Shiretoko National Park 1-15 Aug 13

1) Would like to check is it worth visiting Shiretoko National Park in summer between the period of 1-15Aug?

Realized that the Hokkaido Rail Pass cannot be use to travel to this route ..

On budget trip..so wondering if it's worth to proceed..

2) What will be the most cost effective route to reach Shiretoko National Park by public transport? Which mode of public transport?

Plan to cover Sapporo,Furano, Sapporo-Otaru (welcome 1day pass?), Hokkodate and Shiretoko National Park within 1-15Aug.. but kind of confuse on which will be the most feasible and cost effective route.

Arrival and need to departure via Sapporo(Chitose) Airport.

a) via Sapporo station?

b) via Furano / Asahikawa station?

c) via Hakkodate?

d) Or is there route to leverage the 4-days flexi Hokkaido Rail Pass to the max?

3) Kind of shock to find out that accomodation in Japan seems most fully booked especially those economical one.. does it mean that one has to booked few months before arrival??

Hear from you soon! Thanks! ; )

1) Would like to check is it worth visiting Shiretoko National Park in summer between the period of 1-15Aug?
Realized that the Hokkaido Rail Pass cannot be use to travel to this route ..

It can be used as far as Shiretoko-Shari Station. From the station, you can reach Shiretoko in less than an hour by bus:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6854.html

2) What will be the most cost effective route to reach Shiretoko National Park by public transport? Which mode of public transport?

Long-distance buses will likely be the cheapest, but also the least comfortable.

A 4-day flexi rail pass is probably going to be a good value considering the huge distances you are planning to travel. You can calculate the cost of regular train tickets here:
http://www.hyperdia.com/

Kind of shock to find out that accomodation in Japan seems most fully booked especially those economical one..

It is the most busy time of the year in Hokkaido: the peak of the summer holidays. During such times of the year, it is best to reserve in advance.