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Rock formation · Shari, Hokkaido
Oronko Rock
A rock outcrop about 60 meters high next to Utoro’s port, with a staircase to the top and views of the Sea of Okhotsk, the village, the Shiretoko mountains and the sunset.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Oronko Rock in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Oronko Rock
Oronko Rock is a large volcanic rock on the edge of Utoro’s harbour, about 60 meters high. Beside it are other rocks that shape the village scenery, such as Gojira-iwa, which resembles the profile of a movie monster when viewed from the side.
A staircase of roughly 170 steps climbs the slope to the top, which is flat and covered with grass and flowers in summer. From the summit you can see the Sea of Okhotsk in all directions, the harbour and the houses of Utoro, the coastal cliffs to the north and, inland, the mountains of the Shiretoko range.
The site is the most popular spot for sunset in Utoro: in summer the sun sets over the sea, aligned with the coast. In winter, when sea ice arrives, the top can show the sea covered in white to the horizon, but the staircase may close because of snow and ice.
The climb is short, there is no entrance fee, and it is a few minutes on foot from the guesthouses and Utoro bus terminal. Below, the harbour is the departure point for coastal sightseeing boats, and the village has a seafood market and public bathhouses. Utoro began as a fishing village and the harbour remains active, with salmon fishing boats in autumn. The hot-spring inns line the waterfront, a few steps from the rock, and many have baths facing the sea, from which the rock can also be seen at dusk.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 to 45 minutes, including ascent and descent.
Best time
In late afternoon from May to October, for the sunset over the sea. In winter, from January to March, the top can show sea ice when it arrives, but the staircase may close due to snow and ice. Confirm before climbing.
How to get there
It is in central Utoro, about a 5-minute walk from the bus terminal and the port. There is parking near the port.
Tip
Climb about 40 minutes before sunset and bring a jacket: the wind at the top is usually strong. Combine the visit with the boat tour that departs from the adjacent port.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Oronko Rock
How many steps does Oronko Rock have?
About 170 steps to the top, a climb of a few minutes.
Is Oronko Rock a good spot for sunset?
It’s Utoro’s most popular viewpoint for sunset, especially in summer when the sun sets over the sea.
Is there a fee to climb Oronko Rock?
No entrance fee. The climb is via a public staircase.
Can you climb Oronko Rock in winter?
The staircase may close because of snow and ice. When open, the top shows the sea covered by pack ice, if it has arrived.
Beyond the guide
