Hokkaido Horizons is one of our most immersive trips to Japan, inviting discerning travelers to experience Shiretoko’s untamed beauty through a custom, authentic journey. With deep local knowledge and a flexible pace, the experience is shaped around your interests and your rhythm.
Contact us to design your tailored itinerary, secure your dates, and arrange private guides and local stays. Claim your place beneath Hokkaido’s vast starry skies, and let us craft the details that make it truly yours.
| Day | Location | Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo → Shiretoko (Utoro) | • Fly Tokyo Haneda to Memanbetsu or Kushiro • Scenic drive to Utoro on the Shiretoko Peninsula • Evening guided stargazing with Shiretoko Nature Office | Utoro |
| 2 | Shiretoko Five Lakes and Utoro | • Guided walk at Shiretoko Five Lakes with a certified nature guide • Afternoon onsen soak or Utoro Harbour walk and seafood | Utoro |
| 3 | Shiretoko Coast (Utoro) | • Sea kayaking along the Shiretoko coastline • Water level view of Furepe Waterfall | Utoro |
| 4 | Shiretoko Forest | • Half day guided trek through primeval forest to Furepe Waterfall • Afternoon spa or onsen relaxation | Utoro |
| 5 | Shiretoko Coast | • Wildlife watching cruise along the Shiretoko coast | Utoro |
| 6 | Shiretoko → Airport | • Visit Kamuiwakka Hot Falls or viewpoint from nearby bridge • Final onsen soak or harbor stroll • Transfer to Memanbetsu or Kushiro Airport |
Fly from Tokyo Haneda to Memanbetsu or Kushiro Airport, then enjoy a scenic drive to Utoro on the Shiretoko Peninsula. Along the way, coastal cliffs, lush forests, and wide sea views set the tone for your Japan travel experience.
In the evening, join a guided stargazing session with the Shiretoko Nature Office. A shuttle takes you to a dark sky site where you will learn the constellations, look for the Milky Way, and enjoy the night in comfort with blankets and telescopes provided.
Begin with a guided walk at the Shiretoko Five Lakes with a certified local nature guide. Follow boardwalks and forest trails through striking volcanic landscapes, with chances to spot wildlife and learn about the area’s conservation work.
In the afternoon, slow down with a soak in your hotel onsen or take a relaxed stroll around Utoro Harbour to watch the fishing boats and enjoy fresh seafood, keeping the day tailored to your interests.
Glide across the clear waters of the Sea of Okhotsk on a three-hour sea kayaking trip from Utoro, following Shiretoko’s dramatic volcanic coastline. Paddle past towering cliffs and quiet coves for a water level view of Furepe Waterfall as it spills straight into the sea.
The experience includes a guided introduction, all the support you need, and hotel pickup and drop off. It suits beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, with excellent chances for close-up wildlife moments and unforgettable coastal scenery.
Spend the morning on a half-day guided trek into Shiretoko’s primeval forest, ending at the breathtaking Furepe Waterfall. Over roughly three hours, your expert guide points out wildlife signs, seasonal alpine blooms, and the delicate ecosystems that make this UNESCO World Heritage area so special. The trail is gentle and accessible, and the hotel shuttle service is included.
Return to your hotel for a tailor-made afternoon, with time to unwind in the spa or onsen and soak in the calm of Shiretoko.
Set off on a wildlife watching cruise along the Shiretoko coast, typically operating from April through October when the sea is ice-free, and boat access is reliable. During these months, you have the best chances to spot whales, dolphins, and porpoises against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and cascading waterfalls, with expert guides explaining the local marine ecosystem.
In winter, sea ice and weather conditions usually stop these cruises, so the experience is mainly a warm-season highlight.
Visit Kamuiwakka Hot Falls in the forests of Shiretoko, where warm spring water tumbles over volcanic rock into steaming natural pools for a rare sensory experience. Access can be limited and often requires reservations, so it is important to check current road and entry conditions in advance. If entry is not available, you can still enjoy a scenic view of the falls from the nearby bridge.
Afterward, keep the morning relaxed with a final onsen soak or a stroll around the harbor, then take your tailored transfer to Memanbetsu or Kushiro Airport for your onward Japan trip.
