Shiretoko Peninsula

A volcanic peninsula in northeastern Hokkaido inscribed by UNESCO in 2005 for the marine and terrestrial ecosystem driven by sea ice that drifts down from the Sea of Okhotsk. The road into the peninsula ends at Shiretoko Five Lakes, where boardwalks circle five small lakes through brown bear habitat. Drift-ice cruises from Utoro run February through March; sightseeing cruises in summer get close to the cliffside Furepe and Oshinkoshin waterfalls. The peninsula has two gateway towns, Utoro on the western shore and Rausu on the east, connected by Shiretoko Pass, which closes for snow.