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Shiretoko NP, Hokkaido
Claim this place to tell your story your way.
Shiretoko’s sea ice does more than whiten the coast: it helps bring nutrients up from deeper water, feeding plankton. Salmon carry that ocean energy upriver, where bears and other wildlife feed.
At the center, tablets use augmented reality to bring Shiretoko’s animals to life—and the virtual creatures respond to your movements. It’s wildlife interaction without disturbing wildlife.
The center’s hands-on plush animals are made to match real animals in both size and weight. They’re more than cuddly models: visitors can get a surprisingly tangible sense of Shiretoko’s wildlife.
Bear, fox and Ezo deer footprints cross the center’s floor. Follow the tracks to discover the animals that live in Shiretoko—a trail that helps even young visitors find their way through the exhibits.
Shiretoko’s World Natural Heritage symbol was chosen from 595 designs, including 150 by schoolchildren. Its 5 linked, earth-colored shapes represent the region’s connected ecosystems and biodiversity.
When the center opened on April 19, 2009, one of its first public activities invited children to gather information inside and make their own newspaper—a little newsroom in a brand-new heritage center.
The center’s information board helps connect the exhibits to the outdoors, with updates on road and walkway access, sightseeing-boat schedules and local events; the center also shares real-time nature information.
