Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 768 reviews
Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel sits on a coastal hillside overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk and functions as a large, family-oriented property close to the Shiretoko National Park. The hotel combines contemporary Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring and choices of beds or traditional futons, and it provides a range of room categories suitable for couples, families and groups. Onsite facilities include multiple dining venues, an indoor pool, a game hall and a compact spa; the property operates a shuttle to the Utoro onsen terminal and offers free parking and Wi‑Fi.
Bathing is a central feature: the property offers extensive natural hot spring facilities with indoor and outdoor baths, a hot tub and a sauna arranged for communal use, with seasonal views toward the coast and surrounding forest. For visitors seeking a classic ryokan experience, this ryokan with onsen in Shiretoko, Hokkaido provides large public onsen areas complemented by smaller bathing options and professional massage services, making it easy to unwind after hikes or wildlife excursions.
Meals emphasize local produce, with a buffet restaurant serving a broad selection of seafood and regional dishes alongside smaller specialty outlets; the dining setup accommodates families and guests with dietary needs when informed in advance. The hotel’s scale and range of services make it practical to arrange day trips around Shiretoko — guided boat cruises, nature walks and seasonal wildlife watching are available nearby — and staff can assist with reservations and scheduling. Its combination of accessible amenities, varied food choices and comprehensive bathing facilities makes it a straightforward base for exploring the Shiretoko area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen (large and relaxing)
Many reviewers praise the hotel's onsen as spacious, relaxing and a major highlight — ideal for unwinding after sightseeing or hiking.
Extensive and tasty buffet dining
The dinner and breakfast buffets are repeatedly described as huge with a wide variety of dishes, good quality food and made‑to‑order options, making half‑board convenient.
Great location and sea views near Shiretoko
Guests value the hotel's proximity to Shiretoko National Park and Utoro, with many rooms offering beautiful views of the Sea of Okhotsk and convenient access to local sights.
Spacious, comfortable rooms
Rooms (including tatami/futon and Western styles) are frequently noted as very large, clean and comfortable with good sleeping arrangements.
Helpful staff and useful services
Staff are generally described as friendly and professional; the hotel offers practical services such as coach transfers, laundry facilities and helpful on‑site amenities.
Negative Reviews
Huge, dated property feels impersonal
Multiple reviewers say the hotel is very large with older/1980s‑style decor that can feel impersonal or ‘kitsch’, lacking the intimate Japanese atmosphere some guests expect.
Buffet can be crowded and costly
Although food is plentiful, guests report the buffet area can become hectic or like a 'battle zone', and some feel dinner prices are expensive.
Maintenance and cleanliness issues reported
A few guests experienced problems such as rooms not fully cleaned after previous guests, sightings of bugs, and neglected/rumbling children’s play equipment — indicating occasional maintenance lapses.
Complex layout and large facilities can be confusing
The size and layout of the property mean some facilities (notably the women's public bath) are hard to find or overly complicated to access, which detracts from the experience for some visitors.
Location requires effort to reach on foot
The hotel sits above town; several guests note a steep uphill walk from the center (difficult in heat or snow) and recommend a car or bus for easier access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary from twin rooms for 2 up to suites and large Japanese‑Western rooms that can accommodate up to 9 guests; many rooms combine beds with extra futons for families.
Yes — the hotel offers natural indoor and open‑air hot spring baths and a sauna; the property also normally provides private family baths for same‑day reservation, though availability can be limited.
The hotel runs a free shuttle between Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal and the property (please call ahead to reserve); airport access is usually by the Memanbetsu airport liner or car transfer to Utoro, with seasonal schedules to confirm.
From Memanbetsu Airport it’s about 1 hour 40 minutes by car or roughly 2 hours by airport liner to Utoro plus the short hotel shuttle; from Sapporo there are long‑distance buses and train routes with local bus connections to Utoro.
The hotel provides English information on its site and staff can assist in English to a reasonable degree, though some local tours and services may be primarily in Japanese; the front desk can help arrange English‑speaking guides if needed.
Dining includes a large buffet restaurant featuring local seafood and regional dishes, plus a noodle restaurant, bar and coffee shop; buffet breakfast and dinner services are available for guests.
Many rooms have tatami areas and guests are provided yukata; sleeping arrangements may be beds or futons depending on room type, offering a blend of Japanese and Western styles.
The hotel is a gateway to Shiretoko National Park attractions such as Oronko Iwa and Shiretoko Pass, ice‑floe cruises/icebreaker tours in winter, and guided nature excursions — many activities can be arranged through the hotel.
Pets are not accommodated at the hotel; there is an on‑site shop selling local products and the front desk can direct you to nearby convenience stores or supermarkets in Utoro or Shari.
Check‑in begins at 3:00 PM and check‑out is by 10:00 AM; to arrange shuttle pickup from Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal or to request early/late arrival assistance, contact the hotel in advance.