Shiretoko Pass
738 meters above sea level, one of the eight scenic spots of Shiretoko, overlooking Mt. Rausu and Kunashir Island
A pass at 738 meters above sea level, located at the highest point of the winding 27-km Shiretoko Crossing Road (National Route 334) connecting Utoro in Shari Town and Rausu Town.
The magnificent form of Mt. Rausu towers directly ahead, while deep green virgin forests stretch endlessly below. The wind blowing through the pass is cool, carrying the refreshing scent of coniferous trees. From this location, selected as one of the eight scenic spots of Shiretoko, on clear days one can capture the blue surface of the Nemuro Strait in the distance and the shape of Kunashir Island floating beyond it. The color gradation woven by the mountain surface of Mt. Rausu, the green of the virgin forest, and the blue of the strait tells the story of Shiretoko's rich natural environment.
This mountain pass road exists in a harsh environment with dramatic climate changes and is sometimes closed due to snowfall, making it the only national highway in Hokkaido subject to such closures. Known as the national highway with the shortest opening period in Japan, it is buried deep in snow during winter. However, precisely because of this harshness, visitors can witness the pristine natural landscape during the opening season.
- * 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
- Address
- 北海道羅臼町
- Telephone Number
- 0153-87-2126（Rausu Town Industrial Creation Division）
- Closed
- (Winter closure) Early Nov.-Late Apr.
- Car Park
- Parking available
- Directions
- ●By bus: About 3 hours and 20 minutes from JR Kushiro Station by Akan Bus bound for Rausu via Shibetsu, and get off at "Rausu Office". Change to a Shari Bus or Akan Bus bound for Utoro, about 25 minutes, and get off at "Shiretoko Toge" and walk shortly
●By car: 80 km from Hokkaido Nemuro-Nakashibetsu Airport via Route 272 and 335, about 90 minutes - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
