Shiretoko is renowned for its rich natural environment, so much so that it has been registered as a World Natural Heritage site. Have you ever heard of Furepe Falls, located in this pristine area? It's a mysterious waterfall that seeps out from a sheer cliff and flows directly into the sea. Let's explore Furepe Falls, also known as the "Maiden's Tears."

Furepe Falls is located on the Utoro side of the Shiretoko Peninsula, near its base. It is situated to the west of the Shiretoko Five Lakes. There is a well-maintained walking trail from the Shiretoko Nature Center, so it is recommended to go on foot.

(Photo courtesy of Shiretoko Shari Town Tourist Association)

After a 20-minute walk (about 1 km) one way from the Shiretoko Nature Center along the trail, you will see the observatory for Furepe Falls.
Here is the view from the observatory.

(Photo courtesy of Shari Town)

While the sight of Furepe Falls cascading down the sheer cliff is magnificent, you can also see the Shiretoko Mountain Range in the distance and the vast Sea of Okhotsk below. Just standing at this observatory allows you to feel the immense nature of Shiretoko with your entire body.

(Photo courtesy of laufen克)

To explain how Furepe Falls was formed, it is essentially groundwater flowing from the mountains that seeps out from the middle of a 100-meter-high sheer cliff. This water then becomes a waterfall, flowing directly into the Sea of Okhotsk. Because it trickles down gently, it came to be known as the "Maiden's Tears."

(Photo courtesy of Shiretoko Shari Town Tourist Association)

You can enjoy different scenery with each season, from the autumn foliage to the frozen falls in winter. The walking trail starting from the Shiretoko Nature Center is a loop of about 2 km, taking approximately 40 minutes to complete. The first half of the trail to the observatory is particularly refreshing, as it passes through a forest that retains remnants of its pioneering days.
You might even see Ezo deer grazing, making it a course where you can feel close to the nature of Shiretoko. The journey to the destination, Furepe Falls, is just as enjoyable as the falls themselves.

When you visit the Shiretoko Peninsula, why not add this to your itinerary? However, please be aware that the trail may be closed due to brown bear sightings.

＜Special Thanks＞
Shiretoko Nature Center
Address: 531 Iwaubetsu, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0152-24-2114
Official Website: https://center.shiretoko.or.jp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shiretoko_NC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiretoko_nc/

NPO Shiretoko Shari Town Tourist Association
Address: 29-8 Honmachi, Shari-cho, Hokkaido
Phone: 0152-22-2125
Official Website: https://www.shiretoko.asia/

Shari Town
Address: 12 Honmachi, Shari-cho, Hokkaido
Phone: 0152-23-3131
Official Website: https://www.town.shari.hokkaido.jp/

＜Thumbnail Photo Courtesy＞
laufen克