Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Center, Visitor center and museum in Utoro, Shari district, Japan.
The Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Center is a visitor center and museum located in the Shari district that focuses on the natural environment of the Shiretoko Peninsula. The facility displays animal photographs, detailed models, and natural specimens including bear claws and preserved animal tracks found in the region.
The center was established in 2009 under Japan's Ministry of Environment to protect and educate visitors about the Shiretoko Peninsula's natural heritage. Its creation was part of a broader effort to recognize and preserve this region as a world natural heritage site.
The center reflects how the local community views itself as guardian of rare bird species and marine wildlife found nowhere else nearby. You can observe how this conservation mission shapes daily conversations and priorities in the region.
The center is open from late spring through fall with extended hours, and operates with shorter schedules during colder months. Entry is free, making it accessible to all visitors regardless of budget.
Interactive tablets throughout the facility use augmented reality to display virtual animals that respond to your movements in real-time. This technology creates an immersive experience that brings the local wildlife to life in unexpected ways.
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