Utoro Onsen

北海道

3.8

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Natural hot springs that gush out on the Sea of Okhotsk side.

This is a natural hot spring that springs up on the Okhotsk Sea side. It is effective for neuralgia, coldness, joint pain, etc., and is a perfect place to heal tiredness after visiting Shiretoko. Why not take a leisurely dip in the hot springs in the unexplored region of Utoro, where primitive nature remains?

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic Onsen

Highlights

Point 1

Savor Shiretoko Cuisine

Utoro Shiretoko is a roadside station located in Utoro Onsen, featuring a building designed to resemble a Shiretoko hut. In addition to 24-hour toilets and rest areas, you can gather various information about Shiretoko tourism. One place you should definitely visit when you come to this roadside station is the restaurant where you can taste Shiretoko cuisine. The original soft serve ice cream and hamburger made with deer meat are popular among visitors.

Point 2

Get the Latest Information on Shiretoko

The Shiretoko Nature Center is a visitor center where you can learn various knowledge and information about the animals, environment, and history of Shiretoko tourism. Inside the center, they introduce safety information about brown bears and how to enjoy the Shiretoko Five Lakes, so it's recommended to stop by before starting your Shiretoko tourism. The video works "Shiretoko's Adventure" and "THE LIMIT" projected on the large 4K compatible screen inside the center are particularly worth seeing.

Point 3

Admire the Spectacular View of Utoro

The 60-meter-tall Oroko Rock, located at Utoro Port, which has become a symbol of Utoro Onsen, is a must-see. There are over 170 stone steps leading to the top of Oroko Rock, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the town of Utoro Onsen and the Sea of Okhotsk below. It may be a bit of a challenge to climb to the top, but the breathtaking view is worth it. It's also recommended as a spot for taking photos.

Point 4

Enjoy the Sunset of Okhotsk

The Sunset Observatory is located on a small hill about a 15-minute walk from the Utoro Bus Terminal. As the name suggests, it's a recommended spot where you can enjoy the sunset sinking into the Sea of Okhotsk. From the observatory, where there is nothing to obstruct the view, you can clearly see the orange sun sinking into the horizon during dusk. It's a very romantic atmosphere, making it a popular spot for couples on a date.

Point 5

Enjoy a Cruise

When visiting the Utoro Onsen, one thing you should definitely try is taking a cruise around the Shiretoko Peninsula. You can see the coastline of the Shiretoko Peninsula, which cannot be seen from land. If you're lucky, you can also enjoy watching wild animals such as whales and brown bears. Each cruise company operates various tours, so it's a great point that you can choose a route that suits your stay time.

Access

Access from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station by Car in 40 Minutes

The nearest station to Utoro Onsen is JR Shiretoko-Shari Station. From there, it takes about 40 minutes by car to access the coast. If you're coming from outside the area, the gateway to the skies is Memanbetsu Airport. It's about a 1 hour and 30 minute drive from Memanbetsu Airport by car. If you're using public transportation, please use the "Shiretoko Airport Liner" that departs from Memanbetsu Airport.

Sightseeing

Base City for Shiretoko Tourism

Utoro Onsen is the base city for Shiretoko tourism, which has been designated as a World Heritage Site. The main spot for Shiretoko tourism, Shiretoko Goko Lakes, is located about a 20-minute drive away. Utoro Onsen refers to the collective name of the hot spring town, and in this area, there are various hot spring inns and restaurants where you can enjoy hot springs and delicious cuisine. In addition to summer tourism, it is also a hot spring town where you can see drift ice in winter.