- Itinerary:Shiretoko
- Duration:3 days / 2 nights
- Price:From £449 per person (excluding flights)
At the ‘end of the world’, Shiretoko awaits: one of Japan’s last great wilderness areas. Discover the spectacular coastline of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a boat trip past sheer cliffs and pristine forests. With a little luck, you might even spot brown bears in their natural habitat. After a day of unforgettable encounters with nature, enjoy the tranquillity and hospitality of a traditional ryokan with onsen hot springs, and take your time soaking up Shiretoko’s unique atmosphere.
Day 1 – Arrival in Shiretoko National Park
Travel time: approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on your departure point
Today, you’ll continue in your rental car to Shiretoko, one of Japan’s most unspoiled regions. The closer you get to your destination, the wilder and more pristine the landscape becomes. This remote peninsula in northeastern Hokkaido is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with impressive dense forests, steep cliffs, and abundant wildlife.
You'll stay in a comfortable hotel with an onsen in the small town of Utoro. Its peaceful location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. As there are only a few restaurants nearby, we've included breakfast and dinner for you. If you have some time to spare after arriving, take a short walk or visit the Nature Center. Here you'll find useful information and maps for the days ahead.
Day 2 – Boat trip along the rugged coast
Today's itinerary features a special highlight: a boat trip along Shiretoko's spectacular coastline. During the roughly two-hour trip, you'll get a close-up view of sheer cliffs and unspoiled wilderness. With a little luck, you may even spot brown bears along the shore. The crew will help you spot wildlife and provide binoculars so you can make the most of the scenery.
In the afternoon, you can explore more of the region at your own pace. Visit the Shiretoko Five Lakes, for example, where various viewpoints offer stunning views of the lakes and mountains. You can also opt for a guided walk through the forest to learn more about the flora, fauna, and distinctive features of this unique ecosystem.
Day 3 – Depart or stay longer to enjoy nature
Today you say goodbye to Shiretoko and continue your road trip in your rental car to your next destination. If you have more time, we definitely recommend staying a little longer. The region offers plenty of opportunities to explore further, from additional hikes to guided nature excursions. A visit to the less frequented eastern side of the peninsula is also well worth it.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Shiretoko – Guided walk
- Price:
- Included:walk of approx. 3, 5 hours with an English-speaking guide in a small group
You've traveled all the way to the edge of the world. So it's certainly worth extending your stay to get to know this remarkable corner of Japan even better. On this guided walk through Shiretoko's pristine forests, you'll venture even deeper into the national park's wilderness. With a little luck, you might spot wildlife such as deer or discover signs of brown bears. Along the way, your guide will also tell you more about the flora, fauna, and unique ecosystem of this extraordinary region.
Shiretoko – Journey to the end of the world - In style
- Price:
- Included:overnight stays with breakfast and dinner, boat trip from 2 to 2, 5 hours
Looking for a little extra comfort? Choose this version of the itinerary module and stay in an even more comfortable hotel right on Utoro's harbor. Breakfast and dinner are included here too. After an active day, you can also unwind in the hotel's onsen.