2024.07.05 Shiretoko is a settlement with buses arriving from and departing for Kafuka Port, and the trekking trail entrance is very close to the bus stop. 【Momoiwa Observatory Route】 I started walking from Kafuka Port via the Momoiwa trailhead, made a loop, and walked back to Kafuka Port. The total time was about 5 hours, but it was a leisurely itinerary, waiting for Rishiri Fuji to appear for photos and relaxing at Kita no Canaria Park. From the port to Momoiwa Observatory, it's uphill all the way, and since I took a slight detour, it took about 50 minutes. From there to Shiretoko, there's a delightful ridge path followed by a gentle descent, so it's easy. However, the path is narrow, so it would probably feel stressful with lots of hikers. I reached the Shiretoko entrance 3 hours after leaving the port (about 14000 steps). For me, the highlights were probably the flower fields visible along the wooden trail protecting alpine plants after passing Momoiwa Observatory, and the stretch after the descent begins where you walk with Rishiri Fuji directly ahead. I recommend climbing from the Momoiwa trailhead and descending to the Shiretoko entrance. You can see Rishiri Fuji in the direction you're walking. Also, the sun will probably shine on Rishiri Fuji more in the afternoon than in the morning. Although there had been a run of clear weather, some sections were muddy, so take particular care in bad weather.

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In the middle of month 5, I trekked from the Shiretoko entrance side toward Momoiwa. The opposite direction is more common, but a local told me that if you walk to Momoiwa, you only need to head downhill to the ferry terminal without taking a bus, making it efficient, and I thought they were right. However, the climb from the Shiretoko entrance to the lighthouse is fairly steep and tiring, so keep going! It took about 2 hours from the Shiretoko entrance to the ferry terminal. (I may walk a little fast)

It's about 2km from the Shiretoko bus stop, and walking slowly, I reached Motochi Lighthouse in about 40 minutes. From Motochi Lighthouse to the finish at Momoiwa Observatory, it's 2.5km, and I arrived in about 75 minutes. I was walking quite slowly, taking photos and enjoying the scenery. The trekking route has lots of ups and downs, and some sections are so narrow that passing others is difficult. The trail surface is firm, so I think you can walk it in athletic shoes. Alpine plants bloom profusely along the path, which is also called Rebun Flower Road. You can look down on Rebun Island's west coast. Bus services from the ferry terminal to Shiretoko are extremely infrequent, so I recommend checking them beforehand.

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From the Shiretoko entrance, past Mount Tsubame to around Kinbai Valley, you can see spectacular views of Rishiri Fuji. Also, from near Motochi Lighthouse to Momoiwa Observatory, the route offers beautiful scenery woven together by Motochi Coast and various plants and flowers. However, it all depends on the weather.

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This route runs from the Momoiwa trailhead to the Shiretoko bus stop. There are no slopes and it's relatively flat, so even older people should have no problems. It's a wonderful hiking route with sea, rocky mountains, greenery, and flowers as far as you can see in 360 degrees. About 2 hours from the Momoiwa trailhead to the bus stop.

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