Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko, meaning 'the end of the earth' in the Ainu language, is located on a remote peninsula jutting into the Sea of Okhotsk in northeastern Hokkaido. This wild and rugged landscape remained largely untouched by human development due to its harsh climate and difficult terrain. The Ainu indigenous people considered Shiretoko sacred, and their respect for the land's spiritual power helped preserve its pristine nature for centuries.

In 2005, Shiretoko became Japan's third natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique ecosystem where marine and terrestrial environments create an exceptionally rich food chain. The area is one of the world's southernmost regions to experience seasonal sea ice, which brings nutrients that support a remarkable diversity of marine life. This abundance sustains one of the world's densest populations of brown bears, as well as endangered species like Blakiston's fish owl and Steller's sea eagle.

The park covers 386 square kilometers of peninsula, from volcanic mountains to rocky coastlines and kelp forests beneath the waves. Shiretoko represents a rare example of nature functioning without significant human interference, offering scientists valuable insights into natural ecosystems. For visitors, it provides an increasingly rare opportunity to experience true wilderness and observe wildlife in their natural habitat, while also learning about the Ainu culture's harmonious relationship with nature.