Shiretoko 知床

Japan's pristine peninsula

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In one of the most isolated areas of Japan, a remarkable interaction of land and sea continues untouched and unabated. It is this mix of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and the astounding biodiversity it creates, that saw the Shiretoko Peninsula listed as a World Heritage Site in 2005.

The heavily forested peninsula, in Hokkaido's extreme northeast, is about 20km wide and juts some 70km into the Sea of Okhotsk. Here, seasonal drift ice forms further south than anywhere else in the northern hemisphere, providing a breathtaking sight. The ice also brings an abundant amount of plankton to the peninsula's coastline, providing a perfect habitat for marine life such as salmon.

During the autumn breeding season, the salmon ascend upstream and are preyed upon by Shiretoko's brown bears, sea eagles and other land animals. Remains of these species are returned to the earth, nourishing the peninsula's abundant plant life.
The biodiversity of the peninsula includes endangered and endemic species such as the Blackiston's Fish owl and the Viola kitamiana plant. The site is globally important for threatened sea and migratory birds as well as large mammals like the Steller sea lion and the brown bear that densely inhabit the region.

The northern end of the peninsula is a national park. The few human settlements outside of the park engage in limited fishing, with no forestry or farming to upset Shiretoko's pristine environment. Roads lead no further than about three-quarters up the peninsula however some of Shiretoko's famed scenic sites, such as the Shiretoko Five Lakes and the Kamuiwakka Falls, remain accessible to carefully managed tourism. The spectacular drift ice is also a seasonal drawcard for the adventurous eco-tourist.