Japan in Motion---Pro-web casting from across Japan.

Shiretoko

■The Shiretoko Peninsula

The 65 kilometer long Shiretoko peninsula, in the northeast of Hokkaido, is one of Japan’s most pristine wildernesses. Much of the peninsula, a narrow strip of land with a string of volcanoes forming its spine, is inaccessible except by foot, creating a haven for an abundance of wildlife including a number of endangered species and the highest concentration of bears in Japan.

The peninsula and its surroundings were important to several groups of Ainu, and the name Shiretoko itself comes from an Ainu place name meaning “the end of the earth.” The peninsula has many hot springs, lakes and waterfalls, including Kamuiwakkayu Falls, a hot spring waterfall that is very popular with visitors to the area. At the southern end of the peninsula, the volcano Iwozan (or Iozan) is relatively easy to access. Extruded sulfur from past eruptions have left white, crystallized formations on Iwozan’s slopes that gleam like snow when seen from a distance.

In 1964 Shiretoko became Japan’s last national park, and in 2005 UNESCO acknowledged its importance by naming it a World Heritage Site. The waters surrounding the peninsula are part of its unique environment, home to several species of sea mammals and one of the southernmost points to see pack ice in winter. Travelers in search of a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience can arrange to backpack the length of the peninsula, seeing a part of Japan where very few people venture. Alternately, at least two companies offer summer boat trips up the rugged west coast of the peninsula, allowing passengers spectacular views of waterfalls, tidal caves, sea eagles riding the drafts above towering cliffs and, quite possibly, whales or Hokkaido’s famous brown bears.

If you’re really interested in going off the beaten track in Japan, the Shiretoko Peninsula is just about as remote as you can get.

>>Access
Memanbetsu Airport====(110 min. by bus or car)====Oshinkoshin Waterfall====(10 min. by bus or car)====Utoro Shiretoko Cruise Boat

>>Fee (Shiretoko Yuransen)
- To Iwozan (Utoro---Kamuiwakka Waterfalls---Iwozan, about 1 hour)
(End of April through November)
Adult: 3,000 yen, Child (Elemntary student): 1,500 yen

-To Shiretoko Cape (Utoro---Kamuiwakka Waterfalls---Iwozan---Shiretoko Cape, about 3 hours)
(June through September)
Adult: 8,000 yen, Child (Elementary studentl): 1,500 yen

-Matt Mangham

>>Hotels and Ryokans in Chitose Area
>>Tours in Hokkaido