Station Shari

Your Gateway to Shiretoko’s Natural and Cultural Wonders

Shari, located just a five-minute walk from JR Shiretoko Station in the heart of Shiretoko’s central town, is more than a roadside station—it’s the vibrant hub of the region’s tourism and community life. Nestled at the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shiretoko Peninsula, it serves as the ideal starting point for exploring pristine wilderness, local traditions, and authentic Hokkaido experiences.

The station boasts a modern, sustainable community space called COBAKO Shari, where visitors can browse locally crafted goods, enjoy a café, and learn about regional conservation efforts. Highlights include a vibrant display of the iconic Shiretoko Neputa floats, interactive digital information kiosks, and a cozy community room used for cultural exchange. Nearby, the Shiretoko Museum and the scenic Ikuko Native Flower Garden offer enriching extensions to any visit, making Shari the perfect base for both adventure and discovery.

Shari roadside station is the essential gateway to Shiretoko, uniquely positioned just a five-minute walk from Shiretoko Shari Station. It’s the only place where you can experience the full spirit of the region’s cultural heritage, including the original floats from the annual Shiretoko Shari Nebuta Festival, displayed year-round. Beyond culture, it’s the only spot to sample authentic Shiretoko crafts and the official “Shiretoko Toko-san” merchandise, developed by the local community. With direct access to the pristine Shiretoko National Park and the nearby Ikuwa Alpine Flower Garden, it’s the perfect starting point for travelers seeking both natural beauty and authentic local connection.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to experience the full range of activities at COBAKO Shari before the 17:30 closing time, especially if you plan to attend the community events hosted there.

• Hidden Gems: Stop by the COBAKO Shari café between 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM to enjoy freshly brewed coffee and seasonal snacks made with local ingredients, as the menu changes monthly based on regional harvests.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the COBAKO Shari shop between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to view the limited-edition "Shiretoko Toko-san" merchandise released during the month, which often sells out quickly.

• Cultural Insight: See the neputa float display in the main hall between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to learn about the "Shiretoko Shari Neputa" festival, with detailed information available via the touch panel at the town information corner.

• Nearby Attraction Timing: Head to Iku-ko Natural Flower Garden approximately 4 km from Shari roadside station between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM on a sunny day in early summer to capture the best photos of Ezo Scilla, beach roses, and lupines with the Shiretoko Mountain range in the background.

• Water Experience: Take a short 10-kilometer drive to Izu no Mori Koi no Mizo (Koi no Mizo Spring) and refill your bottle with the natural spring water, known for its constant 6°C temperature and unique "good fortune" name, best accessed during daylight hours when the park is open.

• Local Connection: Use the community room at Shari roadside station, open during weekdays, to attend a free local craft workshop or cultural talk hosted by town residents—check the schedule at the information counter upon arrival.

Spring (March–May): Wildflowers bloom at Ikuko Alpine Garden in early summer, with Ezo skunk cabbage, beach roses, and lupines at peak from June.

Summer (June–August): The Shiretoko Shari Nebuta Festival runs in July, featuring displayed floats and vibrant cultural events.

Autumn (September–November): No specific seasonal highlights mentioned in the content.

Winter (December–February): The roadside station closes annually from December 31 to January 5.