Shiranuka is located in the western part of the Kushiro Subprefecture, at the mouth of the Charo River into the
Pacific Ocean. It is approximately 30 kilometers west of central Kushiro City. The town is sandwiched between two enclaves of Kushiro City on either side. It is approximately 90 kilometers east of
Obihiro City. The northern part of the town tends to be at a higher elevation.
Japan National Route 38 and the
Nemuro Main Line railway run east–west along the Pacific coast in the south. Shiranuka Town Hall is located near
Shiranuka Station on the Nemuro Main Line, and it is also close to Shiranuka Port. The Senshiro Industrial Park was developed near the administrative border with Kushiro City at the eastern end of the town. The majority of the population is concentrated along the coast. The runway of
Kushiro Airport straddles the administrative border with Kushiro City.
Neighboring municipalities •
Kushiro •
Ashoro •
Honbetsu •
Urahoro Climate According to the
Köppen climate classification, Shiranuka Town has a
humid continental climate. Its climate is characterized by large temperature fluctuations, as well as large annual and daily temperature ranges. Even within the cold zone, Shiranuka receives significant snowfall and is designated as a
heavy snow zone. In winter, temperatures below -20 °C are not uncommon, making it extremely cold. In summer, due to the influence of the
Kuril Current, dense fog can occur along the coast, with a maximum temperature of around 20 °C in summer. Snowfall tends to be slightly lower than the rest of Hokkaido, and the local region is known for a high proportion of overcast or foggy days. {{Weather box
Demographics Per Japanese census data, the population of Shiranuka has declined in recent decades. ==History==