Do you know the word "umiake" (海明け), which is heard in Shiretoko in the spring? In meteorological terms, it refers to the day when drift ice leaves the coast and ships can navigate, but in the Okhotsk Sea coastal region, it is an exciting word that evokes the long-awaited arrival of spring.

The sea, once completely covered in pristine white drift ice, now shines a brilliant blue in the gentle sunlight—it's truly breathtaking! This time, we'll introduce how to enjoy Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage site, in spring, around April to May, after the ice has broken free.

1. Drive along the Shiretoko Crossing Road.

When it comes to spring in Shiretoko, the first thing that comes to mind is the opening of the Shiretoko Crossing Road. This 23.8km road connects the northern side (Utoro, Shari Town) and the southern side (Rausu Town) of the Shiretoko Peninsula, but it is closed to traffic every year from late October to late April due to snowfall. From spring to autumn, it becomes a popular driving route in Shiretoko.

Immediately after the road opens, there may still be snow walls along the sides. At Shiretoko Pass, located at the top of the road, you can park your car and enjoy views of the snow-capped Mt. Rausu and Kunashir Island, which can be seen in the distance through the haze.

Every April, before the Shiretoko Crossing Road opens to the public, a "Snow Wall Walk" is held, where participants can walk along the road covered in snow walls. Attendees can enjoy the breathtaking experience of walking along a path covered in white walls that are more than twice the height of a person.

There are two courses available: one to Utoro along the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, and another to Rausu on the Nemuro Strait side. (Registration for the Utoro course is handled by the Shiretoko Shari Town Tourism Association, and registration for the Rausu course is handled by the Shiretoko Rausu Tourism Association.)

For inquiries, please contact the Shiretoko Tourist Information Center: TEL: 0152-24-2639

2. Enjoy the pristine nature at Shiretoko Five Lakes.

In late April, Shiretoko Five Lakes, Shiretoko's largest tourist destination, will also open (April 20th in 2018). After attending a lecture, there are two routes to take: a ground-level walking trail (approximately 3km, fee required) that takes you along the five lakes, and an elevated wooden walkway to the first lake (approximately 800m long, free of charge) that is barrier-free and easy to walk along. Choose the route that best suits your physical condition and available time.

In spring, the walking trails can be slippery in places due to melting snow, but you can enjoy the scenery of the lake and the Shiretoko mountain range, as well as traces of wild animals, amidst the vibrant life of the primeval forest. Depending on the time of year, you might even be able to observe the frozen lake or skunk cabbage flowers.

Please note that from May 10th to July 31st, only participants in tours led by nature guides experienced in dealing with brown bears will be allowed to hike, as this coincides with the brown bear breeding season.

3. Enjoy a fulfilling time on a guided tour.

(Photo Shiretoko Naturalist Association - SHINRA　(From Mr./Ms.)

If you've come all the way to Shiretoko, I highly recommend taking a nature guided tour. Not only will you be able to fully appreciate nature, but the encounter with your guide will also be a memorable experience. They will also explain Shiretoko's history and efforts to protect its natural environment. Why not escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, soak up plenty of negative ions, and enjoy a relaxing and luxurious time?

The participation fee is approximately 5,000 yen for adults (junior high school age and older) and approximately 2,500 yen for elementary school students. You can contact each tour operator directly or make a reservation through the official Shiretoko Five Lakes website . Each guide has their own area of ​​expertise, gender, and age, so we encourage you to choose a guide you like and enjoy the tour.

If you're not confident in your physical fitness or don't have much time, you can simply stroll along the elevated boardwalk. This elevated boardwalk eliminates the worry of encountering brown bears and offers panoramic views of the Shiretoko mountain range and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, allowing you to easily experience the charm of Shiretoko.

4. Lake Rausu and Marsh Ponhoro

For those seeking a deeper experience of nature, especially those with more advanced skills, we recommend trekking to Lake Rausu (approximately 6km round trip) or Lake Ponhoro (approximately 3km round trip). Both locations can be difficult to find for first-timers, so we recommend exploring with a nature guide. Various guide companies offer tours to Lake Rausu and Lake Ponhoro, so it's best to sign up for one of those first.

Lake Rausu is the largest lake in Shiretoko, reached after traversing a mountain trail with some ups and downs, and passing through small ponds and wetlands. Since there are few well-maintained boardwalks, rubber boots are essential. Until May, you can also enjoy snowshoe trekking through the remaining snow.

Ponhoro Marsh is a "phantom marsh" that is only visible from May to July, formed by melting snow from Shiretoko. It's a hidden gem, not found on maps or in guidebooks, and known only to a select few. On a clear day, you can see Mount Rausu directly in front of you, and even on cloudy or foggy days, you can enjoy the fantastic scenery of trees growing out of the water (unfortunately, I only have photos from a day with light rain...).

5. Delicious seafood is a blessing from drift ice.

Spring in Shiretoko is also a must-see for its cuisine! The sea immediately after the ice floes have fully absorbed the bounty of drift ice is nutrient-rich, making it a great source of delicious seafood. In addition to sea urchins, rockfish, flounder, and hairy crabs, fatty salmon known as Tokishirazu are also landed there.

The sea urchin, a prime example of the region's cuisine, is sweet and rich! In both Utoro and Rausu, local restaurants serve sea urchin rice bowls and other dishes, so be sure to try them at least once. Below, we introduce one direct sales shop and one restaurant where you can buy and eat fish from the freshly opened sea.

Recommended shops for those who want to buy seafood

Utoro Fisheries Cooperative's direct sales store "Gokkoya"
This direct sales store is located inside a roadside station by the sea in Utoro, Shiretoko! They sell fresh fish and processed fish products delivered directly from the port.
Address:186-8 Utoro-Nishi, Shari-cho, Michi-no-Eki Utoro-ShiretokoInside
Opening hours: (May to October) 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, (November to April) 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tel: 0152−22−5058

6. Don't forget to dress warmly.

Even though it's spring, the average temperature in Shiretoko is 4.4℃ in April and 8.3℃ in May. Depending on the year, it can even snow lightly in May. There are many chilly days, so don't forget your warm clothing. A fleece, cardigan, or hoodie that is easy to put on and take off would be ideal.

Also, when strolling along the ground-level walking trails around Shiretoko Five Lakes, your shoes may get dirty from the muddy snowmelt, so wearing rubber boots would make walking easier.
Please note that the Shiretoko Nature Center also offers a paid rental service for rubber boots. While supplies last, they are available for 500 yen per day. For details,Shiretoko Nature Center HomepagePlease check there.

7. Refresh your mind and body!

As you can see, there are many things to enjoy in Shiretoko in the spring. While Shiretoko is also beautiful in the height of summer when the greenery is lush, spring offers the refreshing beauty of lingering snow and fresh green leaves. Please do visit Shiretoko in the spring and refresh your mind and body!

--------------------
[Jalan] Hotel and accommodation reservations in Hokkaido
--------------------
↓↓If this makes you want to go to Hokkaido, check this out too↓↓

↓↓Lots of local experience tours to enjoy Hokkaido↓↓

　　　

Please also check out these related articles.

• 

  A treasure trove for locals! Sapporo's enchanting department store basement sweets and food!

• 

  Enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Hakodate during Golden Week! Here are 4 of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Hakodate!

• 

  A day trip exploring hidden gems and recommended tourist spots around Hakodate!

• 

  7 of Sapporo's Best Bakeries! Local favorites, from famous shops to hidden gems!

• 

  Be moved by the cherry blossoms in Hokkaido! 8 popular cherry blossom viewing spots recommended by locals!

• 

  Walking through a world of white snow on snowshoes! Winter at Kita-Nemuro Ranchway

• 

  Top 10 souvenirs to buy at New Chitose Airport! Highly recommended for yourself too!

• 

  I want to tell everyone! Common things about Hakodate and Southern Hokkaido

Introducing our sister site (please check it out if you're interested)