Oronkoiwa Rock, Hokkaido

“Oronkoiwa Rock” is a giant rock of 58 meters high in Shari-cho, Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido. Near the tip of Utorosaki, there are Oronkoiwa Rock and Triangle Rock, and the area is maintained as Utoro port. The Utoro port is also a region with many rock formations, including Godzilla Rocks. Also here, Utoro hot spring town is near.
Oronkoiwa Rock is known as a famous spot of the setting sun, and a promenade is set up to the summit, so it is possible to climb. Entrance is free, and there are promenade, restroom and parking lot on site. In addition, parking lot is available free of charge.
“Oronko” is Ainu, meaning “rock that sits there”. There is also a legend of Ainu related to this rock.
A mischievous tribe called “Orokko” used to use this megalith as a stone fort. However, it is said that the Ainu people used seaweed to create an imitation of a whale and defeat the Orokko tribe to end the mischief of the Orokko tribe. The descendants of this Orokko family still live in Sakhalin in Russia and Japan.
This rock has a promenade on the slope and can be climbed to the top. There are about 230 steps of stairs, but it seems to be difficult to climb because the slope is steep. Because the steps are large, it is better to climb with comfortable shoes. You will arrive at the top in about 10 minutes. The flat top is like an original flower garden. Wildflowers such as Kamchatka stonecrop and day lily bloom. A promenade is also set up, and you can enjoy 360-degree beautiful views such as Shiretoko mountain range, Utoro hot spring town, Utoro port and Chashikotsu Saki, and it is an atmosphere like a big observation deck. You will be surprised at the good view when you climb it.
It is also known as a spot to watch the sunset go, and there are many visitors in the evening. 30 to 60 minutes will be enjoyed to the fullest.
Only about 400 meters from the center of Utoro, restaurants, souvenir shops and convenience stores can be found nearby.
In addition, “Eagle liner” runs between Sapporo and Utoro, and access is convenient.

Designated as wildlife protection zone

It seems that people lived in the Shiretoko Peninsula from prehistoric times, and there are many remains of thousands of years ago. Around the 10th century, due to the influence of the Okhotsk culture, Ainu people built cultures that value the rich nature that is blessed, and they worshiped bears and killer whale as gods.
In recent years, in order to preserve this rich nature, it was designated as a national park in 1967 and a nationally designated wildlife protection zone in 1986. It is also known as the place where the first national trust movement in Japan was developed.

The Ainu word meaning “a rock sitting there”

In the such Utoro port of the Shiretoko Peninsula, the stone rock shaped like a strange shape about 60 meters high rises against the background of the clear blue sea of Okhotsk. That is well known “Oronkoiwa Rock” which is one of the Shiretoko Hakkei (Eight Views of Shiretoko). The name “Oronkoiwa Rock” comes from the Ainu word meaning “a rock sitting there.”

You can overlook 360 degree landscapes

This rock, which was once an island, also now continues to land and can walk to the summit. Currently the side of the Oronkoiwa Rock is a stone step. As you climb that steep staircase, you can see that the upper part is flat. The view from there is outstanding, and you can overlook 360 degree landscapes such as Utoro townscape and Shiretoko mountain range.

The sense of achievement after having reached is exceptional

It is hard to climb the 170 stairs steps, but the sense of achievement after having reached is exceptional. Due to the damage of Ezoshika (Hokkaido deer), the plants that have become less visible in other areas also live without being eaten in the summit of the Oronkoiwa Rock.

It is a rock that seems to be strong as you see it

Beside Oronkoiwa Rock there is a rock called “Godzilla Rock”. As the name suggests, “Godzilla Rock” looks like Godzilla. It is a rock that seems to be strong as you see it. The official name is said to be the “Candle Rock”.
From the direction of the Oronkoiwa Rock, it seems that Godzilla is standing. Even if it sees Godzilla Rock from the other angle, it is not likely to be visible to a form like Godzilla.

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