Shiretoko Nature Cruise

The Shiretoko World Heritage Nature Cruise goes around the Shiretoko Peninsula and allows visitors to see the beautiful scenery of the land.

There are multiple Shiretoko Nature Cruises that you can take to go around the Shiretoko Peninsula. The main one is the Shiretoko Sightseeing Ship Aurora (おー ろら). The starting point of the cruises leaves from the Utoro Port in the Shiretoko Peninsula. The course of the ships’ goes along the western coastline to Cape Shiretoko or if the group does not have the time to be on a boat for 3 hours then there are options available to do half. If people choose to do half the course then they will only reach Mount Io instead of Cape Shiretoko.

In 2005, Shiretoko was declared a World Heritage Site, which allowed residences to maintain and protect their various living creatures and biodiversity. Furthermore, cruises can also provide passengers a chance to see animals in their natural states along the coast depending on the season. Other views include the scenery given by the tall cliffs with waterfalls and sea caves in a panoramic setting. In fact, there are many views that one can see and photograph or record along the coast that cannot be experienced on land up close. For instance, though there are paths that lead more than halfway into the peninsula, the coastal view gives its unique point of view to passengers riding along the coast from the Okhotsk Sea. Since Shiretoko is known as a “waterfall kingdom,” some of the waterfalls can be seen during the cruise.

The Kamuiwakka falls can be seen from the boat and is known for its hot spring water. The steam, yellow residue on the rocks and strong sulfur smell can be experienced while on the cruise. Another waterfall that can be seen is Furepe falls, which is also known as “Maiden Tears.” It is called that because the groundwater of the falls comes out of cracks within the cliffs giving onlookers a sad feeling because it looks like the rock face is crying. Depending on the size of boat you choose to take will determine how close you will be able to get to the shore. The smaller boats can maneuver closer rather than larger cruises, but it is more expensive. No matter what option you choose it will be well worth it.

Please see below for tours that include Shiretoko Nature Cruise: