Shiretoko and Abashiri offer some of the most rugged, untouched outdoor experiences in eastern Hokkaido, particularly during the winter months. Travelers often start their journeys from Memanbetsu Airport, driving along the scenic coastline to explore the Shiretoko Goko Lakes or board drift ice sightseeing boats in Abashiri. The region is famous for raw wildlife encounters, including brown bears, eagles, and red foxes, as well as natural hot springs like Kamuiwakka Hot Falls. Road trips along Route 334 connect these key destinations, allowing visitors to experience remote nature and locally-sourced seafood.
Exploring Shiretoko Peninsula: Shiretoko Goko Lakes & Mount Rausu
The footage showcases the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located off Hokkaido’s northeastern coast. Viewers follow along through the Shiretoko Goko Lakes, pointing out wild deer, foxes, birds, and bears in the undeveloped forests. The video highlights the Kamuiwakka Hot Falls, showing how visitors can soak in the natural hot springs. The narrator also walks through the panoramic views from Mount Rausu, the highest peak on the peninsula. Finally, the video shows marine activities like sightseeing cruises, kayaking, and eating locally-sourced seafood.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Shiretoko Goko Lakes
- 💡 Best for: Nature Lovers, Hikers
Ryan Bednar’s Winter Road Trip: Shari, Rausu, and Asahidake
Creator Ryan Bednar documents a winter road trip through remote landscapes in Hokkaido. The journey begins in Akan-Mashu National Park before moving to the coastal towns of Rausu and Shari on the Shiretoko Peninsula. Along the way, the camera captures local wildlife like eagles and red foxes, alongside views of active volcanoes. The creator then travels further inland to visit Asahidake, which is the highest mountain in Hokkaido. The winter road trip concludes with a stop at a free public hot spring surrounded by nature.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Akan-Mashu National Park
- 💡 Best for: Winter Travelers, Outdoor Enthusiasts
Exploring Winter Landscapes: Rausu and Shari with Ryan Bednar
Photographer Ryan Bednar films a winter road trip through remote areas of Hokkaido. He drives away from commercial ski resorts to document Akan-Mashu National Park and the coastal towns of Rausu and Shari. The video highlights sightings of regional wildlife, including eagles and red foxes. Bednar also travels inland to show views of active volcanoes and Mount Asahidake, the highest peak on the island. The journey ends at a free public hot spring surrounded by nature.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Asahidake
- 💡 Best for: Photographers, Solo Travelers
Yuuka’s Seven-Day Itinerary: Memanbetsu Airport to Kitami
Local guide Yuuka outlines a structured seven-day driving itinerary starting from Memanbetsu Airport. The route heads along the coast, stopping at Lake Tofutsu and Koshimizu on day one. During days two and three, Yuuka explores Oshinkoshin Waterfall and Oronko Rock inside Shiretoko National Park. The itinerary then leads to the Notsuke Peninsula for a walk along the Todowara Trail before stopping at Kawayu Onsen, Lake Kussharo, and Mount Io. The journey finishes in Kitami with panoramic views from Bihoro Pass and a local yakiniku dinner.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Oshinkoshin Waterfall
- 💡 Best for: Road Trippers, Families
Exploring Far East Hokkaido: Nemuro Strait and Kushiro
This travel guide covers the outdoor landscapes of Far East Hokkaido, focusing on Kushiro, Lake Akan, and the Shiretoko Peninsula. The presenter highlights outdoor activities such as whale watching, hiking, and spotting wild brown bears along the Nemuro Strait. To help travelers navigate the region, the creator recommends booking tours with local operators like Adventure Hokkaido and Hokkaido Treasure Island. The video shows how visitors can experience indigenous culture and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. It also shares resources including a nine-day regional itinerary.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Nemuro Strait
- 💡 Best for: Adventure Seekers, Nature Lovers
Adam Matheson’s Abashiri Layover: A Quiet Morning Walk
Creator Adam Matheson captures a spontaneous morning walk through the streets of Abashiri. Having a four-hour layover before his next scheduled train, he decides to explore the local port town on foot. The camera records the quiet winter atmosphere of the empty streets and coastal areas. Matheson observes the local architecture and the peaceful harbor surroundings. The footage ends as he walks back to the train station to continue his journey.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Abashiri Station
- 💡 Best for: Slow Travelers, Solo Walkers
Staying at Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
The creators travel from Tokyo to Memanbetsu Airport on an AIR DO flight in mid-May. Following a night in Abashiri, they join a guided Saturday tour around the Shiretoko Goko, or Shiretoko Five Lakes. The vlog shows them checking into the Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort. They showcase the resort’s all-inclusive buffet system, which highlights dishes prepared with local Hokkaido ingredients. The video ends as the creators unwind in the public hot springs and on-site sauna facilities.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
- 💡 Best for: Couples, Luxury Seekers
Winter in Eastern Hokkaido: Abashiri Drift Ice & Kushiro Marsh
This silent travel vlog from February 2025 follows a winter trip through eastern Hokkaido. The journey begins with a ride on the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Boat, followed by visits to the Abashiri Prison Museum and the Ryuhyo Glass Museum. After dining on sushi at Nakazushi, the creator takes a train to Kushiro. There, they observe Japanese cranes at the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary and explore the Kushiro Marsh. The video ends with a custom seafood bowl breakfast at Washo Market and a meal at Restaurant Izumiya.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Boat
- 💡 Best for: Solo Travelers, Wildlife Enthusiasts
Gibbon Travelogue’s Shiretoko Road Trip: Bear Cruises & Route 334
Lilian and Gilbert from Gibbon Travelogue embark on a three-day road trip around the Shiretoko Peninsula along Route 334. They begin by walking around the Shiretoko Five Lakes before heading to Rausu for a seafood lunch. Next, the couple travels to the Aidomari Fishing Port for wildlife spotting. They then board a marine cruise from Rausu, spotting brown bears along the rocky coast. The trip finishes with a sunset view at Cape Puyuni and a burger dinner at Woot Burger.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Shiretoko Five Lakes
- 💡 Best for: Couples, Road Trippers
Day Seven Road Trip: Mount Io and Lake Kussharo
This travel vlog covers day seven of a ten-day driving trip through Hokkaido, tracing the route from Abashiri to Lake Kussharo. The creators make a stop at Mount Io, capturing the rising steam vents along the barren slopes. They visit a free lakeside rock bath, where wild swans swim nearby in the water. After exploring the surrounding Kawayu Hot Springs area, they walk to a local izakaya. The trip segment ends with a dinner of fresh seafood sourced from regional waters.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Mount Io
- 💡 Best for: Onsen Lovers, Road Trippers
