Japan's national highway with the shortest open period."

2. Dramatic events unfold in the snow removal and snow walls of Shiretoko Pass.

shiretoko-pass-snow1
Every March, snow removal begins on the roads from both Shari and Rausu. Don't underestimate the effort involved in snow removal; it's truly impressive!

A rotary snowplow makes its way through the snow-covered, unpaved road, forcefully shoveling snow away. On slopes inaccessible to snowplows, workers, equipped with safety harnesses, use shovels to remove snow cornices.

Thus, behind the opening of the Shiretoko Pass, there is the support and hard work of many people every year.

shiretoko-pass-snowblock-walk1
Just before the road opens, an event called the "Shiretoko Snow Wall Walk" is held, where participants can walk through snow walls that are well taller than a person. In 2016, it was held on Sunday, April 10th, with two courses: the Utoro course (6 km) and the Rausu course (10 km). It also seems that snow removal work can be observed. For more details, please visit the websites of the Shiretoko Shari Town Tourism Association and the Shiretoko Rausu Town Tourism Association.

Utoro side course here　http://blog.shiretoko.asia/2015/02/2015.html
Click here for the Rausu side course.　http://www.rausu-shiretoko.com/pdf/2015020803.pdf

Then, usually in late April, the Shiretoko Pass finally opens to traffic (May 1st in 2015).

Shiretoko Pass Spring Road

Please note that for a while after opening, the road will only be passable during the daytime, and from around June, it will become passable all day, including at night.

shiretoko-pass-spring-mt.rausu You can enjoy scenery like this for a while after the line opens.

3. Enjoy the spectacular scenery!

shiretoko-pass-parking

The main attraction of the Shiretoko Pass, which has finally opened up, is undoubtedly its magnificent scenery. Park your car in the parking area at the top and be sure to enjoy it!

Mount Rausu, towering nearby, retains snow until around July, creating a striking contrast of green and white. While it can sometimes be shrouded in fog, on clear days you can even see Kunashir Island, one of the Northern Territories, across the sea.

shiretoko-pass-superb-view1

Shiretoko Pass is also highly recommended for its nighttime starry skies! In the crystal-clear air, in a place completely unaffected by city lights, you can gaze up at a sky full of stars. It's a beauty that simply cannot be put into words.

shiretoko-pass-stars1 4. Nature unique to mountain passes

Shiretoko Pass Haimatsu

You can also experience nature unique to high-altitude mountain passes. If you're lucky enough to spot the adorable "Pine Grosbeak" with its bright red head in the early morning of June or July, you'll be in for a treat. As it's a bird of the alpine zone, you usually only see them on hiking trails.

You might also encounter other beautiful birds such as the Siberian Blue Robin and the Japanese Robin. Even if you don't see them, the birdsong you hear in the refreshing morning air will surely soothe your soul! The dense forest of dwarf pines, with their low stature and creeping close to the ground as their name suggests, is a sight you won't see in the lowlands.

5. Don't miss the autumn foliage!

shiretoko-pass-fall1

As soon as the short summer ends, Shiretoko Pass quickly transforms into the autumn foliage season. The best time to see the leaves is usually from late September to early October. Japanese white birch, rowan, and Japanese maple trees turn vibrant reds and yellows. And when the trees on the mountain shed their leaves, another long winter arrives in Shiretoko.

6. Finally

Autumn at Shiretoko Pass

It takes about 30 minutes by car to reach the top of Shiretoko Pass from the towns of Utoro and Rausu. It's a place where anyone can experience the nature of a World Natural Heritage site up close, so if you visit Shiretoko, I highly recommend making a trip there.

While driving, you might see Hokkaido deer or red foxes crossing the road. This is also part of the charm of Shiretoko, but please be very careful of wild animals!

To Shiretoko Pass
- Approximately 80 minutes by car from Shiretoko-Shari Station, about 55 km
- Approximately 2 hours by car from Nakashibetsu Airport, about 90 km
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport, about 110 km.
Approximately 4 hours by car from Kushiro Airport, about 190 km.
Approximately 7 hours by car from Sapporo city, about 450 km.

★Let's plan a trip to Shiretoko!★