Shiretoko National Park, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Shiretoko National Park, Japan? If you're planning to go to Shiretoko National Park, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Shiretoko National Park
  2. Important essentials for Shiretoko National Park
  3. Activities for Shiretoko National Park
  4. Shiretoko National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Shiretoko National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Shiretoko National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Shiretoko National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Shiretoko National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Shiretoko National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Shiretoko National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Shiretoko National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Shiretoko National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Shiretoko National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Shiretoko National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Shiretoko National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Shiretoko National Park, Japan

Based on the climate and weather in Shiretoko National Park, Japan, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Shiretoko National Park, Japan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Shiretoko National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Shiretoko National Park, Japan by month

January

January in Shiretoko National Park can be extremely cold and extremely snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shiretoko National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Shiretoko Five Lakes, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Shiretoko National Park is unbearably cold and extremely snowy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shiretoko National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right type. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Shiretoko Five Lakes, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Shiretoko National Park is frosty and extremely snowy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shiretoko National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Shiretoko Five Lakes, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

In April, Shiretoko National Park is pretty cool, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Shiretoko National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shiretoko National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

If you go to Shiretoko Five Lakes, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you visit Shiretoko National Park during May, you will probably notice that it can be very chilly and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shiretoko National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to Shiretoko Five Lakes, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

If you visit Shiretoko National Park during June, you are likely to see that it is brisk and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shiretoko National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you go to Shiretoko Five Lakes, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July in Shiretoko National Park can be chilly and extremely rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shiretoko National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right type. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Shiretoko Five Lakes, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August in Shiretoko National Park is relatively cool and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shiretoko National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Shiretoko Five Lakes, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you visit Shiretoko National Park during September, you are likely to find that it is chilly and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shiretoko National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Shiretoko Five Lakes, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

If you go to Shiretoko National Park in October, you will notice that it is chilly and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shiretoko National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you go to Shiretoko Five Lakes, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in Shiretoko National Park is pretty cool, somewhat snowy and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. It also snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shiretoko National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Shiretoko Five Lakes, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

If you are traveling to Shiretoko National Park in December, you will notice that it is frigid and extremely snowy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow almost every day. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shiretoko National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Shiretoko Five Lakes, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Shiretoko National Park, Japan

Shiretoko National Park is located in the northeastern part of Japan's Hokkaido island. The park stretches over 386,000 hectares and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including brown bears, foxes, deer, and eagles. Shiretoko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts thousands of visitors every year. In this article, we will explore the top tourist attractions in Shiretoko National Park.

1. Shiretoko Five Lakes

The Shiretoko Five Lakes are the park's most popular attraction. These five interconnected lakes are surrounded by untouched forest and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the first two lakes, but access to the other three requires a guided tour. The water at the Shiretoko Five Lakes is crystal clear and home to various species of fish.

2. Kamuiwakka Falls

Located in the central part of the park, Kamuiwakka Falls is a beautiful waterfall that flows from the top of a cliff. The waterfall is 80 meters high and is surrounded by thick forest. Visitors can take a dip in the natural hot springs located at the base of the waterfall. The water here is believed to have healing properties, and visitors can relax in the warm water while enjoying the stunning views.

3. Shiretoko Pass

The Shiretoko Pass is located at an altitude of 738 meters and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sea. Visitors can take a scenic drive up to the pass or take one of the hiking trails that lead to the top. The pass is also a great place for spotting wildlife such as bears and deer.

4. Furepe Waterfall

Furepe Waterfall is a 20-meter tall waterfall that is located in the southeastern part of the park. The waterfall is surrounded by dense vegetation and offers a stunning backdrop for photography. Visitors can take a short hike to the waterfall and enjoy the tranquillity of the area.

5. Rausu Onsen

Rausu Onsen is a hot spring resort located on the eastern coast of the park. The resort offers various outdoor and indoor hot spring baths where visitors can relax and enjoy stunning sea views. Rausu Onsen is also a great base for activities such as whale watching, sea kayaking, and fishing.

In conclusion, Shiretoko National Park is a natural paradise that offers some of Japan's most stunning scenery. The park's diverse wildlife, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs are just some of the attractions that make Shiretoko a must-visit destination for nature lovers. From hiking to hot spring dips, there is something for everyone in this beautiful national park.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Rio Grande do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Pampatar, Venezuela, Barra Velha, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Augusta, Maine, United States of America, Necoclí, Colombia, Palai, India, Isla del Tigre, Honduras, Wister, Oklahoma, United States of America, Cotignac, France, and Vienna, Austria.