Wildlife

The Shiretoko-Nemuro area lies in the easternmost reaches of Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport acts as the main gateway to Shiretoko from the east, while Memanbetsu Airport and Kushiro Airport are also less than two hours away by car.

The Shiretoko Peninsula makes up a large proportion of Shiretoko’s natural World Heritage site and Shiretoko National Park. It is also the southernmost point in the northern hemisphere to receive drift ice, which flows from the Amur River in Russia and blankets the sea in frozen sheets each winter. It also carries phytoplankton down from the north, fostering a diverse marine ecosystem reminiscent of an aquarium on the open seas.

Fish are a crucial part of this ecosystem, with salmonids playing a more central role than most. They are abundant in both number and variety, and species such as chum salmon and humpback salmon move between the rivers and sea, forming a key part of the diet of animals such as brown bears, foxes, and endangered birds of prey such as Blakiston’s fish owls, Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles. The contribution that salmonids make to supporting the nature of Shiretoko cannot be overstated.

The region is also home to a diverse range of spectacular landscapes, from rugged mountain terrain forged by volcanic activity to vast primeval forest, beautiful wetlands, stunning lake clusters, and cliffs and sandspits carved into the landscape by erosion from wind and drift ice.
The topography and climate of these distinct landscapes are assets for the local people, provide breeding grounds and resting areas for migratory birds, and create the ideal conditions for the coexistence of northern and southern species of seabirds.

Simply put, the Shiretoko Nemuro area is a treasure trove of varied natural landscapes and wildlife that come together to form an abundance of rich ecosystems, all within a radius of just 200km. Amidst this rich nature, local people also base their way of life on the blessings of land and sea through means such as fishing and dairy farming, striving to protect and restore the natural environment around them as they do so.

The area’s outstanding feature is the sheer amount of wildlife to be found. Whether it be from a boat or during any number of outdoor activities, there is no shortage of opportunities observe the local wildlife while maintaining a respectful distance.

As can be seen below, the wildlife that can be seen varies throughout the year.

The Shiretoko-Nemuro area is also renowned as a home for a variety of flora and fauna, including rare seabirds such as the tufted puffin and spectacled guillemot. For this reason, it is considered something of a mecca for birdwatchers from all over the world.
To call it a wildlife paradise is no exaggeration.

To enjoy this abundant nature in safety and comfort, the right clothing and equipment are essential. Temperatures in summer are comfortable, with relatively temperate highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F). In winter, however, temperatures can fall to -20°C (-4°F) and may not go above 0°C (32°F) for several days in succession. There is also significant snowfall to contend with, even though it may not reach the levels found elsewhere in Hokkaido.

When heading out to sea on a winter cruise in search of birds of prey, clothing that is warmer still is needed to contend with the harsh cold that awaits on the water. Binoculars and a camera are also recommended to get the best view possible.

Seasons and Climate

The majority of the Japanese archipelago lies in the temperate zone, meaning that it is relatively warm and experiences a large amount of rainfall. However, weather conditions vary significantly depending on the region or the season. This is partly due to the fact that Japan covers a long latitude range (approximately 25 degrees). The country’s many mountain ranges also have an impact on the climate of the surrounding areas.
Hokkaido is the most northernmost of Japan’s four main islands and has a mostly humid continental climate. The relatively mild heat and humidity mean that summers are generally more comfortable than in other parts of Japan, however, the island experiences severe cold and large amounts of snowfall in winter.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (1991 – 2020)　　

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency　　

Industries

The main industries in the Shiretoko Nemuro area are fishing and dairy farming. Blessed by abundant water that has supported humans and wildlife since ancient times, the area’s seafood is renowned for its high quality and was even presented to Japan’s ruling shogunate over two hundred years ago. Nemuro Strait salmon have appealed to people throughout the ages.The livelihoods of the people, and repeated intercultural clashes and interactions that have continued for 10,000 years.

The history of this land is woven around the abundant natural resource that is salmon.At the end of the Edo period, one Aizu clan retainer focused his attention on this resource and nurtured the bud of the fishing industry.That bud grew into a key industry currently linked to dinner tables throughout the whole of Japan.

There is no end to the unique blessings brought by Shiretoko’s unique marine environment. In addition to the salmon that supports its local ecosystems, the area’s kelp is a key ingredient of dashi broth, which in turn forms the basis for the umami flavor that sets Japanese cooking apart as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The kelp also provides sustenance for another local delicacy, sea urchin. Even when the lakes freeze over in winter, there is under-ice fishing using fixed nets—a practice found in only a few places around the world—while rods are used to catch saffron cod and smelt under the frozen surface. Delicious scallops abound when the drift ice begins to depart in spring, followed by succulent crab when the sea completes its emergence from under the ice.

Dairy farming is also indispensable to the region, and has provided a vital lifeline during temporary declines in fishing catches.
In addition to creating a vast landscape of pastures that can be seen from space—split into grid-like structures by beautiful windbreak forests—local dairy farms turn the blessings of the earth into rich, delicious milk and cheese that is enjoyed across Japan.

Visiting the Shiretoko Nemuro area is a unique opportunity to learn about the lives of local people working in the fishing and dairy industries, and to taste the fresh ingredients that are the fruits of the hard work they do each and every day.

Humans and nature, land and sea, in harmonious coexistence.
Come and experience this convergence of wildlife, people and natural landscapes for yourself.

Recommended plan

• 

  Urausu town, Betsukai town, Nakashibetsu town, Shibetsu town Level

  Summer Activity Tour around Shiretoko National Park

  6 days

• 

  Kushiro city, Nemuro city, Hamanaka town, Betsukai town, Nakashibetsu town Level

  Winter Walking and Nature Watching Tour: Nemuro and Kushiro

  4 days

• 

  Urausu town, Betsukai town, Nakashibetsu town, Shibetsu town Level

  Winter Activity Tour around Shiretoko National Park

  5 days