ITINERARY
Get in touch with the intricate cycle of life in the midst of majestic nature
Tags
The Shiretoko Peninsula boasts one of the highest density brown bear populations in the world. Orcas and whales also appear in the surrounding sea. The nutrients carried by the drift ice along the coast in winter become food for plankton, which benefit salmon who then swim upstream in rivers. They in turn serve as food for creatures like brown bears and Blakiston’s fish owls, bringing the bounty of the sea to the mountains. This cycle nurtures the abundance of the forests, with the rivers returning it to the sea. This trip will let you experience Shiretoko’s unique life cycle for yourself.
Itinerary Highlights
- Gain a deeper understanding of Shiretoko's forests with a guided walk at Furepe-no-Taki Falls and a nighttime safari-style tour.
- Learn about coexistence with wildlife at the Shiretoko Five Lakes, where brown bears roam and salmon return upstream to spawn.
- Experience the dynamic landscapes of the Shiretoko Peninsula from sea level and observe whales and dolphins up close.
Join a guided walk to Furepe-no-Taki Falls and a nighttime safari-style tour to discover Shiretoko's natural riches
In the morning, taking a bus from Memanbetsu Airport, you arrive in Utoro in Shiretoko for lunch. Shiretoko has been undertaking an initiative since 1977 called the “Shiretoko 100-Square-Meter Movement,” with the aim of reviving its primary growth forest. In the afternoon, you take a guided forest walk around Furepe-no-Taki Falls with views of the falls and the sea. This introductory hike takes you on a leisurely walk along a 1-kilometer boardwalk, where you will learn about the difficulty of restoring native forests, as well as the effects of doing so. Afterward, stop by the Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Center to gain an overview of Shiretoko's natural environment and Shiretoko National Park.
After checking into the hotel, you join a night tour where you experience the deep darkness of nature, which is completely different than in town. Enjoy the atmosphere of Shiretoko's nighttime forest, where you can sense signs of wildlife such as Ezo deer and red foxes. This portion of the tour takes place by car, so you'll feel safe exploring the nature of Shiretoko by night.
Be inspired by Shiretoko’s life cycle and natural environment by observing salmon and hiking around the Shiretoko Five Lakes with its brown bears
In the morning, you wake up early and watch salmon swim upstream. While observing these powerful fish, you'll deepen your understanding about the cycle of life in Shiretoko. After that, you board the Aurora, a Shiretoko tourist boat, and set out on the Rusha Bay route. It will give you a different view of the dynamic scenery of Shiretoko Peninsula than from land, including with views of cliffs that are 200 meters high. You may even observe brown bears and other wild life along the way.
After lunch, you join a guided tour of Shiretoko Goko Lakes. While the guide explains about keeping a safe distance from brown bears, you’ll get an understanding of how to live in harmony with wild animals. This will help you explore the five lakes and their forest with their many flora and fauna, experiencing the majesty of nature.
Watch whales, dolphins and other marine life up close on a Shiretoko cruise and tour
The ocean around the Shiretoko Peninsula is habitat for a wide range of fish thanks to the rugged topography of the seabed. In the morning, you join in the "Whale, Dolphin, and Bird Watching" cruise and tour. It offers the chance to observe sperm whales, orcas, dolphins, and more up close. Of course, your guide will provide detailed commentary on area’s ecology and details about its wildlife.
Afterward, visit the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center to review the tour while learning about orca skeletons, the ecology of the Blakiston's fish owl, and more. After lunch, you go by car to Nakashibetsu Airport.