- Plan Overview
- Price
- Access
Animal Trail (Kemono-Michi) Guided Walk
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3 hours
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1 person(s) or more
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7 yrs or older
Plan Overview
This popular SHINRA guided walk lets you enjoy the spectacular scenery of Shiretoko's western coast and an untouched primeval forest.
What awaits beyond the forest are towering cliffs carved by the forces of nature and the Sea of Okhotsk stretching as far as the eye can see. Beyond them lies a sweeping panorama overlooking Cape Shiretoko, at the tip of the Shiretoko Peninsula. You can enjoy the vast, awe-inspiring scenery that Shiretoko is known for.
Instead of following a trail developed for people, you will walk along “animal trails” naturally formed as wild animals such as Ezo deer and brown bears move through the forest.
Footprints, droppings, and feeding marks can be found along the way, giving you a sense of the presence of wildlife all around you. Experience a more natural side of Shiretoko on this course, offering something quite different from the Shiretoko Five Lakes and Furepe Waterfall.
SHINRA's guides' top pick—the tour that most stirs your sense of adventure.
As you make your way through the forest with a sense of adventure, explore the lives of wildlife and the workings of nature with your guide. Discoveries and surprises that you might miss by simply looking at the scenery are also part of this tour's appeal. Also, exclusively for children aged 7–12, SHINRA provides its original “Forest Exploration Notebook.”
Head into the real Shiretoko, where wild animals make their home.
Why not set out on a special experience where you can enjoy both spectacular scenery and adventure?
About the Walking Route
You will walk approximately 4 km along paths through the forest, similar to animal trails used by wildlife. With an elevation change of approximately 60 meters, the route takes you over grass and fallen trees as you make your way through the forest, offering a sense of adventure. You can experience Shiretoko as it truly is, on trails that are neither developed nor maintained. We provide rubber boots free of charge.
Tour Start Times
Apr. 1–Sep. 30: 8:00 / 14:00
Oct. 1–Nov. 30: 8:00 / 13:00
- Start Time
- 08:00 / 14:00 / 13:00
- What to bring
- ■ Items to Bring
- Drinks (water or tea)
- Backpack
- Rain gear (a two-piece rain suit is recommended)
- Sun hat
- Insect repellent
- Warm knit hat and gloves (depending on the weather)
■ Clothing
*To help prevent insect bites, including tick bites, and contact with poison ivy, please wear clothing that covers your skin. However, temperatures can be high in summer, so please avoid wearing too many layers and take precautions against heat illness.
- Tops: Long-sleeved shirts are recommended, although short sleeves may be suitable on some days. Please also bring a warm layer, such as a lightweight fleece or inner down jacket, to wear when temperatures are low.
- Bottoms: Full-length trousers (Shorts and skirts are not permitted; leggings are not recommended.)
- Other: To help prevent attracting wasps, please avoid wearing perfume or strongly scented hair products. - Participation Requirements
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◯Ages 7–79
Able to walk 4 km+ on hilly or uneven terrain
Able to participate in group activities without difficulty - Min. Persons to Book
- From 1 person(s)
- Regarding the operating of the activity
- ●The tour operates with a minimum of 2 participants.
* If the minimum number of participants is not met, the tour will be canceled 7 days in advance. Your reservation will be canceled, and you will receive a full refund.
●The tour operates rain or shine.
●Please be sure to check the reminder email sent 2 days before the tour for the final meeting time and other details.
Price
Base Cost
Included in the base cost
Rain Boot Rental
Cancellation Policy
Please be aware that the following cancellation fees will apply if you cancel due to your own circumstances.
Please contact us immediately by phone (0152-22-5522) if you wish to cancel.
*Cancellations made after business hours (cancellations after 19:00) will be processed the following day.
7 to 4 days before the meeting: 30% of the fee
3 days to the day before: 50% of the fee
On the day of the tour: 100% of the fee
*Similarly, 100% of the tour fee will be charged for no-shows without prior notice.
No cancellation fee will be charged if you are unable to attend due to transportation disruptions or road closures caused by bad weather, or if the tour is cancelled before it begins due to typhoon or heavy rain/flood warnings.
No refunds will be given for tour cancellations after the start due to natural conditions such as bear sightings or severe weather. Please be aware of this in advance.
Payment Method
Pay on arrival: Cash only
Online Payment: Any of the following credit cards or pay later services
Access
- Meeting Point
- Meet at activity location⇒Shiretoko National Park Nature Center
Please choose from the designated locations below.
・KITAKOBUSHI SHIRETOKO Hotel & Resort
・KIKI SHIRETOKO NATURAL RESORT
・Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
・Hotel Shiretoko
・Onsen Guesthouse The SUNSET Shiretoko
・Hotel Kifuu Club Shiretoko
・SHIRETOKO VILLAGE
・Kokun Kekun
・PRIVATE COTTAGE Lantern SHIRETOKO
・Guest House TANPOPO
・REMBRANDT RESORT SHIRETOKO
・Guest House ISHIYAMA
・Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Rest Area) “Utoro/Shirietoku”
・Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal
- Parking
- 【Shiretoko National Park Nature Center】*Approximately 15 minutes by car from the Utoro area
■ Parking fee: Free - About Meeting Point
- ■ Meeting at the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center: 0 minutes before the tour start time
■ Pickup from designated accommodations: 15–30 minutes before the tour start time
● Even if you request pickup service, we may not be able to accommodate your request due to tour operation circumstances. If this is the case, we will contact you within 48 hours of your reservation.
● If you are coming by car as a group of three or more people, we kindly ask that you meet directly at the location.
■ If your accommodation is not one of our designated pickup locations, please choose one of the following meeting points:
① Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Rest Area) “Utoro/Shirietoku”
② Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal *No parking available
Time Schedule
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◯Example
If the tour starts at 8:00 AM
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◯7:30-7:45
Pick-up at each designated meeting point in sequence (at 5-minute intervals)
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◯8:00
Meet at the location (Shiretoko National Park Nature Center)
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◯8:00-11:00
Animal Trail (Kemono-Michi) Guided Walk
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◯Around 11:15
Drop-off at each designated meeting point in sequence
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◯
Please be sure to check the reminder email sent two days before the tour for the final start time, meeting time, and guide information.
Note
- The Shiretoko National Park Nature Center is operated by a separate organization and is not affiliated with our company. For inquiries regarding the guided tour, please contact our company directly.