Ororonko Rock

Overview

Ororonkoiwa is a roughly 60-meter-tall rock located in Utoro, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido. It sits next to the sightseeing boat pier in Utoro Port on the Shiretoko Peninsula. It's one of the Eight Views of Shiretoko. Stairs lead to the summit, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Okhotsk Sea from its flat top. Climbing over 200 steep stone steps, you'll reach a flat summit offering expansive views of the incredibly clear Okhotsk Sea—so clear you can see through to the reefs below—along with the town of Utoro and the Shiretoko mountain range. The name "Ororonkoiwa" is said to originate from the Orokkos, an ethnic group considered foreign to the Ainu people, believed to have inhabited the rock. Near Ororonkoiwa, you'll find the Utoro District Public Parking Lot and the Takejiro Matsuura Memorial Monument. Takejiro Matsuura was a Northern explorer and is considered one of the people who named Hokkaido. He visited Shiretoko three times and introduced this area to the world in his "Shiretoko Nikki" (Shiretoko Diary). In honor of his achievements, a monument was erected in 1988, the 100th anniversary of his death. The view from Ororonkoiwa is truly awe-inspiring! This spot is highly recommended for those who want to spend some time surrounded by magnificent nature and appreciate its tranquility. Ororonkoiwa is a must-see sightseeing spot where you can experience the nature and history of Shiretoko.