The Shiretoko Peninsula became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 for its rich ecosystems and drifting sea ice.
Shiretoko projects into the Sea of Okhotsk from northeastern Hokkaido, Japan. Its relatively undisturbed forests, wetlands, coastal waters and alpine environments support brown bears, Steller sea eagles, Blakiston’s fish owls and marine mammals. Seasonal sea ice strongly influences the peninsula’s food chains and coastal ecology.
The name Shiretoko comes from an Ainu expression meaning “the end of the Earth,” referring to its position at the far northeastern end of Hokkaido. Much of the peninsula is protected within Shiretoko National Park, established in 1964.
The site is especially notable because land and sea ecosystems remain closely connected. Visitors often associate Shiretoko only with wildlife cruises, but its World Heritage status covers a broad natural system extending from high mountains to the surrounding marine environment.