Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko” (道の駅 うとろ・シリエトク)
is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located at 186-8 Utoronishi
in the town of Shari, Shari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko” |
Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko” Details
Located along National Route 334 in Hokkaido, Roadside
Station "Utoro-Shirietoko" is a must-visit destination for travelers heading to the breathtaking Shiretoko
Peninsula. Officially registered on March 1, 2007 (Registration No. 99),
this uniquely designed roadside station resembles a traditional fisherman's
watchtower, symbolizing the area's deep connection to the sea.
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| Roadside Station "Utoro-Shrientoko" - Shari town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
A Key Tourism Base in Shiretoko
Situated at the entrance of the Shiretoko World Natural
Heritage Site, this roadside station serves as a central hub for visitors.
It offers essential tourist services, local delicacies, and cultural
experiences that make it more than just a quick stop—it’s the beginning of an
unforgettable journey into Shiretoko's wild beauty.
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| Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko” facade |
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| Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Center |
Top Features of Roadside Station Utoro-Shirietoko
Tourist Information Corner
Start your exploration at the information desk, where
friendly staff provide:
- The
latest updates on Shiretoko attractions
- Schedules
for sightseeing boat tours
- Road
conditions and weather forecasts
- Dining
and lodging recommendations
A selection of official merchandise and local souvenirs is also available
here.
Shop – Utopia Shiretoko
This shop offers exclusive local products made from
natural ingredients harvested in the region. Many of the items are processed
in-house, ensuring high quality and authenticity.
Shop – Gokkoya
Managed by the Utoro Fisheries Cooperative, Gokkoya
sells fresh seasonal seafood from spring through autumn. Guests can also
browse through a variety of regional specialties, including dried seafood and
ocean-themed gifts.
Restaurant – Taste the Flavors of Shiretoko
The station’s restaurant highlights seasonal dishes
using locally caught seafood. Favorites include:
- Kaisen-don
(seafood rice bowls) with freshly prepared toppings
- Grilled
fish set meals that showcase seasonal ingredients
The menu reflects the natural abundance of Shiretoko’s land and sea.
Inside Roadside Station "Utoro-Shirietoko"
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| 道の駅 うとろ・シリエトク |
A Perfect Stop on Your Shiretoko Road Trip
Roadside Station Utoro-Shirietoko offers more than just
rest—it provides information, culinary delights, and a sense of place that sets
the tone for exploring one of Japan’s most stunning natural landscapes. With
its strategic location, welcoming facilities, and deep ties to the local
community, this station is an essential part of any Hokkaido travel itinerary.
Shari Pokémon Manhole Cover
One of the highlights on the station grounds is the Shari Pokémon Manhole Cover, part of the "Poké Lid" project in
Hokkaido. This unique manhole cover features Vulpix and Palkia,
making it a fun photo spot for both Pokémon fans and travelers collecting
Pokémon manhole sightings across Japan.
Team Nicerio visits Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko”
Visiting all the roadside stations is one of the secondary
goals of our ambitious Hokkaido 179 journey, where we aim to explore all 179
municipalities in the prefecture. My family and I stopped at Roadside Station
“Utoro-Shirietoko” for the first time on September 17, 2023, during the second
day of our “3-Day Respect for the Aged Road Trip.” This memorable visit also
marked my 685th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. My daughter and
I didn’t miss the roadside station stamp for our collection. Aside from that,
we were also able to take photos of the Shari Pokémon manhole cover and the
Shari colored manhole cover installed at the roadside station grounds.
Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko” Fees
It’s FREE to park, use the toilet, and connect to the WiFi
of Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko”. However, it is highly recommended that you
bring cash just in case you want to buy souvenirs.
Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko” Operating Hours
Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko” operates daily from 9:00
AM to 5:00 PM, while the restaurant inside is open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Please note that during December, both the facility and the restaurant are
closed every Thursday. If you’re collecting roadside station stamps, be aware that stamps are not
available on days when the station is closed, so plan your visit accordingly.
Why Visit Roadside Station Utoro-Shirietoko?
From travel planning and shopping to dining and discovering
local culture, Roadside Station Utoro-Shirietoko offers a well-rounded
experience for those journeying into eastern Hokkaido. With its close proximity
to the natural wonders of Shiretoko and the added charm of a rare Pokémon
manhole cover, this stop is both practical and memorable.
Getting to Roadside Station Utoro-Shrietoko
From Shiretokoshari Station, make your way to the nearby Shari Bus Terminal. From there, board the Shiretoko Line bound for Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal, operated by the Shari Bus Company.
Get off at the Michi-no-Eki Utoro Shirietoku bus stop.
Travel time: 50 minutes
Fare: 1,650 yen
Ratings
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.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko”")
.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko”")
.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko”")
.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko”")
.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoko”")
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