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About Shiretoko
- Location
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Shiretoko is a peninsula at the northeastern tip of the island of Hokkaido, Japan.
- Origin of Name
- The word "Shiretoko" is derived form an Ainu word "sir etok", meaning "end of the Earth".
- Recognition
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In 2005, Shiretoko National Park, which covers the entirety of the Shiretoko Peninsula and its surrounding marine area was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance as a habitat for a number of endangered plants and animals and its well preserved ecosystem.
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Ecosystem, Beauty of Nature, Untouched
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To protect the wild animals and pristine natural beauty of the Shiretoko Peninsula, in 1964 Shiretoko Peninsula was designated as a National Park. Since then, the park has been subject to strict regulation as a nature preserve.
Shiretoko Peninsula is home to a variety of wildlife. Brown bears, dear, foxes, sea eagles and seals can often be seen.
Whale watching is a popular tourist attraction. Thirteen or fourteen species of cetaceans species have been recorded in the area. Especially for Orca, Killer Whales, the waters surrounding the peninsula are regarded as one of the most significant habitat areas in the northwestern Pacific. Sometimes whales can even be seen from shores.
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Drifting Sea Ice (流氷Ryuhyo)
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Every winters, a truly amazing nature phenomenon occurs. Sea Ice is formed in the Sea of Okhotsk and they drift along the north-eastern coast of Hokkaido, reaching the coast of Shiretoko Peninsula. It is the southernmost regions in the northern hemisphere to see drifting sea ice. It is a once-of-a-life-time experience to see this nature great beauty.
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Beauty of the seasons
- Every seasons is a distinctively different world here at Shiretoko. You can enjoy the lively green of the spring, the bursting colors of the summer, and the falling leaves in the fall.
- Ainu Culture
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Ainu culture in the Shiretoko region appears in the 13th century. Many animal and plant names derive from the Ainu language, like the name "Shiretoko", another example is a hot springs waterfall called Kamuiwakka Falls. Kamui wakka means "water of the gods" in Ainu. Although the Japanese government do not make great efforts in promoting, preserving and supporting the Ainu culture. Reminiscence of the Ainu cultures such as folk arts and artisan shops can be found in the region.
- Kunashiri Island, the disputed land
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Kunashiri Island, meaning "Black Island" in Ainu, is the southernmost island of the Kuril Islands (controlled by Russia and claimed by Japan) can easily be seen from Shiretoko.
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Must See
- Shiretoko is one the must-see places in Hokkaido, or even in Japan for its magnificent beauty of nature.
About Shiretoko Noble Hotel
- Overview
- Shiretoko Noble Hotel, located inside the Shiretoko National Park (Shiretoko Peninsula), with convenient access to Bus/Ferry Terminal, is a great place for accommodation for exploring the natural beauty of Shiretoko. We are a luxurious hotel on the outside, while a Ryokan at heart. Newly opened in June 2010, our guests can enjoy the comfort of our guest rooms and facilities, designed modernly by bringing in the best of western and Japanese styles. Our friendly and helpful staff ensure our guests a wonderful stay and time here in Shiretoko. Not to mention the fresh and local seafood and the steamy hot spring bath that we offer. We truly welcome you to your luxury home at surrounded by the nature of Shiretoko.
- Ease of Access and Convenience
- Though Shiretoko is a remote area, literally the eastern tip of Hokkaido and even of all Japan, once you arrived at Shiretoko Noble Hotel, everything is easy. Both the Bus and the Ferry Terminal is within walking distance. There is also a convenient store right besides and restaurants nearby. While it is easiest to explore Shiretoko by driving from Shiretoko Noble Hotel, even if you do not come with cars we can arrange transportation for you to major attractions.
- Ocean, Sunset Views
- Shiretoko Noble Hotel is a great place to enjoy viewing the ocean, especially during sunset. Our lobby, dinning hall, and part of the guest rooms all face the ocean widely. The coast line is just a few hundred metres away. There are also some small hill stones you can climb easily near the coast line where you can have a panoramic view of the ocean.
- Affordable Luxury
- You can enjoy all of the above at very affordable prices. Please check out our prices.
