Explore/Japan/JP 01/Hokkaido Shiretoko Pass — World Heritage Wilderness
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Hokkaido Shiretoko Pass — World HeritageWilderness.

Distance
70 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
690 m
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Curated by Rider · Updated Aug 2026
Overview

Hokkaido Shiretoko Pass — World Heritage Wilderness.

The Shiretoko Pass (738m) crosses the spine of Japan's most remote UNESCO World Heritage peninsula, where brown bears outnumber people. The road closes in winter and opens only in late April. Dramatic ocean views on both the Okhotsk and Pacific sides, dense virgin forest, and almost zero traffic.

Quick facts

SurfacePaved
Distance70 km
Days1
Total climb690 m
DifficultyChallenging
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Day-by-day

The route.

ROUTE
5 stops
Start
Utoro / Shiretoko Five LakesStart · Start in Utoro. Shiretoko Five Lakes boardwalk is a worthy morning detour before the pass.
Pass
Shiretoko Pass Summit (738m)Mountain Pass · The highest point. Views down both sides. Bears frequently spotted on the slopes below — do not leave your bike unattended.
Photo
Rausu LookoutPhoto Spot · First views of the Rausu side — the wilder, less-visited east coast dropping to the Kunashiri Strait.
Food
Rausu Fishing PortRestaurant · End road stop. Fresh crab and salmon from one of Hokkaido's most productive fishing harbours.
End
RausuEnd · End at Rausu. Return via pass or ferry to Hokkaido mainland.

More routes in JP 01

Nihonkai Ororon Line — Otaru to Wakkanai CoastJP 01 · 330 kmNotsuke Peninsula — Shibetsu to the Nemuro Strait SandspitJP 01 · 75 kmLake Shikotsu Caldera Loop — Chitose to Mount TarumaeJP 01 · 90 kmOnuma & Cape Esan — Hakodate Southern Hokkaido Volcano LoopJP 01 · 140 kmRishiri & Rebun Islands — Wakkanai Ferry to Japan's Northern IslesJP 01 · 150 km

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