Kasatka Bay, "Mirror Beach", Yankito Plateau — Jeep Tour

The Pacific Ocean, History and Volcanoes

This excursion brings together the three principal sights of southern Iturup: Kasatka Bay on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, the renowned Mirror Beach, and the Yankito lava plateau. The route winds through scenic mountain passes with stops at the Big Horseshoe and Kuibyshev viewpoints.

Kasatka Bay and Mirror Beach

Kasatka Bay holds a place in world history: it was here, in 1941, that the Japanese aircraft carriers were stationed before the strike on Pearl Harbor. Today, the bay astonishes visitors with the wild beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Mirror Beach stretches for kilometres of black volcanic sand which, when wet, transforms into a perfect mirror reflecting the sky and the clouds. On the beach lies the stranded barge Korund — a popular subject for photographs.

Japanese Tunnels and Yankito Plateau

The Chyortovka cliff conceals a system of Japanese military tunnels dating from the Second World War. The route then leads on to the Yankito lava plateau — frozen lava flows from the Bogdan Khmelnitsky volcano, forming a fantastical lunar landscape on the shore of the Sea of Okhotsk.

Practical Information

Season: June to October. Duration: full day. Format: jeep tour combined with hiking. We recommend waterproof footwear and windproof clothing.