Complete guide to Shiretoko tours! Thorough comparison of recommended plans for one-day tours, departures from Sapporo and Tokyo
Table of Contents
A complete guide to Shiretoko tours!
Enjoy the great nature of the World Heritage Site☆.
The Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido is one of Japan's best-known natural wonders and is registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.scenic spotThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
The magnificent virgin forests, pristine coastline, and encounters with wildlife are the unique natural experiences that can only be experienced here♪.
Each season offers different ways to enjoy the area, such as cruises and trekking in summer and drift ice walks in winter.
This article introduces recommended tours by departure location and style, including "one-day," "escorted," "local," "Sapporo," and "Tokyo" tours, in an easy-to-understand manner.
◆If you want to know the recommended tours from Sapporo and Tokyo
◆For those who want to take a drift ice cruise or visit the Shiretoko 5 lakes efficiently
◆To experience popular seasonal activities in Shiretoko
Click here for recommended Shiretoko tours
How to choose a Shiretoko tour
Because tourism in Shiretoko is extensive,Means of transportationand ... andPurposeThe best tour depends on the
Winter is the best season for viewing drift ice, and summer is the best season for wildlife viewing!
The tour you should choose depends on your itinerary, place of departure, and the type of people accompanying you (family, couple, or solo traveler).
Let's take a closer look at the three main types of tours: day tours, escorted tours, and local departures.
The appeal of day tours and
Popular Courses
Day tours are,short timeRecommended for those who want to tour Shiretoko's famous landmarks in ◎
The Shiretoko Five Lakes and Oshinkoshin Falls can be enjoyed in a single day, and cruise tours also offer views of the cliffs and wildlife.
Convenient access from Sapporo and Abashiri.
Click here for recommended cruise tours.
the Five Lakes of Shiretoko
A chain of five lakes surrounded by virgin forest, this is one of Shiretoko's most spectacular spots.
Walking along the boardwalk,Mountains reflected on a quiet lakeand ... andThe Beauty of NatureYou can fully enjoy the
Oshinkoshin Falls
The famous Shiretoko waterfalls have been selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan.
The two separate streams flowing down the river are beautiful,A powerful splash of waterandsuperb viewYou can enjoy a close-up look at the
Reliable points of escorted tours
For your first trip to Shiretoko,Escorted Toursis recommended. Transportation, lodging, and sightseeing are all included in the package, and you can rest assured that your transportation and arrangements will be taken care of.
Especially in winter, as the weather is changeable,safety aspectBut a reassuring presence ◎
You can enjoy sightseeing efficiently by taking a round-trip tour from Sapporo or a drift ice tour from Tokyo.
Guided!
Click here for recommended Shiretoko tours
Local tour recommendations and features
Local departure tours are ideal for those staying in the Shiretoko area.
There are a wide variety of plans based in Utoro or Rausu, with local meeting and disbanding available.
Particularly popular are theDrift Ice Walk Experience"night safariThis is a nature experience-type tour, including
A local guide will accompany you, so you can learn about Shiretoko in depth while listening to explanations of the flora, fauna, and topography.
Many small-group tours are also popular with independent travelers and couples.
Click here for recommended night safari tours.
Shiretoko Tours by Season
Shiretoko sect (of Shin Buddhism)Completely different scenery in each of the four seasonsIt shows the
Summer is the time of year when the land is thick with green and wildlife is active.
In winter, the entire area becomes a silvery white world and drift ice covers the Sea of Okhotsk. Here are some seasonal highlights.
Experience Shiretoko in summer
Recommended Activities
Summer (June to September) is the high season for sightseeing in Shiretoko. The most popular activities are "cruises," "trekking," and "wildlife viewing.
The Shiretoko Sightseeing Boat Cruise offers views of the Kamuiwakka Falls and Cape Shiretoko from the sea.
If you like trekking, the "Shiretoko Five Lakes Walk" is recommended.Easy and spectacular viewYou can enjoy the
Summer is also a great time to see brown bears, which can be safely observed from the cruise. This is the season when you can experience firsthand the attraction of this treasure trove of wildlife.
Popular in Shiretoko in winter
Drift Ice Cruise and Spectacular Spots
Winter (January to March) is a special season in Shiretoko with fantastic drift ice scenery.
Drift ice comes ashore along the Sea of Okhotsk from late January, and is best seen from mid-February to early March.
The "Drift Ice Cruise (Oorora-go)" takes you on an icebreaker to see the drift ice.A powerful experiencecan be done.
Spectacular winter-only scenic spots include "Shiretoko Pass," "Hlepe Falls," and "Oronko Rock. View in the clear airsunsetand aurora borealis will be a memory that will last a lifetime.
Recommended Shiretoko Tours by Departure Location
place of departureAnother feature of Shiretoko travel is that access methods and tour contents vary depending on the destination.
The plan you should choose depends on whether you are departing from within Hokkaido or from Honshu.
Popular courses and access from Sapporo
The distance from Sapporo to Shiretoko is about 7 to 8 hours by car or about 9 hours by bus.
Since it is a long-distance trip, many tours departing from Sapporo offer plans to visit sightseeing spots along the way.
Typical tours include the "3-Day Shiretoko, Lake Akan and Lake Mashu Tour from Sapporo" and the "3-Day/2-Night Shiretoko Five Lakes and Drift Ice Experience Plan from Sapporo.
Although bus transportation is the main part of the tour, you can rest assured that an attendant will accompany you.â
There are also tours that fly via Memanbetsu Airport, and the time required isSignificantly shortenedCan be done.
Recommended plans and model routes from Tokyo
The shortest route to Shiretoko from Tokyo is by air.
It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Haneda Airport to Memanbetsu Airport, and from there to Shiretoko Utoro takes about 2.5 hours by car.
Popular tours from Tokyo include the "3-day/2-night Shiretoko, Abashiri and Lake Akan Tour" and the "Winter Drift Ice Walk & Cruise Experience Plan.
Many plans include airline tickets, accommodations, and sightseeing, rather than individual arrangements.Join us at a great price!Can be done!
Tips for enjoying Shiretoko tours
In order to enjoy your trip to Shiretoko more comfortably, it is important to prepare according to the season and purpose of your trip.
The climate is very changeable in the region,attireand ... andequipmentThe comfort level varies greatly by adjusting the
What to wear and what to bring
Summer is pleasant with daytime temperatures ranging from 20-25℃, but mornings and evenings are chilly, so bring lightweight long sleeves and a windbreaker.
In winter, the temperature often drops below 10°C below zero, so protection against the cold is paramount.
Down jackets, gloves, knit hats, neck warmers, etc,layering (clothing)It is best to wear clothing that can be adjusted in
If you bring a camera,Battery cooling measuresDon't forget to also
Reservations and Cancellations
Shiretoko tours are very popular and often fill up early, especially during summer vacation and drift ice season.
Take advantage of early-bird promotions on official websites and travel agencies, one to two months in advance.reservationIt is recommended to do so.
Also, be sure to check the cancellation policy, as weather conditions may cancel the cruise or trek.
For locally departing tours, it is safer to choose a company that allows transfer to another plan in the event of inclement weather.
Shiretoko Tour
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
summary
Shiretoko tours are the pride of Hokkaido.The great outdoors and the breath of the wildIt is a special experience that allows you to feel â
By choosing a tour that fits your travel style, such as a day trip, escorted tour, or local departure, you can create the best memories even with limited time.
In summer, the lush green scenery and animal watching, and in winter, the fantasticDrift Ice Cruiseand a world of silence.
No matter what season you visit, Shiretoko is always a place that will impress you.
Please find the perfect tour for you, taking into consideration the departure location and time of year, and enjoy the magnificent nature of the World Heritage Site Shiretoko to the fullest!
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