Shiretoko, Nature reserve in Hokkaido, Japan
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.
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.
The name comes from the Ainu language and means „the end of the earth
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.
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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