Things to do in Shiretoko： Shiretoko Pass

Abouto Shiretoko pass

Shiretoko Pass is located on National Route 334, which connects Utoro, Shari Town, and Rausu Town, Hokkaido, on the Shiretoko Crossing Road, which crosses the World Heritage Site “Shiretoko.” Located on the border between Rausu Town and Shari Town, this mountain pass has been selected as one of the Shiretoko Eight Scenic Views due to its vast and beautiful scenery.
It is said that Shiretoko came from the Ainu word “Siri Etoku” which means “end of the earth.” Shiretoko is located in the northeasternmost tip of Japan.

 

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きくち かずひろ(@ichikoro2)がシェアした投稿

This is a view spot at an altitude of 738m at the top of the Shiretoko Crossing Road, a winding mountain pass road with a total length of 27km. Directly in front of you is Mt. Rausu, below you is a sea of ​​deep green trees, and if the weather is good, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Nemuro Strait and Kunashir Island in the distance. However, the Shiretoko Crossing Road is the only national highway in Hokkaido that is sometimes closed due to snowfall, as the climate changes significantly and there are severe conditions for road management such as avalanches and landslides.

 

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中野 洋志 / ㍿HiLO 代表取締役(@hilo_nakano)がシェアした投稿

The natural environment is particularly harsh in Hokkaido, and it is said to be the national highway with the shortest opening period in Japan, becoming impassable from early November to late April due to several meters of snowfall.
Usually it opens before Golden Week, but for one day before the opening, the Shiretoko Snow Wall Walk will be held, where you can walk along the road between high walls of snow. ”

 

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旅好き人生🗻思いつき旅配信(@odekake_oba3)がシェアした投稿

It is also a popular driving course, and the white lingering snow that can be seen even in late July is impressive. Furthermore, the autumn leaves of Mt. Rausu seen from here are also spectacular.
If you take a slow drive along the winding roads during the snow-free season, you can enjoy the beautiful mountains and primeval forests of Quercus Quercus, Sakhalin fir, and Quercus Quercus, and on clear days, you can see as far as Kunashiri Island.

 

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ヒロユキ(@h_i_r_o_44)がシェアした投稿

Shiretoko Pass has a free parking lot for about 60 cars and a 24-hour toilet.

You can park your car here and look out at Mt. Rausu and Kunashiri Island in the Northern Territories from the observation deck.
However, that alone is a waste!
The Shiretoko Crossing Road is also a treasure trove of spectacular views. Please try crossing it.
There is no doubt that it is the best driving course! !

 

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坂野孝利(@taka_saka1024)がシェアした投稿

You can drive across Shiretoko’s great nature in about an hour and a half, including enjoying the scenery at the mountain pass!
If you are lucky, you may even come across wild animals that live in the World Natural Heritage Site. Be careful of brown bears.

*Please be sure to park your car in the parking lot when enjoying the scenery. If you park in a place other than a parking lot, visibility is poor and it is very dangerous.
*Never feed red foxes, brown bears, etc. Enforcement officers are patrolling, and if they are found, there are penalties such as having their names published.

 

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知床クルーザー観光船ドルフィン(@shiretoko_dolphin)がシェアした投稿

Link：Hokkaido official tourism website