Shiretoko Pass
A Panoramic Gateway to the Wilderness Above the Clouds
At 738 meters above sea level, Shiretoko Pass is one of the “Eight Views of Shiretoko,” offering breathtaking views of Mt. Rausu and Kunashiri Island.
The pass marks the highest point of the 27-kilometer Shiretoko Crossing Road (National Route 334), which connects Utoro in Shari and Rausu. Mt. Rausu rises majestically before you, while vast expanses of deep green forest stretch across the wilderness below. A cool, crisp breeze often sweeps across the pass, carrying the refreshing scent of coniferous trees.
On clear days, you can see the sparkling blue waters of the Nemuro Strait and the distant silhouette of Kunashiri Island. The rugged mountain slopes, lush forests, and deep blue sea come together in a spectacular panorama that captures the untamed beauty of Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage site.
Because of the area’s harsh and rapidly changing weather, the road has one of the shortest opening periods of any national road in Japan. Buried under deep snow, it remains closed throughout winter. Yet this isolation helps preserve Shiretoko’s pristine wilderness. When the gates finally open, visitors are rewarded with a rare opportunity to experience this untouched landscape up close.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Category
- With friends
- Couple
- Family
- Travel style
- Sea, coast, cape, peninsula, island
- Mountain, ridge, plateau, marshland, canyon
- Red leaves, scenic spots, observation platforms
- Natural scenery, spectacular views
- Travel Inspiration
- Enjoy spectacular views
- Scenic routes
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Postal code
- 〒086-1822
- Address
- 北海道目梨郡羅臼町湯ノ沢町
- Telephone Number
- 0153-87-2126（Rausu Town Industrial Creation Division）
- Closed
- Closed for the winter
- Car Park
- 66 spaces, free
- Directions
- ● By car: About 90 minutes from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station
● By car: About 90 minutes from Nemuro-Nakashibetsu Airport - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
