Before coming to Hokkaido, snowshoeing through snowy terrain was an activity I had long looked forward to!
Paying to walk on snow might not sound very appealing at first, but the real charm of snowshoeing lies in your ability to walk through deep snow. Snowshoes distribute your body weight over a larger surface area, preventing your feet from sinking easily. This means you can access more paths and see more scenery.
I joined a local tour, with the main route starting from the Shiretoko Nature Center and ending near the Shiretoko Shari Viewpoint. I especially wanted to stay at the Shiretoko Grand Hotel,which also offers hotel pick-up and drop-off services, taking us from the hotel to the Shiretoko Nature Center as the starting point of the tour. The guide first gave us an overview and explained precautions, such as not approaching wildlife or feeding them.
In good weather, there’s a chance to spot wild deer or birds, but on the day of our tour, the weather was severe. Under the blizzard, we couldn’t see anything and had to turn back halfway. Even though we couldn’t comfortably enjoy the snowy scenery amid strong winds and heavy snow, that’s nature for you.
You can never fully predict or control it; all you can do is adapt to it, not change it.
Unlike skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing doesn’t require much physical exertion, allowing you to stroll leisurely through the snow. Stepping through deep snow lets you truly feel what it’s like to be surrounded by a world of white.
Furepe Waterfall Snowshoe: Winter Snowshoe Walk in Shiretoko
Practical Information
Price: Adults 5,100 YEN, Children 2,600 YEN
Age Limit: 7 years and above
Time: 09:00–11:30 (December 1 – March 31)
Language: Local guides only provide services in Japanese
http://shinrashiretoko.wixsite.com/shinra/furepe-waterfall-snowshoe
Friendly Reminder: When joining a snowshoeing tour, please prepare waterproof and warm clothing, snow boots, thick socks, sunglasses, a cold-weather hat, and a scarf. Also, be careful with your camera—avoid exposing it unnecessarily, as snow can accumulate and melt on it, forming water droplets that can cause serious damage.
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