Experience the charms of Shiretoko in winter by snowshoeing
When traveling to Shiretoko in winter, with its deep snow and silvery white world, I highly recommend trying snowshoeing.
Shiretoko is a place rich in nature, where Hokkaido’s wilderness remains untouched.
Shiretoko offers a variety of ways to enjoy nature, including ice floes from the Sea of Okhotsk and activities that take advantage of the abundant nature.
In winter, Shiretoko is a world of silvery white as far as the eye can see, with a dignified atmosphere in the air.
Snowshoeing is one of the most recommended winter activities by Basho Trip, allowing you to enjoy the Shiretoko winter to the fullest.
Snowshoeing is an activity that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, so it can be done for any occasion, whether you are traveling with family or friends.
The basics of snowshoeing in Shiretoko
Snowshoeing in Shiretoko is a great way to explore nature in winter, wearing snowshoes, which are mountain climbing equipment for walking in snowy mountains.
By simply wearing snowshoes underneath your shoes, even those who are not used to walking on snow-covered paths can easily make their way through the snow.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the first thing you feel when you travel to Shiretoko in winter is the difficulty of walking on snowy roads.
It is almost impossible to walk on the softly piled snow when you are out sightseeing, let alone in the city where the snow has been shoveled.
However, with snowshoes, you can easily walk on such soft and difficult snow-covered paths, and you can easily enter deep snow-covered mountains that are difficult to reach.
However, accidents are always possible in snowy mountains in winter.
It is advisable to avoid walking alone.
Of course, Basho Trip recommends snowshoeing tours in Shiretoko, all of which are led by experienced guides.
Let’s enjoy Shiretoko’s winter properly under the guidance of an experienced guide!
A spectacular snowshoe experience overlooking the mysterious Lake Mashu in Shiretoko
If you’re visiting Shiretoko in winter, why not join a snowshoe tour with a spectacular view of Lake Mashu?
This tour will take you to the Lake Mashu Back Observatory, where you might have a spectacular view of Lake Mashu all to yourself, as the place is not accessible by car or public transportation at this time of year.
Under the guidance of a skilled guide, we will go along a forest road that is gently sloping and is reserved for private use.
The feeling of elation as you make your way along the snow-covered road where no one has ever set foot before will be an experience like no other!
When you arrive at the Lake Mashu Back Observatory, be sure to take pictures of the beautiful Lake Mashu, the clearest lake in Japan.
The Lake Mashu Back Observatory is located at a lower altitude than other observatories, so there is less fog and a better chance of seeing the beautiful surface of the lake!
The beautiful lake, surrounded by powerful mountains, will surely captivate you.
On the way to the observatory or on the way back, if the temperature and humidity conditions are right, you may be able to see a mysterious phenomenon called “fog ice,” in which trees are covered with ice and look like white flowers blooming.
Snowshoeing in Shiretoko is a picture-perfect activity not only for the lake, but also for just walking around. It is truly a must-do activity!
A satisfying Shiretoko snowshoe experience to the mysterious Kaminoko Pond
The next snowshoeing experience you can enjoy in Shiretoko in winter is a snowshoe tour that takes you to a mysterious spot in Shiretoko called Kaminoko Pond.
At this time of year, when the roads are closed due to the snow, the snow field from the start of the tour to Kaminoko Pond can be enjoyed on a private basis!
The 2km one-way tour may sound like a long way, but if you enjoy the feeling of stepping on the fluffy powder snow and admiring the beautiful scenery of the forest road covered in white snow, you will reach your destination in no time.
Kaminoko Pond is one of the clearest pond in Japan, as it is fed by groundwater from Lake Mashu, which is the clearest lake in Japan!
You can even clearly see the water gushing up from the bottom of the pond, and the clarity and beauty of the water is so out of this world that it creates a fantastic atmosphere around the pond.
At this time of year, there’s a good chance you’ll have the whole place to yourself, so you can take all the pictures you want!
Snowshoeing at Kaminoko Pond is a must-do activity if you are planning to visit Shiretoko in winter.
What do you need to prepare for snowshoeing in Shiretoko in winter?
When you decide to try snowshoeing in Shiretoko in winter, you may be wondering what kind of preparation you need.
Basically, everything can be rented, but warm clothes and winter gear are a must!
Even in winter in Shiretoko, where the average temperature is below freezing, you will sweat as you move around on snowshoes, so it is recommended to wear warm, quick-drying underwear.
The tip of your body is the part of your body that feels the cold the most.
In addition to your fingers and toes, your ears can get very cold in the cold weather, so we recommend that you bring ear muffs and a hat that covers your ears.
It is also a good idea to bring sunscreen to avoid sunburn from the snow, and a small backpack with chocolates as a snack.
Even though you will be led by an experienced guide, it is important to be well prepared for a safe and secure snowshoeing experience!
