The Shiretoko Pass (738 m) linking Utoro on the Sea of Okhotsk side with Rausu on the Nemuro Strait is the sole road crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Shiretoko Peninsula, and it becomes one of Hokkaido's most dramatic autumn drives. Alpine vegetation — Siberian dwarf pine, rowan, and mountain birch — ignites in shades of gold and scarlet against the backdrop of Mount Rausu (1,661 m). Deer, red fox, and occasionally brown bears can be spotted browsing the colourful scrub from the roadside. The pass typically closes to traffic from mid-November, giving the koyo season a sharp and exciting deadline.
- Type
- Experience
- Category
- Autumn Leaves
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- Late September to Mid-October
- Region
- Hokkaido
- Prefecture
- Hokkaido
- City
- Shari / Rausu
Highlights
- ◆UNESCO World Heritage alpine scenery turning gold and red
- ◆Summit viewpoint overlooking both coasts of the Shiretoko Peninsula
- ◆High chance of wildlife sightings including deer and brown bear
- ◆Combines naturally with Shiretoko Five Lakes and Kamuiwakka Falls
- ◆Road closes mid-November, lending urgency to the autumn visit