SHIRETOKO Kokun Kekun
6,2/10 Good - Based on 37 reviews
SHIRETOKO Kokun Kekun sits on the Utoro fringe of Shiretoko, framed by native forest and the nearby coastline. The low‑rise wooden property offers around seventeen compact Japanese‑style rooms alongside a few western rooms, with ocean‑view and forest‑view options; most guest rooms do not contain private baths, so shared bathing facilities are provided. The atmosphere is straightforward and focused on nature access rather than luxury, and the ryokan operates seasonally to align with the drift‑ice period and the summer sightseeing season, making it a calm base for exploring the World Heritage coastline.
Bathing facilities comprise communal hot‑spring baths including an indoor onsen and an open‑air rotenburo that looks out toward trees and sky; the property notes that tattoos may limit access to communal bathing areas. Meals are served in a modest dining space with an Asian‑style breakfast and an emphasis on local seafood when available. Practical amenities include free parking, Wi‑Fi in public areas, a small laundry facility and a shuttle service or help arranging local activities such as wildlife cruises and guided walks.
Located a short drive from the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center and within easy reach of coastal sights and waterfalls, the ryokan offers quick access to boat trips, short hikes and seasonal wildlife viewing. Staff provide local advice on schedules and seasonal highlights like drift ice and bird migration. For travelers seeking a modest ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido, Kokun Kekun delivers unadorned, well‑situated rooms, communal hot‑spring bathing and close proximity to the natural attractions of Shiretoko.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: SHIRETOKO Kokun Kekun
Positive Reviews
Excellent location and views
Multiple guests praised the setting — ocean and nature views, sunsets from the baths, and proximity to local attractions (e.g. Shiretoko Five Lakes). Many said the location made outings convenient and enjoyable.
Relaxing onsen experience
The hot springs, including outdoor baths with flowing (kake-nagashi) water, were highlighted as clean, pleasant and often uncrowded, giving guests a relaxed, almost private bathing experience.
Tasty meals
Several reviews specifically mentioned good food at dinner (and breakfast), with guests enjoying the meals served at the ryokan.
Friendly, responsive staff
Guests reported helpful and quick staff responses in several instances (for example, room changes or assistance), contributing positively to their stay.
Good value and nostalgic charm
Many reviewers felt the ryokan offered good cost performance — lower price than alternatives — and liked the renovated old/retro Japanese style, free parking, and adequate room size/amenities for the price.
Negative Reviews
Cleanliness and hygiene problems
Multiple complaints about cleanliness: dirty toilets, unpleasant bed coverings or smells, and insect issues in rooms. Some guests reported needing to use insect repellent provided by the property.
Lack of air conditioning and temperature control
Several guests noted no room air-conditioning or poorly functioning climate control, making rooms uncomfortably hot in summer; one review reported feeling unwell due to high room temperature.
Old facilities, thin walls and noise
The building is dated for some guests — thin walls and non-soundproof doors mean footsteps and neighboring noise travel easily. A number of reviewers warned it feels like an old apartment and may surprise those expecting a modern hotel.
Shared/small bathrooms and limited room amenities
Many rooms have shared bathrooms; some guests found baths/ drains problematic or small. Other amenity issues included few electrical outlets, limited vending-machine/restaurant options nearby, and no elevator.
Check-in, staffing and safety concerns
Several reviews described confusing remote check-in procedures, multiple emails, or absent/unreachable staff. A few raised more serious safety concerns (electrical wiring, lack of on-site staff), and some experienced mismatches between booking photos/descriptions and the actual room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are Japanese-style with futons: twin (2 guests), triple (3 guests) and quad (4 guests). Shared bathrooms are common and extra beds or cots are not provided.
Yes — the property offers hot spring baths including a public indoor onsen and an open-air bath for guests. Note that entry to public bathing areas may be restricted for guests with tattoos.
The property advertises public and open-air baths but does not list private/reserved onsen as standard; please contact the ryokan directly to request a private bath or reservation.
The ryokan offers shuttle/transport arrangements through its staff and can organise transfers on request. It’s recommended to arrange transfers in advance of arrival.
Memanbetsu Airport is roughly 90–95 km away; a seasonal direct airport bus takes about 2–2.5 hours, while driving takes approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on conditions. Alternatives include train plus local bus via Abashiri/Shari or a pre-arranged shuttle.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 21:00 and check-out is until 10:00.
An Asian-style breakfast is provided and there is a coffee shop on site; dinner options are limited at the ryokan, so guests often use nearby local restaurants for evening meals.
Pets are not permitted. Children of all ages are welcome, but the property does not provide cots or extra beds.
Yes — there are local seafood restaurants and small eateries near the ryokan, including a nearby seaside eatery; for larger supermarkets or wider shopping options, head to Shari town by car or bus.
The ryokan is close to Utoro coastal sights and Shiretoko National Park (about 1.3 miles / 2.1 km away), with walking access to coastal viewpoints and waterfalls; local buses connect Utoro and Shari, and free on-site parking is available for drivers.