Shiretoko is home to one of the world's densest brown bear populations 🐻
It’s a crystal clear day. The sun is high, the water is like glass and the green foliage is visible for miles. Perfect conditions for a summer cruise of Shiretoko’s raw, rugged coastline.
Despite its status as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, many people have never heard of this place, even Japanese nationals.
Located in Japan’s northern island, Hokkaido, Shiretoko Peninsula is home to a dense brown bear population, the rarest owl in the world and more.
Shiretoko translates to “end of the earth” in Ainu, the language of the Indigenous people of Hokkaido (the island of Hokkaido was colonised by the Japanese of the south), some of whom still reside in the area.
Boat cruises like ours offer a unique means of seeing the untouched nature of this area. A variety of options are available from both the eastern village, Utoro, and western village, Rausu, depending on how far you want to go, what animals you want to see, and how close you want to get.
Our boat, the FOX, leaves from Utoro and heads all the way to the famous Cape Shiretoko.
The sound of the motor revving into action.
Kentaro, our captain, has been navigating the waters of Shiretoko since he was young, taking over the business from his father.
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