Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park occupies the Shiretoko Peninsula at the northeastern tip of Hokkaido, Japan, and protects a largely intact coastal and forested landscape known for high biodiversity. The park includes mountainous interior terrain, coastal cliffs and rich marine zones.

Key visitor features include the Shiretoko Five Lakes, formed in glacial basins and accessible by boardwalks, and coastal drives offering wildlife viewing for brown bears, deer and seabirds. The park’s marine areas see seasonal drift ice that attracts marine mammals and sea birds in winter and early spring.

The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 in recognition of its intact ecosystems and the interconnection of terrestrial and marine habitats. Mount Rausu is the park’s prominent summit and a destination for experienced hikers.

The park occupies the Shiretoko Peninsula on Hokkaido’s northeastern coast and is accessed from small towns at the peninsula’s base such as Utoro and Rausu, with roads and guided services providing access to key viewpoints and trails.

• UNESCO status: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 for its outstanding coastal and terrestrial ecosystems and high biodiversity.
• Drift ice and wildlife season: Drift ice appears along the peninsula in winter and early spring, creating seasonal marine wildlife-viewing opportunities from boats and coastal viewpoints.

What to See #

• Shiretoko Five Lakes: The Shiretoko Five Lakes - a group of glacially formed lakes set in lowland forest with boardwalks for visitor access and wildlife viewing.
• Mount Rausu: Mount Rausu, a prominent summit on the Shiretoko Peninsula that reaches roughly 1,660 metres and is a focus for hiking and alpine terrain.
• Coastal and marine areas: Coastal headlands and marine waters that offer sightings of drift ice in winter and habitats for seals, sea eagles and occasional cetaceans.