Things to do in Shari： Frepe Falls

Furepe Falls: A mysterious waterfall in Shiretoko called the Maiden’s Tears

Frepe Falls, a popular tourist spot on the Shiretoko Peninsula, is a beautiful waterfall that falls into the Sea of ​​Okhotsk from an approximately 100 meter cliff. It is also called “Maiden’s Tears” because of the way the water trickles down through the cracks in the rocks, and is counted as one of the eight scenic views of Shiretoko. Furepe Falls is an unusual type of waterfall, where rainwater and snowmelt that fall on the mountain become groundwater, seep into the cliffs, and flow directly into the Sea of ​​Okhotsk.The delicate flow of water fascinates visitors.

 

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20 minute hike one way from Shiretoko Nature Center

Furepe Falls can be reached in about 20 minutes one way from the Shiretoko Nature Center. The trails are well-maintained, wide, and paved, so even beginners and families can enjoy hiking with peace of mind. Along the way, there are forest areas, grassland areas, and observation areas overlooking the ocean, where you can enjoy different natural scenery. Particularly in the grassland area, on a clear day you can see the magnificent grassland spreading out against the backdrop of the Shiretoko Mountains, and the whole journey itself provides a refreshing hiking experience.

 

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Encounter with wild animals: Sika deer and wild birds too

The area around Furepe Falls is home to a rich variety of wild flora and fauna, and is especially known for being able to observe sika deer up close. Along the way, you’ll often see deer grazing on grasslands or emerging from nearby bushes, allowing you to enjoy natural interactions with wild animals. You can also hear the chirping of birds everywhere, and enjoy a hiking experience surrounded by nature. However, brown bears also inhabit the Shiretoko area, so be careful not to bring in sweet foods or make excessive noise.

 

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Spectacular views of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and the Shiretoko Mountains from the observation deck

Follow the Furepe Falls promenade until you reach the final viewing platform. From here, you can see the vast blue Sea of ​​Okhotsk, the majestic Shiretoko Mountain Range, and Furepe Falls cascading down the cliffs. The cliffs over which the waterfall falls are also a breeding ground for many seabirds, and you can sometimes see wild birds setting up their nests on the cliffs. Especially in winter, when the sea is covered with drift ice, the silvery white scenery spreads out and you can enjoy an even more beautiful view.

 

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Winter Furepe Falls and Snowshoe Hike

Although you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Furepe Falls all year round, a visit in winter is also recommended. In the winter, “snowshoe hiking” is a popular activity where you walk along snowy roads wearing snowshoes, and you can see snowy landscapes, ice floes, and Steller’s sea eagles as you aim for Furepe Falls. Enjoying the snow-covered nature in the quiet environment of Shiretoko in winter is a special experience.

 

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Enjoy while protecting the natural environment

The Furepe Falls Promenade is an area where Shiretoko’s rich natural environment remains, so it is important to enjoy nature quietly. Many sika deer and wild birds can be seen here, so be careful not to surprise others. Additionally, mobile phone reception may not be available on the promenade, so please be mindful of your safety while enjoying Shiretoko’s great nature.

 

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Link：Hokkaido official tourism website