Looking for a summer getaway in Hokkaido? Shiretoko is a pristine natural wonderland that's perfect for outdoor activities. And the best part? You don't necessarily need a car to explore this beautiful region. In this post, I'll share a 3-day itinerary for a Shiretoko summer trip without a car, including tips on how to get there, where to stay, and what to do.
I also have a Winter Shiretoko Itinerary here, if you are planning for winter.
Let’s dive in!
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Getting to Shiretoko
Let’s start with transportation! First of all, Shiretoko is a peninsula - not a city or town. Utoro, a small port town on the peninsula is the center of Shiretoko tourism and activities. Here are ways to get to Utoro.
In case you are coming from other destinations in Eastern Hokkaido, take a train to the JR Shari station, which is the closest station to Utoro. From there, you can take a local bus for about an hour, or the Shiretoko Airport Liner for about 45 minutes to get to Utoro.
If you're arriving at Memambetsu Airport, the easiest way to get to Utoro is to take the Shiretoko Airport Liner bus, which takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Shiretoko Airport Liner runs between Memambetsu Airport and Utoro 2-3 times a day (Check the official timetable here). It stops at JR Abashiri station, Koshimizu, and Shari Bus Terminal in between. You can buy a ticket at a vending machine at the airport, for 3,300 yen to Utoro.
Shiretoko Airport Liner runs between Memambetsu Airport and Utoro 2-3 times a day (Check the official timetable here). It stops at JR Abashiri station, Koshimizu, and Shari Bus Terminal in between. You can buy a ticket at a vending machine at the airport, for 3,300 yen to Utoro.
If you're flying into Kushiro Airport, you can take a local bus to JR Kushiro station for about 45 minutes, then take a train to JR Shari station for about 2 hours and 15 minutes, followed by a local bus to Utoro.
And if you're coming from Sapporo, you can either take the Eagle Liner bus for about 7 hours from JR Sapporo station, or fly to Memambetsu Airport and take the Shiretoko Airport Liner bus to Utoro.
Hotel Recommendations for All Budget Levels
Luxury Stay
Kita Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
Located right in front of Utoro port, this hotel offers a beautiful ocean view. Some rooms have a private open-air hot spring. An ocean-view public hot spring available. Amazing dining experience with fresh local ingredients.Shiretoko Dai Ichi Hotel
You will enjoy the huge buffet offering 80 kinds of dishes, including Japanese, Chinese, and Western food. Their gorgeous public hot spring is made with natural jade.
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Kifu Club Shiretoko
A cozy family-run hotel with an ocean view. Dinner includes different kinds of appetizers and “oil fondue,” with which you fry your own tempura, all using local seafood and vegetables. Both public and private hot springs available.Shiretoko Noble Hotel
Their roof-top open-air hot spring is the best spot for sunsets. Lots of fresh seafood, like scallops and crabs, and seasonal dishes are served for dinner.
📍Pick up
Looking for a cozy hotel where you feel connected with a warm-hearted owner? Then Sekka Shiretoko is a perfect place to stay for you. Check out the blog post below for a deeper look!
Affordable Hotel
Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae
This reasonable hotel is not in Utoro, but is conveniently located just a one-minute walk from JR Shari station. A great budget option if you don’t mind a bus ride to Utoro. Natural public hot spring and free breakfast available.
A big Airbnb house for a family trip
Okhotsk House Shari
Traveling with a family? Then staying in an Airbnb would be more comfortable. Okhotsk House Shari, just a 3-min walk from JR Shari Sation, is run by a friend of mine. It has 3 bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with a bathtub and a laundry machine. Highly recommended for a family trip! Check out my stay experience at one of his houses in Kiyosato.
Want to Check out More options?
Day 1 - Get to Know Shiretoko
Getting to Your Hotel
Hotels in Utoro are mostly within walking distance from the Utoro Bus Terminal, which is at the center of the town. Otherwise, you can simply take a taxi there. Otherwise, you can simply take a taxi there.
Visit Shiretoko Natural Park Nature Center
First, let’s get to know about Shiretoko to maximize your experience. Shiretoko National Park Nature Center is the perfect place to start your journey!
This facility offers a range of exhibits and educational materials that give visitors a deeper understanding of the unique ecosystem of Shiretoko. From the various species of plants and animals that call the park home, to the geological and cultural history of the region, the Nature Center has something for everyone.
The information center provides visitors with advice and security briefs for hiking around the National Park area (hiring a guide is required in summer when wild bears are active). You can also rent outdoor gear there, including boots, trekking poles, snowshoes, and binoculars.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking to learn more about the area, make sure to make a visit to the Shiretoko Nature Center! You can take a local bus from Utoro Bus Terminal to the center.
Day 2 - Outdoor Adventures!
This is the fun part! Here I will walk you through 4 outdoor activities that you will absolutely love. You can choose one that matches your interest and physical level! Make sure to book your spots in advance with tour agencies, and check if they provide transportation service to your hotels in Utoro.
Scenic Nature Walk - Untouched Forest & Coastal Cliffs
This beautiful 3-hour guided walking tour will be an unforgettable experience for your trip. Walking through the deep forest and untouched nature of Shiretoko National Park, what awaits you at the end is the Okhotsk Sea. The ocean view is stunning looking over from a coastal cliff.
Local guides will tell you everything about the forest’s history and the wildlife there. The trail is mostly flat - you don’t have to be an experienced hiker at all. This is a perfect activity for anyone who loves being in nature!
Note that hiring a guide is required as the trail is unmarked, and there is a high risk of encountering wild bears in the summer. Read more about my walking tour experience with Lan, my lovely Shiretoko guide.
Famous Shiretoko Five Lake Walk
Another beautiful trail in Shiretoko is the Five-Lake (Goko) Walk in the Shiretoko National Park. This is one of the most popular activities in Shiretoko that you should definitely try.
Exploring nature with incredible views of lakes and mountains is an amazing experience. There are three different routes to accommodate any physical level. Since the National Park is also home to wild brown bears, it is required to book a guided tour or to get a safety briefing at the Shiretoko Nature Center, depending on the season.
Protected walkway (a 1.6-km round trip) - An easy-to-walk pathway protected from wild bears with high-voltage wires, passing the first lake only. No guide required. Accessible all year around.
Small loop route (1.6 km) - A trail going through the forest and viewing the first and second lakes. Guided tour required from May to July. Safety briefing required for a self-guided walk from August to November.
Big loop route (3 km)- includes all five lakes for the best experience. Safety requirement is the same as the small loop.
You can get detailed information on the Five-Lake official website. Note that the National Park is closed in winter from mid-November to mid-April.
Nature Cruise - Wildlife Watching on the Sea
For a full Shiretoko experience, get on a cruising tour! The tour makes a trip along the peninsula coast for a couple of hours. The view is spectacular - beautiful waterfalls, huge cliffs, and hidden natural bays
You can also observe wild animals both on the land and in the sea, such as brown bears and dolphins.
As these cruising tours are popular and get crowded in high seasons, make sure to reserve your spots online in advance. Pricing is around 8,000 yen for a 3-hour route, 6,000 yen for two hours, and 3,000 yen for one hour. Here are some companies operating cruising tours in Utoro.
Enjoy your cruise!
Sea Kayaking to Hidden Waterfalls
If you are a more athletic type of person, I highly recommend trying a sea kayaking tour in Shiretoko. A kayaking trip out at sea offers you a totally different experience from being on a motored cruiser.
With a certified guide, you can reach spots that are inaccessible otherwise, like 100 m-high hidden waterfalls on massive coastal cliffs. The summer tours take place between May and October.
Day 3 - Enjoy Until the Last Minutes
It’s the last day! Here are two spots that you can visit before you head to your next destination. You could either do shopping at a local product shop, or go get a view of a stunning waterfall - or both if you have time!
Local Souvenir Shopping
After you check out your hotel, make sure to stop by Michi no Eki Utoro (a rest area), located at the center of Utoro. This is a perfect place to get souvenirs or even treats for yourself! The shop offers a wide range of local products, such as Shiretoko salmon, local berry jams, canned bear meat, dear meat curry, and many delicious snacks and sweets (photo: Utopia Shiretoko).
You can enjoy also different kinds of meals at their restaurant, including seafood, soba noodles, and lunch set menu.
Oshin Koshin Waterfall
Falling from 80 meter-high with a width of 30 meters, Oshinkoshin Waterfall has been selected as one of the best 100 waterfalls in Japan. The name Oshinkoshin comes from the words in Ainu language that mean a place where spruce trees grow down the stream.
This beautiful waterfall is located 9 km from Utoro towards Shari. To get there, you can take a local bus from Utoro Bus Terminal bound for Shari for 10 min (490 yen), or a taxi (2,000-2,500 yen). The bus runs only once a couple of hours, so definitely call a tax on the way back.
The waterfall is right next to the road where you get off. There are wooden stairs to get closer to the waterfall. About 15 min would be enough to walk around and take photos there.
Useful Resources
✨Planning a trip? Grab my Ultimate Travel Planner & Itineraries
✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice
THAT’S ALL!
Hope you enjoyed this 3-Day Shiretoko Summer Itinerary Without a Car! I’d love to hear from you, whether it’s feedback or questions - Reach out to me on my Facebook page or Instagram. We also have Eastern Hokkaido Travel Group on Facebook where you can ask questions or share experiences about trips to Eastern Hokkaido. Join us!
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