Located in northeastern Hokkaido along the Sea of Okhotsk, the Shiretoko Peninsula was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Its name originates from the Ainu language, meaning "the end of the Earth" or "where the land juts out." The peninsula features stunning scenery, including the majestic peaks of Mount Rausu and others from the renowned "100 Famous Japanese Mountains." Spanning approximately 60,000 hectares from Cape Shiretoko to Mount Shibetsu, the entire area is part of Shiretoko National Park, offering an expansive view of Hokkaido's vast natural beauty.

Formed by tectonic and volcanic activity, the peninsula is home to unique rock formations and volcanic landscapes, making it a rising star among Hokkaido's tourist destinations. For a tranquil escape, head to Shiretoko Five Lakes or Kamuiwakka Hot Falls in the northwestern part of the peninsula, where blue lakes and lush mountains create a picturesque setting. For ocean lovers, boat tours from Utoro or Rausu provide opportunities to spot dolphins, sperm whales, and other marine life, showcasing the vibrancy of nature.

Winter unveils Shiretoko’s most iconic feature: drift ice. Popular activities include guided drift ice walks and boat tours that let you admire the ice up close, alongside eagles soaring above. The drift ice season is especially beloved by photographers and draws countless visitors every year to experience its breathtaking beauty.

There are three main ways to reach Shiretoko. Choose the option that best suits your travel preferences for a comfortable journey:

1. By Plane
Fly from Haneda Airport or New Chitose Airport to Memanbetsu Airport. From there, take the Shari Bus "Shiretoko Airport Liner" to the Utoro Roadside Rest Area, a trip that takes approximately 2 hours by bus.

2. By Bus
Take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus "Eagle Liner," which departs from JR Sapporo Station. This overnight bus leaves Sapporo late at night and arrives in Utoro the next morning.

3. By Train
Ride the JR Hokkaido Hakodate Line and Sekihoku Line to JR Abashiri Station, then transfer to the Senmo Line for JR Shiretoko-Shari Station. From there, take the Shari Bus "Shiretoko Airport Liner" to the Utoro Roadside Rest Area. The entire journey takes about 7 hours.

The Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi in Hokkaido features the award-winning saunas "UNEUNA" and "KAKUUNA," which ranked 4th in the "Must-Visit Saunas in Japan" category at SAUNACHELIN 2022 for the second year in a row!

To further promote its reputation as a "Sauna Sanctuary," the hotel has also launched a new brand, "Tokono," offering sauna-inspired merchandise like towels, stickers, and T-shirts. Whether you’re a seasoned sauna enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this is an experience not to be missed!

The Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi reopened in June 2021, unveiling revamped sauna facilities with expansive windows that offer breathtaking views of Shiretoko’s stunning natural scenery. From February onward, guests can enjoy the rare sight of drift ice floating on the Okhotsk Sea, transforming the hotel’s saunas into a unique "drift ice-viewing sauna" experience that has garnered significant attention.

The "KAKUUNA" sauna features a bold, linear design inspired by the strength and grandeur of drift ice, while "UNEUNA" mimics the elegance of a tree cave, using graceful waves to evoke the motion of water. Notably, "UNEUNA" employs a rare 3D wood-carving technique to shape wood into undulating wave-like curves, offering a visual masterpiece.

Both saunas are equipped with HARVIA’s industry-leading sauna stoves, which release steam automatically every 15 minutes for an invigorating heat boost. The walls surrounding the stove are crafted with hexagonal stones, mirroring the steep 90-degree rock faces of Shiretoko, while the stove itself is adorned with stones made from magma extracted 30 kilometers below the Earth’s surface.

The Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi goes beyond just exceptional sauna stoves, offering a comprehensive relaxation experience. The facility features a cold plunge pool equipped with a cooling water circulation system to maintain the optimal temperature, with a depth of 90 cm for full immersion. Guests can also enjoy a variety of air baths, both outdoor and indoor, where they can recline in comfort and let their skin directly absorb the crisp air.

A highlight is the rooftop "UMISORA Air Bath" area, furnished with ergonomic chairs arranged in an infinity-style setting. Here, guests can take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, the majestic Okhotsk Sea, seagulls gliding effortlessly, and the soothing sounds of passing boats—all while basking in Shiretoko’s refreshing air for total mind and body relaxation.

For an added touch, the hotel offers a unique service allowing guests to take photos of the saunas during cleaning hours. With their stylish and thoughtfully designed sauna interiors, many visitors upload these photos to social media platforms like Instagram, making this feature a hit among guests.

If you're visiting on a special occasion, the Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi also has a lavish Okhotsk Club Sauna Spa Suite. These luxurious rooms, adorned in rich walnut tones, offer an elegant and serene atmosphere. Each suite includes a private sauna, a cold plunge pool, an open-air hot spring on the balcony, and a dedicated "Totonoi Space" for ultimate relaxation.

Guests can revel in the endless ocean views during summer or marvel at the mesmerizing drift ice in winter, making every moment of their stay an indulgent escape in the heart of Shiretoko.

Hokkaido, particularly Shiretoko, shares a climate similar to Finland, the sauna capital of the world, and is the region in Japan most geographically aligned with northern Europe and Canada. Inspired by this, the Kitakobushi Resort, which operates the Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi, aims to establish Shiretoko as a "sanctuary for saunas."

This vision led to the creation of the original brand Tokono, combining "Shiretoko" with Totono—a term referring to achieving a balanced state of mind and body through sauna experiences. The brand encapsulates the idea of a one-of-a-kind sauna journey unique to Shiretoko.

In Shiretoko, there’s more to do than just admiring drift ice or relaxing in a hotel sauna. From thrilling adventures to unique local experiences, Shiretoko has something for everyone! Let LIVE JAPAN guide you through the many ways to explore this incredible destination.

From late January to early March, Shiretoko’s drift ice season transforms the Okhotsk Sea into a magical frozen wonderland. However, because the ice can be thin and slippery in places, exploring on your own can be dangerous and is generally prohibited. That’s where the guided Drift Ice Walk® comes in!

With experienced guides, visitors can safely walk, lie down, or take photos atop the ice. Outfitted in dry suits, you can even float among the drift ice—no swimming skills required! This unique and thrilling experience is something you can only find in Shiretoko. Don’t miss the chance to try it for yourself!

Shiretoko’s charm isn’t limited to drift ice—the renowned Five Lakes are another must-see! Named Lake One through Lake Five, these serene spots nestled within the forest are perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying nature’s beauty from spring to autumn. In winter, however, the area is closed to the public—unless you join the guided Shiretoko Five Lakes Snow Trek.

This winter-only experience allows you to explore the tranquil, snow-covered landscape with a guide. Unlike the lively atmosphere of warmer seasons, the Five Lakes in winter offer a serene, almost otherworldly silence, where even your breathing and footsteps sound sharper.

For even more ways to enjoy Shiretoko, check out the recommendations below!

In Shiretoko, the ever-popular drift ice can be admired in multiple ways—by boat, on a guided walk, and now, from the comfort of a hotel. At the Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi, you can enjoy the unique experience of relaxing in a sauna while watching the drift ice float by. Unlike braving the cold outdoors, this cozy indoor option lets you take in the breathtaking scenery in complete comfort.

If you're planning a trip to see Shiretoko’s drift ice, don’t miss this "warm and relaxing" way to enjoy it!

Source: PR TIMES