(1)

Tip of the Shiretoko Peninsula. Beginning around mid-January, ice floes from Siberia push their way south until they are stopped by land here.

(2)

Much of the peninsula is a wildlife reserve, and many Yezo sika deer can be seen at close quarters.

(3)

A sign asking people for information on bear sightings. Shiretoko has one of the highest brown bear population densities in the world. The Shiretoko Nature Foundation collects information from people who see them, and uses the data in trouble-prevention campaigns.

(4)

Matsuda Mitsuki is a nature interpreter at the Shiretoko Nature Center.

(5)

Tamogitake mushrooms grow on trees that were killed by Yezo sika deer chewing away at the bark. The mushrooms are a favorite of local brown bears.

(6)

Brown bear with cub, strolling on a trail meant for humans. Recently, more bears here tend to be blasé when they see a human, giving them the nickname, “new-generation bears.” When hiking at Shiretoko, be sure to watch out for brown bears.

(7)

At Furepe Falls (lower right of photo) there is no river. The falls are fed by groundwater coming out of the side of an almost vertical cliff. The water then flows directly into the sea. Another name for the falls is Otome no Namida (“Maiden's Tears”). The cliffs are an excellent habitat for sea birds, which fly about as if they had no care in the world. A sightseeing boat passes by—another way to see the peninsula.