What other travelers are saying about Roadside Station Utoro Sirietoku
Roadside Rest Area “Utoro-Shirietoku” is a well-loved stop located along Route 334 in Utoro, Shari Town, serving as a convenient gateway to the Shiretoko Peninsula. Designed in the style of traditional fishermen’s huts, this charming roadside station offers a wide range of services for travelers.
Inside, visitors will find a tourist information center providing updates on weather, sightseeing boat schedules, and local accommodations—making it a useful hub for those heading into the UNESCO-listed national park. The facility features two main shops: Gokkoya, operated by the Utoro Fishing Cooperative, sells fresh and processed seafood from Utoro Port, while Utopia Shiretoko offers a variety of local souvenirs, specialty jams, and sweet treats. There is also an on-site restaurant open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, serving seasonal dishes such as seafood rice bowls, venison burgers, and unique soft-serve flavors like cowberry.
The rest area includes clean, 24-hour restrooms with washlet toilets, a nursing room, diaper-changing facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Parking is spacious, with slots for both regular and large vehicles, including accessible spaces.
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for shops and tourist services, the station extends its hours during peak seasons but closes on Thursdays in December and from December 29 to January 3 for the New Year holidays. Whether you’re beginning your adventure in Shiretoko or simply taking a break along the drive, Roadside Rest Area “Utoro-Shirietoku” is an excellent place to rest, refuel, and gather information.
Road station that has all the usual facilities, souvenir shop, restaurant, tourist information desk, cafe and 24 hr toilets, as well as wifi.
The 2nd building is the Shiretoko nature heritage center.
Roadside Station Utoro Sirietoku offers fresh Hokkaido seafood including sea urchin, crab, and salmon, plus local Shiretoko specialties like soft-serve ice cream and regional snacks. The souvenir shop sells authentic Hokkaido products, Shiretoko-themed gifts, local crafts, and seasonal items perfect for travelers exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Yes, Roadside Station Utoro Sirietoku serves as an excellent base for Shiretoko Peninsula sightseeing. It's strategically located near popular attractions like Shiretoko Five Lakes, Kamuiwakka Hot Falls, and whale watching tours. The station provides tourist information, maps, and serves as a meeting point for guided Shiretoko nature tours.
Roadside Station Utoro Sirietoku is positioned in prime Shiretoko wildlife viewing territory. Visitors can often spot brown bears, deer, and various bird species in the surrounding area. The station is close to famous wildlife watching spots and offers information about safe wildlife viewing practices in Shiretoko National Park.
Roadside Station Utoro Sirietoku provides essential traveler facilities including clean restrooms, free parking, tourist information center, restaurant serving local Hokkaido cuisine, souvenir shop, and rest areas. The station also offers wifi access, vending machines, and serves as a pickup point for some Shiretoko tour operators and shuttle services.
