Shiretoko Sauna & Onsen Guide by KITAKOBUSHI RESORT

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サウナと自然が交わる場所 Where Nature Meets Sauna

Where the cycle of life brought forth by drift ice meets the primordial breath of the earth—this is Shiretoko. In this land shaped by the vast bounty of nature, the Kitakobushi Resort offers a variety of saunas and hot springs designed to bring deep solace to both body and soul. A moment of unity with the universe, where all things are one. Let time slowly flow as you surrender to the water and immerse in profound healing.

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Sauna Facilities

Here, we offer a collection of saunas designed to restore body and mind in harmony with nature. Across four distinct properties, the Kitakobushi Resort offers nine unique sauna experiences, each with its own character and charm.

KAKUUNA KAKUUNA

KAKUUNA

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UNEUNA UNEUNA

UNEUNA

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NEUNA NEUNA

NEUNA

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KUROUNA KUROUNA

KUROUNA

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WHISKING SAUNA WHISKING SAUNA

WHISKING SAUNA

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IGLOO SAUNA IGLOO SAUNA

IGLOO SAUNA

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YUUMI SAUNA YUUMI SAUNA

YUUMI SAUNA

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SAAMI SAUNA SAAMI SAUNA

SAAMI SAUNA

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Lokki Sauna Lokki Sauna

Lokki Sauna

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Onsen Facilities

Each of the Kitakobushi Resort hotels features hot springs that open onto the vast natural landscape of Shiretoko. Immerse yourself in a moment of quiet luxury found only here.

Hot Spring Hot Spring
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Open-Air Hot Spring Open-Air Hot Spring
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BATH HALL Hot Spring
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Open-Air Hot Spring Open-Air Hot Spring
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Hot Spring Hot Spring
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My Favorite Shiretoko

Shiretoko is a place of singular encounters: scenery, flavors, and moments that exist nowhere else. From panoramic landscapes to the quiet footfalls of wildlife echoing through the forest and the stories embedded in local history and culture. Here, we present a collection of hints to help you discover your own favorite chapter in this remarkable land.

Four Seasons of Shiretoko

The Shiretoko Peninsula, facing the Sea of Okhotsk, lies in the eastern reaches of Hokkaido. Here, primordial nature still breathes, and the quiet cycle of life begins with the arrival of drift ice in winter, unfolding gently with the changing seasons. In spring, plankton brought by the ice nourish new life; in summer, the calm sea takes on the stillness of a great lake. By June, wild animals and their young appear, and in autumn, foliage in shades of yellow, brown, and deep green descends from the mountains into the towns below. Then, as all life prepares for slumber, the drift ice returns once more—the source and symbol of life itself.
Come and experience the rich natural beauty of Shiretoko in every season.

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Season 4

Photos 1: © Akiyoshi Kitagawa, Photos 4: © Rico Okaniwa

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KAKUUNA

Inspired by the motif of drift ice, KAKUUNA is a sauna with windows that offer sweeping views of the Shiretoko mountain range and the Sea of Okhotsk. In winter, an endless expanse of drift ice stretches silently across the horizon. At the rooftop TOKONOU TERRACE, guests can enjoy an outdoor air bathing beneath tranquil skies, overlooking the calm sea and the majestic mountains. As night falls, the heavens fill with stars. Let yourself be carried by the changing scenery, and spend time as your mind slowly unravels.

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UNEUNA

UNEUNA evokes the quiet of a wooden cave. This warm, enveloping space opens to panoramic views of the Shiretoko mountains and the Sea of Okhotsk. When winter arrives, drift ice appears beyond the windows, reflecting the ever-shifting expressions of the natural world. At the rooftop TOKONOU TERRACE, enjoy an outdoor air bathing with vast views of the sea and mountains. At night, the sky is strewn with stars. Experience a moment of unity with Shiretoko's remarkable nature.

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NEUNA

Named by combining the Japanese words for "lie(neru)" and "sauna," NEUNA is a sauna where one lies down. What is considered indulgent elsewhere is standard here. Allow yourself to sink deeply, release all tension, and feel warmth circulate from within. Spend time slowly sweating as your body and mind are gently untangled.

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KUROUNA

KUROUNA is a sauna reminiscent of an underground chamber—deep and quiet. The interior, wrapped entirely in black, evokes the feeling of being cradled by the earth. In this space cut off from external light, close your eyes and surrender to the wavering heat. As you do, you may gradually descend into a meditative state.

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WHISKING SAUNA

Enveloped in gentle steam and the fragrance of vihta, this sauna offers a quiet moment to unwind both body and mind. Guests are invited to perform their own whisking, gently fanning themselves with vihta leaves, embracing a soft heat and natural aroma in sauna. With moderate temperatures designed for deep relaxation, let time pass slowly as you return to your breath and the warmth within.

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IGLOO SAUNA

Born in Estonia, the Igloo Sauna features a distinctive curved form reminiscent of a snow hut, enveloped in the warmth of natural wood. As firewood burns slowly and its flame flickers gently, it radiates a comforting warmth that loosens the heart. Listen to the crackle of the firewood and let the soft flow of heat guide you into deep healing.

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YUUMI SAUNA

This sauna is designed to restore balance to mind and body. It is bathed in the shifting colors of the sky and the glow of the setting sun sinking into the horizon. Constructed with cedar logs, the interior exudes a wild and natural character. Wrapped in the gentle scent of wood, enjoy a quiet, luxurious moment of oneness with nature.

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SAAMI SAUNA

This sauna draws inspiration from the traditional designs of the Sámi people, who are said to be the sauna's originators. It features the rich texture of red cedar wood. Tradition and refinement merge here, creating a space filled with warmth that feels both nostalgic and new.

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Lokki Sauna

This private sauna is named after the Nordic word Lokki, meaning “seagull.” As seabirds dance in the coastal air, it offers a primitive and elemental experience of warming the room by feeding the wood-burning stove yourself. Let the scent of timber rise, and the flames flicker slowly as you spend a quiet and singular moment found only here.

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Hot Spring

A panoramic bath hall situated on the top floor of KITAKOBUSHI SHIRETOKO. Beyond the large windows stretches the tranquil and azure sea. Fishing boats and sightseeing vessels drift by, and in winter, the sea is transformed into a vast white expanse of drift ice that reaches the horizon. As you submerge yourself in the warm water, a gentle heat envelops you, quietly dissolving both physical and mental fatigue.

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Open-Air Hot Spring

This is an open-air hot spring inside the bath hall. The pure air and breeze of Shiretoko gently graze your cheeks, and when you look up, nature’s grandeur unfolds endlessly before you. Let the rising steam release tensions from deep within and savor a quiet and luxurious form of healing found only in this place.

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Hot Spring

Beyond the wide-open windows, a forest spreads out before you. Steam rises softly within this open-air space where the breath of the trees is palpable. As though held in the gentle cradle of the woods, allow yourself to unwind slowly and experience a moment of deep, peaceful rest.

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Open-Air Hot Spring

An outdoor hot spring embraced by the vast nature of Shiretoko. The newly redesigned space now includes a rest area where you can breathe in the crisp air and listen to the rustling of the leaves. United with the great nature beyond the drifting steam, enjoy a moment where both body and soul are gently released.

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Hot Spring

A natural hot spring nestled on a hill overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk. The deep blue of the boundless sea and the soft gold of the setting sun blend into the sky, whose hues shift moment by moment. Let your spirit be soothed as you surrender to this serene and luxurious passage of time.

Asobi no Mori

  • Enjoy with Kids

Playtime is a celebration of life. These precious moments, immersed in the joy of play, are an essential part of growing up strong and healthy. This facility encourages children to challenge themselves in a safe environment, enjoying play that fosters the heart, mind, and body. The Kids' Space 'Asobi no Mori' was created from our desire to provide a place where children can play to their hearts' content. We invite you to visit with your child.

KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort

Souvenirs with a Sense of Place

  • Local Souvenirs

The hotel shop is a well-edited collection of local specialties and original goods. Whether it's a keepsake or a gift, something here will carry the spirit of your Shiretoko journey home with you.

Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort, KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort

A Sweet Scandinavian Surprise

  • A Sweet Scandinavian Surprise

In spring 2023, PETER BEIER—a chocolatier beloved by celebrities around the world—opened its first Asian boutique inside Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort. Some of the cacao is sourced from the brand’s own plantation in the Dominican Republic, and each handmade piece is carefully crafted. Tasted here in the northern wilderness, every chocolate becomes something truly exceptional.

PETER BEIER SHIRETOKO

Experiencing Shiretoko through Art

  • Shiretoko through Art

At Kitakobushi Resort, the hotel becomes a living gallery—where every hallway and room whispers stories of Shiretoko. Here, contemporary artworks born from the land and sea meet thoughtful design, inviting guests to see the world anew. It’s where your inner pages turn, and your gaze quietly shifts.

Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort, KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort, Shiretoko Yuhi no Ataruie

Climb a Hot Spring Waterfall

  • Climb a Hot Spring Waterfall

Kamuiwakka Yu-no-Taki Falls Climb is a guided experience in which visitors ascend a series of warm waterfalls. The water temperature increases as they go, ending in a natural bath at around 35 to 38°C—a rare and invigorating mix of hiking and soaking.

Kamuiwakka Yu-no-Taki Falls

Shop for the Local Outdoor Gear

  • Local Outdoor Gear

Located at the entrance to Shiretoko National Park, THE NORTH FACE / HELLY HANSEN SHIRETOKO Store curates gear with the local landscape in mind. Look for exclusive items that make the perfect memento or functional companion for your next excursion.

In Shiretoko Nature Centre

Downhill with the Wind

  • Cycle the Coastline

Shiretoko Pass Downhill Cycling is an effortless adventure: drive to the summit and descend by bike. With gravity on your side, coast past alpine scenery and through breezy forest corridors—a gentle thrill that puts you in direct touch with the terrain.

Shiretoko Pass

Sea Kayaking in Shiretoko

  • Sea Kayaking

For sea kayakers, Shiretoko is a pilgrimage site. Paddle past forested cliffs and into hushed coves, or venture out among the floating ice in winter. This is nature from the water level, with the seasons all around you.

Meet the Night Life In The Wild

  • Meet Animal at Night

Join a night safari by car and slip into the wild after dark. Headlights may catch a sika deer's reflective eyes or a red fox's shape as you venture through the quiet. A different Shiretoko reveals itself once the sun goes down.

Within the World Natural Heritage Area

Shiretoko Sauna Goods

  • Shiretoko Sauna Goods

Kitakobushi Resort's original sauna brand, TOKONOU, takes its name from a play on "Shiretoko" and "totonou" (a Japanese word meaning "to reset and align"). It offers tools and items to enhance the unique sauna culture born in this northern wilderness.

Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort, KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort

Run the Coastal Road

  • Morning Run

Route 334, along Utoro’s coast, is ideal for a morning jog. Take in the salty air and endless blue of the Okhotsk as you reset your pace and rhythm. A refreshing start to any day.

On Route 334

Walking on Drift Ice

  • Walking on Drift Ice

Take part in the unforgettable Drift Ice Walking, a Shiretoko specialty. Dressed in a dry suit designed to keep you warm and buoyant, even first-timers can easily step onto the frozen sea. Listen to the hush of the ice and feel the stillness surrounding you.

Dining with a Sense of Shiretoko

  • Taste of Shiretoko

Inside Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort, "the LIFE TABLE" buffet restaurant showcases the bounty of Hokkaido. Buffet inspired by the theme of “vitality” celebrate seasonal vegetables, seafood, and wild flavors of the region, bringing the landscape to your plate.

Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort

See Beautiful Sunsets

  • See Beautiful Sunsets

Yūhidai Observatory, one of Shiretoko’s celebrated eight views, offers a front-row seat to the sun as it dips behind the sea. Other scenic sunset spots include Cape Puyuni and the town’s coastline. Pick your perch and let the hues carry you into the evening.

Yuhidai Plateau

The Beauty of Drift Ice

  • The Beauty of Drift Ice

Winter transforms the Sea of Okhotsk into a silvery-white expanse. From the ocean-facing rooms at Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort, marvel at a horizon scattered with floating ice. Share a quiet, luxurious moment with friends or family while nature performs at its most austere.

Cape Puyuni

A Taste of Local Craft Beer

  • Local Craft Beer

Just a three-minute stroll from KITAKOBUSHI SHIRETOKO Hotel & Resort, Pirikadelic is a cozy beer spot where you can feel the breeze of Shiretoko. On tap is DOTO, a local craft beer brewed by Brasserie Knot, which is known for its flavors rooted in eastern Hokkaido. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration—sip slowly, take in the crisp northern air, and let the richness of the landscape unfold in every glass.

Pilikadelic

A Wonder of Nature for All Generations

  • A Wonder of Nature for All

Shiretoko Goko (Five Lakes) Set within a World Heritage-listed forest, these serene lakes mirror the Shiretoko mountain range above. An 800-metre elevated boardwalk ensures accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers, making it a tranquil destination for visitors of all ages. Let the birdsong, breeze, and distant stirrings of wildlife connect you with the landscape.

Shiretoko Goko (Five Lakes)

Experience A Primeval Landscape

  • Primeval Landscape

Oronko Rock This dramatic natural formation towers over the Shiretoko coastline. Climb its steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of the Sea of Okhotsk and the untouched terrain below. A place once inhabited by Indigenous peoples, it invites contemplation and deep-time perspective.

Oronko Rock

Discover Shiretoko’s Nature and Human Stories

  • Discover Local Stories

Shari Town Shiretoko Museum From the life-giving drift ice and the ever-present brown bears to the legacy of human settlement, this museum offers a thoughtful window into the region’s past and present. A quiet, reflective stop between adventures.

Shari-cho Shiretoko Museum

Learn about Okhotsk Culture

  • Learn about Okhotsk Culture

Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples This quietly compelling museum explores the wisdom of life in the North. Clothing, tools, and dwellings from Indigenous cultures across the circumpolar region speak volumes about adapting to a harsh environment with ingenuity and grace.

Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples