If you’re planning to visit Shiretoko, this UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in Hokkaido, during the winter season, know that it’s quite different from many of the usual tourist hotspots. A good amount of preparation and research is required before heading there. I have visited this mysterious natural heritage site twice, each time with a completely different itinerary. So in this article, I’ll share my personal experience and provide a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for a Shiretoko winter travel . More detailed info on transportation, accommodation, and food will be covered in separate blog posts!
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About the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site: Shiretoko
Shiretoko Peninsula is one of Japan’s few designated World Natural Heritage Sites and is among the country’s most iconic. It’s renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich wildlife, and untouched wilderness. Especially in winter, the drift ice that floats over from the Sea of Okhotsk is an extraordinary and rare phenomenon that can only be seen in a handful of places around the world.
Interestingly, in the language of the indigenous Ainu people, “Shiretoko” means “the end of the Earth” or “edge of the world,” which gives it a romantic and almost sacred feel.
Where is Shiretoko?
Shiretoko is located on the eastern side of the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido, facing the Sea of Okhotsk and about 100 km from Abashiri City. The main tourist areas are “Utoro (ウトロ)” and Rausu(羅臼), with Utoro being the primary base for drift ice tours and nature exploration.
For how to get to Shiretoko, I’ve written a dedicated article with detailed transportation information that you can check out if you’re planning your trip:
Recommended Reading
✔️Complete Transportation Guide to Shiretoko (only traditional Chinese version for now)
World Heritage Site Registration Area
The designated area for the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site is quite vast. It covers the northeastern region of Hokkaido, including both the Shiretoko Peninsula and the surrounding marine areas, with a total area of around 71,000 hectares. The core area includes inland regions and coastlines stretching from Utoro to Rausu, encompassing entire mountain ranges and dense forests.
The zones marked in red in the map indicate strictly protected areas. These “core conservation zones” are off-limits to most human activity in order to preserve the environment in its most natural and pristine state.
How Should You Plan a Winter Trip to Shiretoko?
During winter, Shiretoko is covered in snow, and some roads are restricted. So instead of typical sightseeing, winter trips here revolve around drift ice experiences and outdoor snow activities like guided nature tours and ice trekking.
How Many Days Should You Stay?
To fully experience the drift ice in Shiretoko during winter, I recommend staying at least 2 days or ideally 3 days. Joining one or two outdoor tours is essential to really immerse yourself in what winter Shiretoko has to offer.
That said, most visitors also plan trips that include nearby sightseeing spots, such as Abashiri, Monbetsu, Rausu, and Lake Akan. So it’s quite common to see itineraries ranging from 5 days to 7 days, depending on your pace and interests.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Shiretoko?
Shiretoko has two peak tourist seasons: winter and summer. Both offer completely different natural experiences. Winter is famous for its awe-inspiring drift ice, while summer is popular for hiking, mountain climbing, and sightseeing cruises along the coastline to observe its vibrant ecosystems.
Tsubaki has personally visited Shiretoko in both winter and summer. Each season offers a distinct charm—from majestic wildlife encounters in the snow to the lively nature trails around Shiretoko Goko (Five Lakes) in the summer. Whether you visit in winter or summer, Shiretoko is absolutely worth the trip! But this article will focus specifically on Shiretoko winter travel.
When Can You See the Drift Ice?
Shiretoko’s snowy season lasts quite long, but if your main goal is to see the drift ice, then visiting between January and March is your best bet. This is the peak season when the sea is usually covered in vast sheets of ice drifting from the Sea of Okhotsk.
However, the timing of the drift ice varies slightly from year to year. It’s crucial to check the official drift ice forecast and historical landing dates when planning your trip. (Seriously—don’t skip this!)
Before I visited in mid-February 2025, I looked up past records to pick what seemed like a good time. But unexpectedly, the drift ice that year arrived much later than usual, and I sadly missed the spectacular icy seascape. Even though I didn’t catch it this time, I definitely plan to return and try again!
Where Should You Stay When Visiting Shiretoko?
Nearest Town: Utoro (Highly Recommended)
For a winter trip to Shiretoko, I strongly recommend staying in the nearest towns such as the Utoro Onsen area or Shari Town. Utoro Onsen is the hub for most outdoor activities, and many tour operators offer pick-up services directly from hotels, making it a very convenient base for travelers.
During my solo 4-day winter visit to Shiretoko, I stayed two nights at Yuhi no Ataru Ie Onsen Ryokan in Utoro while joining local nature tours.
Related Article
✔️Yuhi no Ataru Ie Onsen Ryokan Review in Utoro, Shiretoko (Only traditional Chinese version for now)
Other Recommended Hotels in Utoro
・Yuhi no Ataru Ie Onsen Ryokan
・Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
・Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
・KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort
Other Sightseeing Spots Around Shiretoko
If your schedule is tight and you don’t plan to stay overnight in Shiretoko, you can also consider doing a day trip and explore nearby regions. In that case, it’s better to stay in places like Abashiri, Monbetsu, or Lake Akan for easier access to other sightseeing destinations.
How Much Does a Shiretoko Trip Cost? (Per Person)
Here’s a breakdown of the expenses for Tsubaki’s 3-day, 2-night winter trip to Shiretoko in 2025:
| Category | Cost |
| Flight from Tokyo to Memanbetsu | ¥26,446 |
| Round-trip bus from Memanbetsu Airport to Utoro | ¥7,000 |
| Two nights in Utoro | ¥31,770 (solo trip, nice onsen ryokan) |
| Two outdoor activities | ¥13,600 |
| Meals over three days | ¥10,534 |
Total ¥89,350，about USD$600（the currency rate is about 1:150）
Considering the depth of the experience, a full Shiretoko winter adventure can be done for around USD$600 —what a deal!
This estimate doesn’t include souvenirs or shopping, so if that’s something you enjoy, be sure to add a little extra to your budget.
How to Save Money on a Trip to Shiretoko?
To travel to Shiretoko on a tighter budget, just compare prices across the following categories:
Flights to Memanbetsu: Use Skyscanner to compare dates and prices for the best deals.
Utoro Accommodation: Look for budget-friendly guesthouses around Utoro.
Transportation: If you’re driving, check for affordable car rentals. Most outdoor activity providers also offer free hotel pickup within Utoro.
If you’re unsure how to rent a car in Japan, I recommend Tabirai, Rentalcars, and Klook, all of which offer Chinese or English website support.
Tabirai Japan Rental Car
Rentalcars.com guarantees the lowest rental prices, while Tabirai partners with more rental companies. Klook is convenient for booking. Sometimes, if Rentalcars has no available cars, you may find options on Tabirai or Klook. Comparing different platforms can help you find the best deal!
How to Get to Shiretoko from Overseas?
If you’re flying directly from overseas and not planning to visit places like Sapporo in southern Hokkaido, the most direct route to Shiretoko is via the nearest airport: Memanbetsu Airport. However, since Memanbetsu isn’t an international airport, you’ll first need to transfer via New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) or Haneda Airport (Tokyo).
Once you arrive at Memanbetsu, you can take a direct bus to Utoro, the nearest hub to Shiretoko.
For full details on how to get there, check out my dedicated transportation guide:
Recommended Reading
✔️Complete Transportation Guide to Shiretoko (only traditional Chinese version for now)
How to Find Cheap Flights to Shiretoko?
Since Shiretoko is a popular domestic travel destination in Japan, airfare tends to be a bit more expensive during national holidays and peak drift ice season (February). But if you book early and use tools like Skyscanner to compare prices, you can score some excellent deals.
So depending on your route, you can compare options flying via Sapporo or Tokyo.
(Airport code for Memanbetsu: MMB)
Important Tips for Winter Travel in Shiretoko
Confirm Drift Ice Season in Advance
The biggest winter highlight in Shiretoko is undoubtedly the drift ice. Before planning any ice-related activity, make sure to confirm the expected drift ice arrival period—otherwise, you might miss it. (Even without drift ice, there are still plenty of amazing outdoor activities available.)
Check the official drift ice forecast before finalizing your plans.
Book Outdoor Experiences in Advance
Popular activities like ice trekking and snowshoe hikes at the Five Lakes often sell out shortly after they open for reservations. Booking typically starts around September to October each year. Be sure to check each operator’s site for their reservation windows to avoid missing out.
(Later in this blog, I’ll also introduce recommended activity providers and booking platforms.)
Dress for the Cold – Proper Gear is Essential
Walking in the snow is slippery! Be sure to wear waterproof high-cut boots with good traction or bring mini crampons, especially if you’re traveling with seniors or children. For all snow-based activities, it’s essential to wear waterproof, insulated clothing and proper snow boots. Shiretoko winters are extremely cold, so keeping warm is absolutely crucial.
Transportation to Shiretoko
Although there are direct buses that connect Memanbetsu Airport, Abashiri Station, and Utoro, they run on a limited and fixed schedule. You’ll need to plan your trip around the bus company’s timetable, which can be inconvenient. That’s why renting a car is highly recommended for a more flexible itinerary in Shiretoko.
That said, for my solo trip to Shiretoko in February 2025, I relied entirely on public transportation—and it’s totally doable! You can read more in my previous trip report covering my 5-day itinerary in Abashiri and Shiretoko.
Recommended Reading
✔️ 5-Day Trip to Abashiri and Shiretoko – Itinerary & Budget Guide (Only traditional Chinese version for now)
Where Can You Go During a Winter Trip to Shiretoko?
Shiretoko is home to many scenic spots, including the famous “Shiretoko Hakkei” (Eight Scenic Views). However, due to heavy snowfall in winter, many of these places are inaccessible until the snow melts. Below is a list of scenic areas you can still visit during the Shiretoko winter traver season:
Cape Puyuni (Shiretoko Hakkei)
Cape Puyuni is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Shiretoko. It offers a panoramic view over the Sea of Okhotsk and Utoro Port, and in winter, the entire sea is often covered in mesmerizing drift ice.
Sunset Hill (Shiretoko Hakkei)
This is one of the best spots in Shiretoko to catch the sunset. You can look out over Utoro Port and the icy sea from an elevated vantage point.
Conveniently, the hotel I stayed at during my second trip, Yuhi no Ataru Ie Onsen Ryokan, is located right next to Sunset Hill. The sunset view from the hotel is just stunning.
Related Article
✔️Yuhi no Ataru Ie Onsen Ryokan Review in Utoro, Shiretoko (Only traditional Chinese version for now)
Shiretoko Goko (Five Lakes) (Shiretoko Hakkei)
The Five Lakes area is closed to the public during winter, so you can’t enter on your own. However, you can still join a guided outdoor tour, where a professional guide will lead you on a snowshoe hike across the frozen lakes.
These tours are extremely popular and fill up fast. I wasn’t able to book one this time, but I did visit in the spring of 2021—and it was absolutely gorgeous!
Furepe Waterfall (Shiretoko Hakkei)
Furepe Waterfall (also known as the “Maiden’s Tears”) is one of the Shiretoko Eight Scenic Views. In winter, the falls freeze into towering ice columns—a breathtaking sight. A well-maintained trail leads from the Shiretoko Nature Center, about a 20-minute walk.
You can also join a guided snowshoe trek to Furepe Falls, where guides will lead you off the main path to explore the surrounding untouched forest.
Recommended Reading
✔️ Furepe Waterfall Snowshoe Tour Experience (Only traditional Chinese for now)
Tour Providers:
Oshinkoshin Falls (Shiretoko Hakkei)
Also one of the Shiretoko Hakkei and one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan, Oshinkoshin Falls is the largest waterfall on the peninsula. In winter, the falls transform into a majestic wall of ice.
Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Center
Located in the town of Utoro, this center is packed with educational displays about Shiretoko’s nature and human history. A great place to gain some context before heading out into the wild.
Shiretoko Nature Center
This is the main hub for nature activities and tour information. Most guided activities depart from here, and it’s also where you can rent snowshoes and gear.
Winter Activities You Must Try in Shiretoko
Shiretoko offers many amazing outdoor experiences, especially in winter. Here are the must-try activities and some recommended providers:
Drift Ice Walk ★
The Shiretoko Peninsula is one of the few places in the world where you can experience walking on drift ice. These ice floes are massive and powerful, and walking among them is Shiretoko’s signature winter activity.
Because of the dangers of unstable ice, this experience is only possible with a professional guide. Tours provide a special dry suit that keeps you warm and dry, even in subzero conditions, so you can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime Arctic-like adventure safely.
Tours Available:
Snowshoe Hike at Shiretoko Five Lakes ★
During winter, the Five Lakes are blanketed in snow and completely frozen. While you can’t enter on your own, guided snowshoe hikes will take you into this pristine winter wonderland—one of the most iconic experiences in Shiretoko.
Drift Ice Canoeing / SUP ★
This is one of the most thrilling adventures in Shiretoko. Paddle between floating ice floes while listening to the crackling sounds of shifting ice. Led by experienced guides, this is a rare chance to immerse yourself in a true polar expedition-style setting.
體驗行程
Wildlife Watching Tours ★
Led by expert naturalists, this tour takes you into Shiretoko’s native forest to observe wild animals like Ezo deer and brown bears—or their tracks. These tours offer in-depth explanations of animal behavior and habitats, creating a meaningful, up-close encounter with nature.
Recommended Reading
✔️ Wildlife Watching Tour in Shiretoko (Only traditional Chinese for now)
Tour Providers:
Furepe Waterfall Snowshoe Hike
This winter-only adventure is a guided trek deep into Shiretoko’s untouched forest, ending at the frozen Furepe Falls. A magical hike through snowy wilderness you’ll never forget.
Recommended Reading
✔️ Furepe Waterfall Snowshoe Tour Experience (Only traditional Chinese for now)
Tour Providers:
Drift Ice Sightseeing Train
This winter-only train offers a cozy ride along the coast, with large windows perfect for admiring the drift ice from the comfort of your seat. However, train times and booking details are limited, and it often requires coordination with other transport options. It’s not ideal if you’re driving.
And that wraps up Tsubaki’s carefully curated Shiretoko winter travel guide. Whether you’re drawn to the magical drift ice adventures, snowshoe hikes, or one-of-a-kind wildlife encounters, Shiretoko in winter offers a truly unforgettable glimpse into nature’s raw beauty.
I hope this guide helps you plan a memorable journey to Shiretoko during the snowy season. Wishing you a smooth and wonderful trip ahead!
Notice for this article:
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