Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey takes me to the remote Shiretoko Peninsula, exploring the volcanic landscape passing many bays along the coast to Shiretoko Five Lakes, then over a mountain pass to get a first view of Russia. From there we return to Kiyosato.
Today's Journey
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From Kiyosato we head along the only road heading into the remote Shiretoko, meaning "The End of the World" in the indigenous Ainu language. |
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The River of Oshinkoshin absolutely full of fish. I have never seen so many fish in one place. This is just before the road heads into a tunnel going through a volcanic headland. |
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A short distance upstream is the Oshinkoshin Falls, flowing over an old lava flow oxygenating the water which is perhaps what is attracting the fish, or perhaps they are stuck here because they cannot go any further upstream to lay their eggs. |
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Passing Kameiwa Point just before Uturo fishing port. It looks very much like a turtle. |
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From Uturo the road heads inland over a small volcanic plateau. We park and follow a track to Furepe Falls, plunging into an old volcanic crater with one of its sides eroded away by the sea. |
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From the crater the road follows the Akai River upstream to the top of Shiretoki Saddle under Rausu Dake. From this pass I have a view across to the Kuril Islands, which is owned by Russia. I plan to travel through Russia later, but I've now had my first glimpse of it. |
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Returning down the mountains we almost reach the coast, but turn off to explore Shiretoko Five Lakes. From here the Shiretoko Range (with Rausu Dake to the right) reflects in one of these lakes, formed by lava flows from the mountains. |
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Looking eastward along the range to Japan's easternmost point. Amongst these mountains is Mount Io, a sulphur mountain. This view is from one of the smaller lakes. |
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A deer grazes the fresh summer grass as we continue following the five lakes circuit discovering most of the lakes, but two are closed off because there is a bear in the area. |
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Returning to the road, we head over the hills back towards Kiyosato with a stop here just before Uturo. Shari Dake is visible on the horizon. |
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