Shiretoko: Snowshoe hike in primeval forest with wildlife

Summary

Follow animal tracks through Shiretoko’s winter forest to a hidden waterfall

You’ll follow animal trails on snowshoes through Shiretoko’s ancient forests with a local guide, spotting deer or foxes if you’re lucky. Visit the frozen Tears of Man waterfall and see sea ice stretching across the Sea of Okhotsk — moments you’ll remember long after your boots come off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how quiet it felt under all that snow in Shiretoko — not silent, exactly, but muffled. Our guide, Yuki, handed out snowshoes and helped me with the straps (I always get them twisted). She pointed to a line of tiny hoof prints crossing the path — Ezo Sika Deer, she said, and I tried to imagine them moving through here at dawn. The air smelled sharp and cold, like wet wood and something sweet I couldn’t place. We set off behind Yuki, crunching along what she called “animal highways.” Honestly, I was half-expecting to trip over my own feet but somehow it just worked.

I’d never used snowshoes before this day trip in Shiretoko, so every step felt new. The forest was thick with old trees — some trunks so wide you’d need two people to hug them. At one point we stopped because Yuki spotted fox tracks (she called them “Ezo Red Fox,” which sounded almost mythical). She told us stories about how locals read the snow for signs of life. There was a moment when the wind picked up and shook loose a flurry from the branches above; it landed right down my neck. Everyone laughed — even me, after I stopped shivering.

The best part? Reaching the waterfall they call Tears of Man. It’s hidden away and in winter it freezes into these strange blue shapes — not what I expected at all. We stood there for a while without talking much; just listening to water somewhere underneath all that ice. On the way back, I caught a glimpse of the Sea of Okhotsk covered in sea ice beyond the trees. It looked endless and kind of lonely but beautiful too, you know? I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Primeval Forest Snowshoe Hike

• Explore Shiretoko primeval forests with snowshoes
• Visit hidden frozen waterfall “Tears of Man”
• View Sea of Okhotsk ice field and Shiretoko Mountains
• Wildlife watching: Ezo Sika Deer and Ezo Red Foxes

Top questions

Is snowshoe rental included on this Shiretoko hike?

Yes, free rental of snowshoes is included if there’s enough snow.

Can children join this wildlife watching tour?

Yes, children aged 6 years or older can participate.

Will we see wild animals during this day trip in Shiretoko?

You have a good chance to spot Ezo Sika Deer or Ezo Red Foxes along the way.

Are ski clothes provided for this tour?

Free rental ski wear is available; just let them know your size in advance.

How long does the snowshoe hike last?

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours total.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Do I need previous experience with snowshoes?

No experience is needed; your guide will help you get started.

What’s included

Your day includes free rental of ski wear (just share your size), rubber boots from 22cm–28cm if needed, plus woolen hat and waterproof gloves on request. A local guide leads you through Shiretoko’s snowy forests to hidden spots like the frozen Tears of Man waterfall before heading back together.