《最終更新日： Jul 10, 2024》
知床（世界遺産）/ウィキペディア
知床/ Shiretoko in Hokkaido
Shiretoko Peninsula (from Wikipedia)
Shiretoko Peninsula (知床半島, Shiretoko-hantō) is located on the easternmost portion of the Japanese island of Hokkaidō, protruding into the Sea of Okhotsk （オホーツク海）. It is separated from the Russian Kunashir Island （国後島）by the Nemuro Strait （根室海峡）. The name Shiretoko is derived from the Ainu word sir etok, meaning "the end of the Earth" or "the place where the Earth protrudes". The towns of Rausu （羅臼町）and Shari （斜里町）are found on the peninsula.
The Shiretoko Peninsula was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, in recognition of the peninsula being the southernmost point where sea ice usually forms in the Northern Hemisphere.
Geography
From Shiretoko Cape at the tip of the peninsula, a series of volcanoes runs down the peninsula, including Mount Shiretoko （知床山）, Mount Unabetsu （宇名別山）, and Mount Iō （伊王山）. It is part of the Chishima volcanic zone (千島火山帯）. The highest peak is Mount Rausu （羅臼山）. The peninsula is 70 kilometres (43 mi) long and 25 kilometres (16 mi) wide at its base. It covers some 123,000 hectares (470 sq mi).
The peninsula is bounded on the northwest side by the Sea of Okhotsk and the southeast side by the Pacific Ocean. To the east, Kunashiri Island runs parallel to the peninsula. The Kunashiri can be seen from Shiretoko Peninsula. Kunashiri has been occupied by Russia since September 1, 1945, and disputed by Japan.
The cold Oyashio Current （親潮）flows southwest along the east side of the peninsula, and the Soya Current （宗谷海流）flows southeast from the Sea of Okhotsk until it is redirected north along the west side of the peninsula. In winter, the Soya Current carries sea ice south from the Sea of Okhotsk where it dams along the west side of the Shiretoko Peninsula resulting in the lowest latitude regularly occurring sea ice on earth at 43 degrees north.
The volcanic zone has made several onsen possible, including Seseki Onsen （せせき温泉）and Iwaobetsu Onsen （岩別温泉）.
Climate
The Oyashio Current profoundly impacts the weather of the peninsula. Shiretoko Peninsula has short summers and long winters. The current causes fog on the southeastern coast and sea ice in the winter. Snow covers the peaks from September to June, except the very highest peaks, which retain snow all summer long.
The strong subarctic ocean current makes it difficult for boats to navigate. On April 23, 2022, a 19-ton tourist boat with 26 people on board sank during a tour around the Shiretoko peninsula. The boat was found 100 meters below sea level near the scenic site Kashuni Falls. The bodies of 14 people were found and 12 went missing.
Flora and fauna
The Shiretoko Peninsula is home to many species of both conifers and broadleaf trees, including the acorn-bearing Quercus mongolica (mizunaraミズナラ). Siberian dwarf pine trees （シベリア矮性松） grow above 1,000 metres (3,000 ft). Red foxes and sika deer also inhabit the area. There are a large number of Ussuri brown bears. The upper reaches of Mount Rausu, Mount Onnebetsu, and Mount Shari are the only known breeding areas of Arctic warblers (北極ウグイス） in Hokkaidō. Sea eagles flourish here, and seals can be often seen on the coast. The last confirmed record of Japanese otter in Hokkaido was from Shari River.
Whale watching is a popular attraction for tourists. Thirteen or fourteen species of cetaceans have been recorded in the area. Especially for orcas, or killer whales, the waters surrounding the peninsula are regarded as one of the most significant habitat areas in the northwestern Pacific.
Shiretoko Peninsula is one of the few places where groups of male sperm whales （マッコウクジラ） and beaked whales (アカボウクジラ/ハクジラ) including Baird's beaked whales can be spotted from the shore. Other frequently seen species include minke whales （ミンククジラ）,
Endangered populations of humpback whales （ザトウクジラ） and fin whales （ナガスクジラ） in the Sea of Okhotsk have started to recover in recent years. Some beluga whales, or white whales, that are thought to be vagrants from the endangered population in the northern Sea of Okhotsk do occur, specifically a sub-adult individual that continuously appeared at the town of Shibetsu （標津町） for several years in the 2000s. North Pacific right whales （セミクジラ/ヒゲクジラ), the most endangered of all the great whales, have been observed close to the shore mainly on the Sea of Okhotsk side of the peninsula for several times including in 2013, 2018, and 2019.
Conservation efforts
To protect the wild animals and natural environment of the Shiretoko Peninsula, in 1964 a great portion of the peninsula was designated Shiretoko National Park （知床国立公園）. Since then, the park has been subject to strict regulation as a nature preserve, and entering is prohibited.
Shiretoko Five Lakes (from GaijinPot Travel)
A journey into the heart of Hokkaido's pristine wilderness
By Abhijit Sen
Shiretoko Five Lakes (Shiretoko Goko) is a set of five stunning lakes in the heart of Shiretoko National Park, a designated World Heritage Site of Hokkaido. During summer, the area offers visitors a serene escape into unspoiled nature, with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and an opportunity to witness the region’s unique wildlife. The eruption of a volcanic mountain created five small lakes, which are sustained by underground springs. The resulting landscape is a stunning masterpiece of nature.
*serene=ｻﾘｰﾝﾇ=うららかな
A Nature Lover’s Paradise
To ensure the preservation of the delicate ecosystem, an 800-meter-long elevated wooden boardwalk provides a safe and environmentally friendly pathway for visitors. Here, visitors can take in the scenery, including the Sea of Okhotsk. The wooden path is wheelchair accessible and open from late April to late November. For those looking to delve deeper into the splendor of the five lakes, three kilometers of well-maintained nature trails wind through the ancient forests and offer a closer look at each lake. Access to nature trails is regulated from May to July due to bear activity.
Guided Tours and Visitor Information
Visitors can join guided tours led by licensed nature guides that can last around three hours. These tours provide a deeper understanding of the area’s natural wonders while ensuring safety during potential bear encounters. The park restricts the number of visitors on the trails to minimize disturbances to the surrounding wildlife. Additionally, the Shiretoko Goko Lakes Field House and Park Service Center serve as informative bases for visitors. The Park Service Center has a rest area where visitors can try the popular lingonberry ice cream. This natural gem promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Hokkaido’s pristine wilderness.
*****just for your information*****
Shiretoko GOKO Lakes Guide walkTOUR FEE： Age 13 & over
Long route tour (3km/ 3hours) about \5,000
Short route tour (1.6km/ 90minutes) \3,500
*The start time may change significantly due to the number of people who can enter the promenade.
Be sure to check the start time in your reservation confirmation email.
Please be sure to check the meeting time in the final confirmation email two days before. If you are late, you will not be able to enter the walking trail.
Entry qualifications:
Persons who is 7 years old or more can join this tour.
NOTICE:
1. you will walk about 3 km and it takes about 3 hours in case of the long route tour.
2. In Shiretoko Goko rule, The ground pathway route is one-way. Except a brown bear encounter, You cannot retrace it.
3. The pathway will be closed for safety if a bear appears in the area.
4. Shiretoko GOKO(Five) Lakes have the restriction of the number of entry. So meeting time would be informed after the tour has been confirmed.
5. We do the guide tour rain or shine. Please bring rain wear and rain boots for just in case.(there is no rental boots and wear.)
6. The tour might be cancelled or discontinued because of the very bad weather condition.
7. The sweet fragrance induces a bee and a brown bear. Please don't bring any food. You can bring only water and non-sweet tea.
8. Since food can attract bears, food is not allowed unless it is stored in a sealed plastic bag or similar container.Food must also not be consumed at this time. When these rules are not adhered to, offenders are subject to punishment under the Natural Parks Law.
9. Please refrain from consuming alcohol immediately before the tour, and refrain from consuming alcohol, smoking during the tour.
10. Pregnant women may not join this tour.
11. Please refrain from using cell phones during the walk.
12. About morning tour. Accommodation for the night prior to this tour must be a hotel in the Utoro area. Participants will be picked up from their hotel 10 to 15 minutes prior to the tour. Pick-up service is handled by SHINRA.
13. From 2011, visitation rules for the ground pathway at the Shiretoko goko lakes change and vary with the period of the visit.In Bear aware season(May 10 to July 31), visitors can walk along the ground pathway by joining a tour led by a licensed guide.
