jeudi 3 mai 2012

Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaïdo, Japan


Shiretoko National Park (知床国立公園 Shiretoko Kokuritsu Kōen) covers most of the Shiretoko Peninsula at the northeastern tip of the island of Hokkaïdo, Japan. The word "Shiretoko" is derived form an Ainu word "sir etok", meaning "end of the Earth"
One of the most remote regions in all of Japan, much of the peninsula is only accessible on foot or by boat. The park is best known as the home of Japan's largest brown bear population and for offering views of the disputed Kunashiri Island, claimed by Japan. The park has a hot springs waterfall called    Kamuiwakka Falls (カムイワッカの滝 Kamuiwakka-no-taki). Kamui wakka means "water of the gods" in Ainu.