Mt Shari

Mt Shari (Japanese: 斜里岳) is a hyakumeizan* peak that rises at the western edge of the Shiretoko Peninsula. It's a broad, rugged peak shaped by erosion, with ridges that sweep outward like open arms toward the plains of Abashiri and the forests of Shari. Its topography is defined by spacious upper slopes, deep river valleys and an expansive summit area that is more like a high plateau than a single pointed peak. Because it stands slightly apart from the main Shiretoko spine, Mt Shari has a distinctive and solitary presence.

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Shari marks the transition between the cultivated lowlands of eastern Hokkaido and the wild, protected interior of Shiretoko National Park. For centuries it served as a landmark for travelers moving between the coast and the inland plains, and today it remains one of the most accessible and popular peaks in the region. Unlike the more remote mountains deeper in Shiretoko, Shari offers a gentler gateway into the peninsula’s rugged world, making it a beloved mountain for hikers across Hokkaido.

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The views from the summit are superb. To the east, the Shiretoko range rises in a jagged line toward Mt Rausu (羅臼岳); to the west, the vast Abashiri plain stretches toward the Sea of Okhotsk; and below, the forests and wetlands of eastern Hokkaido unfold. On clear days, the coastline can be seen to the north.

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The hiking is long, steady and richly varied, although the weather was not great when I was there. The hike climbs steadily through a river valley and through quiet forest before emerging onto broad ridges. One of the two courses heads up past a series of waterfalls. The final approach is a gentle walk across spacious alpine ground, leading to a summit located on a broad plateau.

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* 100 famous mountains of Japan

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(All information here is based on personal observations and experiences. Check official sources before planning or starting any hikes.)