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A stream of people abruptly started walking back towards us against the one-way flow of trail traffic.

Seeing bears from the water is the best option, according to rangers.

Boat trips are recommended to watch bears, says Daisuke Imura, visitor use coordinator in Shiretoko National Park.

Field of Veitch’s Bamboo in the Shiretoko Goko Lakes area in Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido

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On the ground, visitors happen to see bears while they are traveling, but it can be dangerous.

Goko Lake is the place to enjoy the landscape, not to [view] bears.

We watched Dalls porpoises swim and saw tuna leap out of the water.

Ussuri Brown Bear in Shiretoko National Park

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Courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization

We call it diamond dust, says guide Kazuhiro Arai.

The areas geothermal activity also makes the park popular for soaking in onsens and hot springs.

Its really limited in areas by the water currents, Arai says.

A bear sing in Shiretoko National Park

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We still dont know how it forms or how the water current goes and makes such a shape.

Its a mystery that makes us more interested.

When I arrived in Hokkaido, I flew into Kushiro, which is located nearKushiroshitsugen National Park.

The Kawayu Onsen Foot Bath in Hokkaido

Courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization

One of the biggest draws in this area is the red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis).

Natural landscape of Lake Kussharo in summer season sunny day. Akan Mashu National Park, Hokkaido,

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Marimo, algae balls found in Akan-Mashu National Park

Courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization

Red crowned cranes of Japan settle at the river in Kushiroshitsugen National Park

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