Shiretoko is known for its rich natural environment, so much so that it has been registered as a World Heritage Site. Have you heard of "Furepe Falls" in Shiretoko? A mysterious waterfall that seeps out from a cliff and flows into the sea. We have researched Furepe Falls, also known as "Maiden's Tears". Furepe Falls is located on the Utoro side of the Shiretoko Peninsula, near the base of the peninsula. It is located west of the Shiretoko Five Lakes. There is a walking trail from the Shiretoko Nature Center, so we recommend walking there.

(Photo courtesy of Shiretoko Shari Town Tourism Association)

From the Shiretoko Nature Center, walk along the promenade for about 20 minutes (about 1 km) and you will see the observation deck of Furepe Falls. The view from the observation deck looks like this.

(Photo courtesy of Shari Town)

The Furepe Falls cascading down the cliffs is a magnificent sight, but you can also see the Shiretoko mountain range in the distance and the Sea of Okhotsk at your feet; just standing on this observation deck allows you to feel the vast nature of Shiretoko with your whole body.

(Photo provided by laufenke)

To explain the origins of Furepe Falls once again, it is originally a 100m high cliff where groundwater flowing from the mountains seeps out. This waterfall flows directly into the Sea of Okhotsk. Because it trickles down, it is also known as "Maiden's Tears".

(Photo courtesy of Shiretoko Shari Town Tourism Association)

You can enjoy different scenery in each season, from the red leaves in autumn to the frost in winter. The walking trail starting from the Shiretoko Nature Center takes about 40 minutes (about 2km) to go around, and the first half of the trail to the observation deck passes through a forest that still has traces of the pioneering days, so just walking around will make you feel refreshed. You can occasionally see Ezo deer grazing on the grass, and it's a course that lets you feel close to the nature of Shiretoko. You'll also enjoy the journey to your destination, Furepe Falls. If you visit the Shiretoko Peninsula, why not include this in your plans? However, please note that the trails may be closed due to brown bear sightings. <Interview cooperation> Shiretoko Nature Center Address: 531 Iwaubetsu, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido Phone: 0152-24-2114 Official site: https://center.shiretoko.or.jp/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/shiretoko_NC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiretoko_nc/ NPO Shiretoko Shari Town Tourism Association Address: 29-8 Honmachi, Shari-cho, Hokkaido Phone: 0152-22-2125 Official site: https://www.shiretoko.asia/ Shari Town Address: 12 Honmachi, Shari-cho, Hokkaido Phone: 0152-23-3131 Official site: https://www.town.shari.hokkaido.jp/ <Thumbnail photo provided by> LaufenK