Shiretoko Pass, Hokkaido
Shiretoko Crossing Road (Shiretoko Pass) Summer snow on the mountain—I couldn't help pointing
I followed Shiretoko Crossing Road up to Shiretoko Pass, 738 m above sea level. Standing beside my red convertible, I spotted snow on Mount Rausu in the middle of summer.
At the pass in summer, the big draw is Mount Rausu and the snow lingering on its slopes. When I learned you could still see snow there in late July, I found myself searching carefully.
SummerLate July
I wanted someone to see the summer snow
I pulled into the Shiretoko Pass car park and took a breather. I'd kept my eyes on the road while driving, so now I wanted to take my time looking at the mountains. Standing beside my red convertible, I looked up and saw Mount Rausu right in front of me. It seemed closer than I'd expected, and I found myself standing a little straighter.
As I looked at the mountainside, a white patch caught my eye. At first I thought it was rock, then wondered, "Wait—is that snow?" The moment I realized it was, it suddenly felt special to find it here in summer. Until then I'd been looking at the mountain as a whole, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from that one patch.
I raised one hand and pointed at the snow. "Look, there's still snow!" I even called out, but no one was beside me to share it with. Who was I talking to? I caught myself and laughed a little, but I was still pointing at the mountain. When I'm surprised, I guess I want to show someone even when I'm alone.
I lowered my hand and took in the whole mountain this time: the snow, the green slopes, and the rocky face near the top. Once I noticed one detail, I started looking at everything around it. It was the same mountain I'd been seeing from a distance, but now I realized how much more closely I was looking.
I was heading back to the car when I turned around one more time. I'd already confirmed there was still snow, but I wanted another look, thinking, "It really is summer, isn't it?" I stood beside the red car for a while, tracing the mountainside with my eyes. I was excited to get back on the road, but I didn't want this little detour to end.
At last I got back into the driver's seat and took hold of the wheel. My hand, which had been pointing at the mountain, was back on the steering wheel where it belonged. Eyes on the road again, I started looking forward to telling someone about it later: finding snow in Shiretoko in summer, and blurting out "Look!" when I was alone. I bet I'll end up telling both parts.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialties
Summer pink salmon (Okhotsk salmon)
For a meal on the Utoro side, there's the restaurant at Roadside Station Utoro-Shirietoku. In summer, it features dishes made with pink salmon (Okhotsk salmon). I found myself wanting to try Shiretoko's local food while talking about the snow I spotted on the mountain.
Highlights
Mount Rausu from Shiretoko Pass
From this pass along the ridge of the Shiretoko Range, you can look out at Mount Rausu. After getting out of the car, I kept staring until even the small details on the mountainside caught my eye.
Snow lingering on the slopes into summer
The pass is known for lingering snow on the slopes, still visible in late July. When I spotted it in summer, I was so surprised that I instinctively pointed.
Getting there and the drive
Along Shiretoko Crossing Road to Shiretoko Pass
- Route
- The road linking Utoro and Rausu Town
- Pass elevation
- 738m
Shiretoko Pass is at the highest point of the road between Utoro and Rausu Town. After taking a break in the car park, I was completely distracted by the lingering snow on Mount Rausu.
There's a car park at Shiretoko Pass. Once you've parked and stepped out, you can take your time looking at Mount Rausu, unlike when you're behind the wheel.
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