Shiretoko, Nature reserve in Hokkaido, Japan
Description
Shiretoko is a nature reserve and World Heritage Site in northeastern Hokkaido, stretching across a narrow peninsula that juts into the Sea of Okhotsk. The landscape combines volcanic mountains, dense forests, and steep coastal cliffs that drop directly into the sea.
History
The peninsula became a national park in 1964 and gained World Heritage status in 2005. Recognition came after decades during which the region remained largely isolated and difficult to access.
Culture
The name comes from the Ainu language and means „the end of the earth
Practical
Access is through the town of Shari, which can be reached by bus or car from larger towns in Hokkaido. Hiking trails and boat tours along the coast offer different ways to explore the landscape.
Did you know?
Brown bears and sea eagles use the coast in winter when pack ice from the north covers the sea. The drifting ice pieces bring nutrients and marine life that draw unusual wildlife to the shore.
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Shiretoko Peninsula
37.6 km
Mount Rausu
34.2 km
Kamuiwakka Falls
26.6 km
Kashuni Falls
13.8 km
Tyatya
73.5 km
越川橋梁
71.1 km
Mount Iō
27.1 km
Kurils Nature Reserve
59.7 km
Mendeleyeva
51.9 km
Furepe Falls
37.3 km
Shiretokomisaki lighthouse
750 m
Cape Puyuni
37.8 km
Golovnin
56.9 km
Mount Tenchō
38.7 km
Ruruidake
65.6 km
Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Center
40.9 km
Shiretoko National Camping Ground
40 km
Smirnov
64 km
Mount Chinishibetsu
42.3 km
Rausu Kunashiri Observation Tower
38.4 km
Shiretoko Museum
71.2 km
Širetoko-Iwo-zan
27.2 km
Rausu Lighthouse
35.4 km
Rausu Municipal Museum
55.1 km
Mount Shiretoko
13 km
Mount Onnebetsu
46.6 km
Mount Unabetsu
63.5 km
Oshinkoshin Falls
46.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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