Shiretoko

Shiretoko is a largely wilderness peninsula on the northeastern tip of Hokkaido, Japan, recognized for high biodiversity, intact terrestrial and marine ecosystems and outstanding natural scenery. The area is protected as a national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage property for its ecological values.

The Shiretoko area has long-standing protection under Japan’s national park system and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its intact ecosystems and role as a habitat for large predators and marine assemblages.

The Shiretoko Peninsula projects into the Sea of Okhotsk in northeastern Hokkaido; the nearest local settlements providing visitor access are the towns of Utoro and Rausu on the peninsula’s coasts.

• Protected freshwater lakes: The Shiretoko Five Lakes are a compact group of five small lakes set in forested terrain and accessed by controlled boardwalks to protect fragile ecosystems.
• Coastal wildlife and drift ice: Boat tours along the coast offer the best chance to see marine mammals and seabirds, and drift ice in winter creates a seasonal wildlife spectacle along the Okhotsk coast.

What to See #

• Shiretoko Five Lakes: A system of boardwalks and marked trails around the Shiretoko Five Lakes allowing close observation of freshwater lakes, surrounding forest and wildlife under seasonal access rules.
• Rausu and Utoro coastal waters and boat routes: Coastal marine zones and boat-access routes off Utoro and Rausu used for wildlife viewing, including seabirds, sea mammals and seasonal drift ice observation.
• Mountain trails and viewpoints: Mountain routes and nature trails providing access to upland habitats and viewpoints, used seasonally and often managed for limited visitor numbers to protect wildlife.