楽天トラベル観光体験
When it comes to remoteness, only a few places in Japan can compete with one of its UNESCO World Heritage sites: Shiretoko National Park. Located far away in the northeast tip of Hokkaido Prefecture, Shiretoko is a land of utterly unspoiled nature. And where nature is unspoiled, it is at its most majestic. The peninsula’s middle is straddled by a mountain range, dividing it into east and west sides. From beautiful lakes to precipitous cliffs, the diversity of nature in the National Park is as staggering as its abundance. Whether you feel called to hike to the top of snow-covered mountains or watch drifting ice in winter, the National Park offers something for every lover of nature, for each season. In such a remote region, the animal kingdom takes over: bears, killer whales, seals, and sea eagles are only a handful of the incredibly rich wildlife in the National Park. Perhaps in Shiretoko, the land and sea come most alive.
Treasures of Nature From All Seasons
Fureppe Falls is a unique waterfall with no river. Fed only by groundwater, the gushing streams of water drop off dramatic granite cliffs into the Sea of Okhotsk. Another unique waterfall in the region is Kamuiwakkayu Falls. The naturally hot water falls into a natural basin formed by the waterfall. For a snapshot of the full splendor of the National Park, Shiretoko Five Lakes is a must-visit. The elevated walk-boards allow you to take in the panorama of primeval forests, mountains, volcano-formed lakes, and utterly unspoiled nature. Deep in winter, the western side also receives ice drifts that floats all across the Sea of Okhotsk. You can watch this majestic spectacle of drift ice from Shiretoko’s shores.
The Grandeur of Mountains
As one of Japan’s most famous 100 mountains, Mt. Rausu is the highest of all mountains in Shiretoko. Standing at 1,660-meters tall, the mountain rises above expanses of ancient forests, land and water ecosystems, and hidden lakes. To truly appreciate Mt. Rausu, traverse across the mountain through one of its hiking trails. At the foot of Mt. Rausu lays Shiretoko’s largest lake, Lake Rausu. On a clear day, you can see a mirror-reflection of Mt. Rausu in the shimmering waters. Shiretoko Pass is a famous national highway connecting Shiretoko’s east and west. Crossing through captivating views of Mt. Rausu and some of the earliest autumn foliage in Japan, this pass is a must-visit for visitors traveling by car.
Bears, Killer Whales, and Eagles
Shiretoko National Park is home to Japan’s largest bear population. The National Park offers a range of activities that allow you to observe the majestic creatures in their natural habitats. In summer, it’s common to spot mother bears roaming around with their cubs. A predator that rules Shiretoko’s seas are the killer whales. These large animals may have a formidable name, but they enjoy playing with each other and splashing their fins around. The spotted seal is another popular inhabitant of the National Park, as well as the white-tailed sea eagle and Steller’s sea eagle. Their diets are a combination of cod, shellfish, and carrion.
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