//
National Park in Shiretoko, Japan
Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Shiretoko National Park (知床国立公園 Shiretoko-kokuritsukōen) covers the entirety of the Shiretoko Peninsula (知床半島 Shiretoko-hantō), a remote northeastern corner of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. In 2005, the park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
知床岬
The slender tip of the peninsula. Hiking or sea kayaking here is theoretically possible, but very demanding and dangerous since there are no trails or other facilities on land, and motorized boats are not permitted in the area. The only practical means to see it is to join a sightseeing cruise.
知床五湖 Shiretoko-goko
These lakes are Shiretoko's best-known and most easily accessible attraction. The five lakes are located within walking distance of each other and well-maintained trails connect them — a quick circuit won't take more than an hour. Watch out for bears.
カムイワッカ湯の滝 Kamuiwakka-yunotaki
These falls are one of Japan's more amazing natural wonders, and indeed the Ainu name means "river of the gods". The road to the falls is closed to private traffic, so you have to take the shuttle bus from the Shiretoko Shizen Center. The bus goes 11 km up a bumpy dirt road and takes about 40 minutes. At the end of the track, slip on a pair of sturdy sandals. If you didn't bring your own, Japanese waraji bamboo-straw sandals can be rented for a few hundred yen at the Shizen Center. Socks or running shoes are OK too, but will get wet. Then commence a thirty minute clamber up the river, in water that gets gradually warmer as you ascend... and the rocks more slippery as algae celebrate a field day. Tread carefully and leave the cameras behind. The payoff awaits at the end, where waterfalls cascade into a free natural hot spring pool large enough for half a dozen people. Since August 2006, only the very first part of the river up from the bus terminal at the road bridge has been open to the public due to falling rocks danger. Nevertheless, even that lukewarm pool is a great experience..
知床峠 Shiretoko-tōge
At the highest point of the road connecting the western and eastern coasts is a popular stop on the tour bus circuit, offering views of Mt. Rausu and, on a good day, the disputed Kunashiri Island controlled by Russia but claimed by Japan..
知床世界遺産センター
Official visitor center since 2009.
知床自然センター shiretoko shizen sentā
羅臼岳 Rausu-dake
A climb to the summit of this 1665m mountain is a tough but popular day trip. In bad weather, Mt. Rausu can be quite dangerous..
岩尾別コース
This is the most popular and less-rugged course.
羅臼温泉コース
This course is around 14.6 km roundtrip and, because of the large elevation gain, takes 9-12 hours. It is best to carry water from the bottom or use (properly treated) snow melt — there are some steam vents and sulfurous areas that might make the stream water undrinkable.
岩尾別温泉
After a hard day's climbing, reward yourself with a dip in this basic but pleasant open-air hot springs. Free and mixed, so be sure you are comfortable with that..
熊の湯
This is a free outdoor onsen. Women have their own bath but often come to the mixed bath too. There are no towels or soap available, so visitors should bring their own. The mixed bath is almost visible from the road, though tree branches help provide some privacy. The women's bath has a wall for privacy.
くまのや
Fresh seafood.
らうす自然とみどりの村キャンプ場
This campground has tent sites and RV sites. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean to the east, leading to good views of the sunrise. The mountains of Shiretoko are also visible to the NW. There are bathrooms with electricity and running water, and clean covered cooking areas. It is next to a park golf course. The caretaker closes reception at 6PM, so latecomers should pay in the morning.
羅臼温泉野営場 Rausu Onsen Yaeichi
This campground is well situated for people seeking to climb Mt. Rausu. It's also across the highway from a free onsen. Deer are frequently seen in and near the campground, so food must be properly stored.
Public transport to Shiretoko is extremely limited. The nearest train station is at Shari, from where you can catch infrequent buses (3 per day in peak season) through Utoro to the western coast of the peninsula.
Read in the guideGetting around for all practical purposes requires your own set of wheels, as buses services are limited and infrequent, especially outside the peak summer season.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Nakashibetsu · Regional · SHB
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Shiretoko National Park and Japan.
Travel tipsCheck if you need a visa for Japan in 2026. Discover visa-exempt nationalities, eVisa eligibility, stay durations, and how to use Visit Japan Web QR codes.
7 min read
Travel tipsPlan for Japan's new travel costs in 2026. Learn about the ¥3,000 international departure tax, tiered hotel taxes in Kyoto, and Mt Fuji trail fees.
7 min read
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to global tourist taxes and access fees. Compare entry fees in Venice, Bali, Bhutan, Kyoto, and Edinburgh, and learn how to pay them.
8 min read
ItinerariesPlan a trip to Japan with kids in 2026. Discover a family-tested 10-day itinerary with theme parks, bullet trains, and practical parenting tips.
8 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.