Looking for a winter getaway in Hokkaido? Shiretoko is a pristine natural wonderland that's perfect for a winter adventure. 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 winter trip without a car, including tips on how to get there, where to stay, and what to do.
I also have a Summer Shiretoko Itinerary here, if you are planning for summer.
Start planning your trip today!
This post contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to enjoy a cup of coffee on my trip☕
Useful Resources
✨Planning a winter trip? Check out my Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner
✨Traveling to Eastern Hokkaido? Grab my Eastern Hokkaido Travel Planner
✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice
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 drift ice 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.
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 - Winter Adventure!
This is the fun part! Here I will walk you through 4 exciting winter activity tours 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.
Drift Ice Walk
Drift ice walking tours are a unique way to experience the nature of Shiretoko in the winter months from February to March.
These tours offer visitors the chance to explore this frozen wonderland on foot, guided by experienced local guides who provide safety equipment and instruction.
You'll see the stunning landscape of Shiretoko from a new perspective, as you make your way across the ice and snow. A dry suit will protect you from coldness - so don’t be afraid to swim in the slushy sea!
A drift ice walking tour in Shiretoko is sure to be a highlight of your trip. This would be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn't be missed!
Drift Ice Stand-up Paddle
Photo: Arpa
Looking for a more adventurous activity? Look no further than drift ice stand-up paddle (SUP) tours! These guided tours take you sailing on the winter ocean surrounded by drift ice, and provide an unforgettable experience.
During the tour, you'll have a high chance of spotting wild animals such as seals and eagles, and you won't have to worry about feeling cold thanks to the dry suit that you'll wear. The tours take about two hours and are available in February and March, so be sure to add this activity to your itinerary if you're visiting Shiretoko during these months!
Drift Ice Sea Kayak
Photo: Arpa
Not sure about standing on a paddle in the middle of the freezing-cold sea? Then this might be it for you.
Drift ice kayaking tours are the perfect way to experience the beauty of the frozen sea. These tours are perfect for beginners and families, as they use tandem kayaks, so you can enjoy the fun with your loved ones!
These tours are only available in March, at the end of the drift ice season, when the ice has scattered and created gaps to paddle through.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing tours start at the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center and take you along the beautiful Shiretoko Five Lakes trail, which is a popular spot in the summer months. In the winter, the lakes are frozen over, providing a unique and serene setting for your snowshoeing adventure.
As you walk through the forest, you may spot traces of birds and wild animals, adding to the sense of wilderness and adventure. Along the way, you'll also have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the Shiretoko mountain range and the frozen ocean, filled with drift ice, from a cliff line.
Each tour lasts about 3 hours and is available from late January to late March. Don't miss out on this opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Shiretoko in the wintertime!
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 - be careful in winter, as it’ll be slippery with snow. About 15 min would be enough to walk around and take photos there.
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