The Kuril Islands include more than 50 large islands. Each of them is unique in its own way and conceals an exceptional peculiarity and distinctive feature within its territory. Despite a single region, a trip to individual islands will be different and will be something new for you.
A phototour to the islands of Kunashir and Shikotan is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the amazingly diverse and untouched nature of the southern islands of the Kuril archipelago. The Kuril Islands are a paradise for any romantic traveler. Inaccessibility, uninhabitedness, geographic isolation, active volcanoes, far from a "beach climate", scanty information - not only do not scare away, but also increase the desire to get to the foggy, fire-breathing islands. The Pacific Ocean and the purest rivers, lakes and waterfalls, mountains and forests, volcanoes and hot springs, plus a rich flora and fauna in its original form - that's what the Kuril Islands are!
Kunashir is the southernmost island in the large ridge of the Kuril Islands. Its location allows you to see the neighboring country - Japan with the naked eye across the strait. Among all the Kuriles, the island ranks third in terms of area. On its territory there are 4 active volcanoes, one of which can easily overshadow the famous Fuji with its beauty. Kunashir is the most densely populated island of the archipelago, but this will not affect the feeling of isolation and being on a desert island. Translated from the Ainu language, Kunashir means "black island". Thickets of dark coniferous forest served as the origin of the name. On this island you can see blazing sunsets, enjoy absolutely wild thermal springs, walk along the natural "pavement" of Cape Stolbchaty, touch your palm to the deepest lake of Kunashir and see some of the largest fumaroles in your life.
The Small Kuril Ridge is located 57 km from Kunashir. The largest island in this archipelago is Shikotan. One of the names of the island, which was given to him by Russian explorers, is Figurny. Apparently already at that time the sailors noticed all the beauty of the coastal line of the island. High cliffs, bays deeply protruding into the land, and sharp headlands, were as if specially carved figuratively. One of the main advantages of Shikotan is the complete absence of bears. Low-growing vegetation will add comfort when moving, and the seascape will give incredible panoramas. On the island you can find the very end of the world you are looking for. So they named one of the capes, the distance to the next land from which is more than 5000 kilometers.
