What to know
Shiretoko Pass (知床峠, Shiretoko Tōge, 740 meters above sea level) connects Utoro on the western coast with Rausu on the eastern coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula. From the pass, you can enjoy spectacular views of nearby Mount Rausu (1661 meters), the highest peak on the peninsula, as well as Kunashiri Island across the Nemuro Strait. A free parking lot allows visitors to stop and take in the scenery.
Due to its high elevation and cold climate, the pass is one of the first places in Japan to see autumn colors. The best time to view the foliage is usually around early October. The beautiful hiking trail to Lake Rausu, the largest lake on the peninsula, starts a couple of kilometers down the road on the eastern side from the pass; however, there is no designated parking. A round trip from the trailhead to the lake takes approximately three hours and passes through brown bear territory.
The roughly 30-kilometer mountain pass road connecting Utoro and Rausu is closed during winter from early November to late April.
In July and August, infrequent buses connect Utoro and Rausu via Shiretoko Pass. The one-way ride takes 50 minutes and costs 2000 yen.
How to get to and around Shiretoko National Park
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Original name
- Shiretoko Pass
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.