Shibetoro

Shibetoro lies at the northeastern end of Etorofu, among high volcanic mountains. The Shibetoro River flows north to the Sea of Okhotsk, forming a narrow strip of level ground along its course. Ainu communities lived along the island's shores and rivers, drawing food from the surrounding waters. At the beginning of the nineteenth century Japanese administration extended over Etorofu, bringing changes to the lives and customs of its inhabitants.