(SHINRA) Furepe Waterfall Tour

Step beyond the ordinary and immerse yourself in an exhilarating journey where the majestic landscapes of the Shiretoko Peninsula unfold before you. The tranquil beauty of Furepe Falls, a gem nestled between the mountains and the sea, where early mornings are alive with the possibility of wildlife encounters.

Wander through diverse terrains—from lush forests to sweeping grasslands and rugged coastal cliffs—each step reveals the raw beauty of nature. The highlight of your adventure is the breathtaking view from the observatory overlooking the Okhotsk Sea, where the Furepe Waterfall cascades dramatically through the cliffs.

This scenic tour is ideally suited for beginners. It offers a gentle walk on flat roads that promises an enriching experience of Shiretoko's diverse ecosystems.

Discover the allure of the wild—reserve your spot today and capture the spirit of nature's untouched splendor.

Tour Highlights

• Stunning views of the Furepe Waterfall from the observatory overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk.

• Rich in the natural beauty of Shiretoko with the sea, mountains, and waterfalls.

• There is a high likelihood of encountering wild animals, such as deer, during early morning walks.

• Observe wildlife up close and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views from the waterfall's viewing point.

Tour Itinerary

Early Morning Tour

Available Dates: April 1st to September 24th

• Pre-Tour: Guests are picked up from the Utoro area approximately 1 hour to 30 minutes before the tour begins.

• 05:15: Arrival at Shiretoko National Park Nature Center.

• 05:30: Start of the Furepe Waterfall Tour.

• 07:00: Conclusion of the tour.

• Post-Tour: Guests are dropped off in the Utoro area within 30 minutes to 1 hour after the tour ends.

Morning Tour

Available Dates: April 1st to April 20th / September 25th to November 30th

• Pre-Tour: Guests are picked up from the Utoro area about 30 minutes to 1 hour before the tour starts.

• 08:45: Arrival at Shiretoko National Park Nature Center.

• 09:00: Commencement of the Furepe Waterfall Tour.

• 10:30: End of the tour.

• Post-Tour: Guests are dropped off in the Utoro area within 30 minutes to 1 hour after the tour concludes.

What's Included

• Daytour

• English guide

• Shuttle service

What's Not Included

• Beverages

• Insurance

• Food

• Expenses not mentioned

Essentials to Know Before Booking

• Confirm your reservation within four working days.

• An email voucher will be sent two working days before departure; present this e-voucher at the designated location.

• 1 hour and 30 minutes tour duration.

• Arrive on time; late arrivals may result in exclusion from the tour.

• Please avoid using mobile phones during the tour to maintain the natural ambiance.

• Refrain from wearing perfumes and hair styling products, which can attract bees.

• Wear non-exposing clothes and shoes from May to August to protect against mosquitoes.

• From July to August, temperatures may exceed 30°C; take precautions against heat stroke.

• Ensure you are in good physical condition to participate; abstain if feeling unwell.

• Tours operate in the rain, so bring a rain jacket and pants. The organizer may cancel tours if they are deemed unsafe due to weather conditions.

What to Bring:

• Short and long-sleeve shirts

• Comfortable pants suitable for nature walks

• Windbreaker (thin, windproof jacket) recommended for April-June and September-November

• Fleece jacket for more excellent conditions, advisable for April-June and September-November

• Sunshade hat

• Comfortable walking shoes designed for nature trails

• Rain jacket and pants that are packable

• Beverages: Bring water or unsweetened tea (other drinks that might attract bears are prohibited)

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made 11 or more days before the departure date are fully refundable (100% refund).

• Cancellations made 7 to 10 days before departure will incur a 30% cancellation fee.

• Cancellations made 3 to 6 days before departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee.

• Cancellations made within two days of the departure date are non-refundable (0% refund).

Meeting Point

Location: Roadside Station Utoro Shirietoku

Address: 186-8 Utoro Nishi, Niisato-cho, Niisato-gun

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to take this tour?

Ans: The Furepe Waterfall Tour is available from April 1st to November 30th. However, we recommend taking the Early Morning Tour from April to September for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Q: Is transportation provided for this tour?

Ans: Yes, shuttle service is included in the tour package. Guests will be picked up and dropped off at designated locations in the Utoro area.

Q: Can we bring food and drinks on the tour?

Ans: The tour operator does not provide beverages; guests can bring water or unsweetened tea. For safety reasons, other drinks that might attract bears are prohibited.

Q: What should we wear on the tour?

Ans: Wear non-exposed clothes and comfortable walking shoes designed for nature trails. In addition, a windbreaker and fleece jacket are advisable during cooler months (April-June and September-November). From May to August, wearing clothes that cover your arms and legs is also recommended to protect against mosquitoes.

Q: Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Ans: This tour is suitable for beginners and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, guests should ensure they are in good physical condition before participating and refrain from joining the tour if feeling unwell. Children 5 years old and below must be accompanied by an adult.

Q: What happens in bad weather?

Ans: The tour will still operate in the rain, so guests are advised to bring a rain jacket and pants. However, if the weather conditions are unsafe, the organizer may cancel the tour for safety reasons. In this case, a full refund will be provided.

Q: Is insurance included in the tour package?

Ans: No, insurance is not included. Guests are responsible for their insurance coverage.

Related Read: Top 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls and Natural Wonders in Japan