Shiretoko Peninsula is located on the easternmost portion of the Japanese island of HokkaidÅ, protruding into the Sea of Okhotsk. It is separated from the Russian Kunashir Island by the Nemuro Strait. The name Shiretoko is derived from the Ainu word sir etok, meaning "the end of the Earth" or "the place where the Earth protrudes". The towns of Rausu and Shari are found on the peninsula.
A satellite image of the Shiretoko Peninsula
Sika deer
Hokkaido brown bear
Shiretoko Goko Lakes
Kunashir Island, possibly meaning Black Island or Grass Island in Ainu, is the southernmost island of the Kuril Islands archipelago. The island has been under Russian administration since the end of World War II, when Soviet forces took possession of the Kurils. It is claimed by Japan.
View of Kunashir from the Rausu Kunashiri Observatory Deck
Cape Stolbchaty on the western side of the island
Sulfuric River, Kunashir Island
Kunashir Island coastline: photo taken by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in November 2010