Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Best Season
Late Jan – Feb (Winter)
Key Species
Red-crowned Crane, Steller's Sea Eagle, Blakiston's Fish Owl, Baikal Teal
Part 1: Eastern Hokkaido (The Land of Ice)
Arrive at Kushiro Airport (KUH).
Tsurumidai (Crane Observatory)
Red-crowned Crane
- Afternoon feeding time viewing.
- Observe courtship dances against a snowy backdrop.
Stay: Tsurui Village Area
Otowa Bridge (Dawn)
Red-crowned Crane
- Arrive before sunrise (approx. 6:00 AM) to see cranes roosting in the misty Setsuri River.
- Photography highlight: Hoarfrost on trees and "pink" mist.
Tsurui-Itō Tancho Sanctuary
Ural Owl Red-crowned Crane
- Close-up views of crane social interactions during morning feeding.
Sunayu Onsen (Lake Kussharo)
Whooper Swan
- Visit the geothermal beach where hundreds of swans gather right at your feet.
Rausu Port (Drift Ice Cruise)
Steller's Sea Eagle White-tailed Eagle
- Morning boat trip to the pack ice (1-2 hours).
- World's best viewing for Steller's Sea Eagles.
Notsuke Peninsula
Ezo Sika Deer Sea Ducks Snow Bunting
- Drive the frozen sandspit ("Todowara") looking for raptors and wildlife.
Washi No Yado (Rausu)
Blakiston's Fish Owl
- Overnight stay at the observatory inn to watch the rare owl fishing in the stream.
Shunkunitai (Lake Furen)
Steller's Sea Eagle Asian Rosy Finch
- Walk the nature trails between the lagoon and the sea.
- Visit Swan 44 Nemuro for indoor telescope viewing.
Flight Transfer: Drive to Kushiro Airport (KUH) → Fly to Haneda (HND) → Connect to Izumo Airport (IZO).
Part 2: Shimane (Kingdom of Waterfowl)
Shinjiko Green Park
Greater White-fronted Goose Bean Goose Baikal Teal
- The premier observation center for wintering geese.
- Use spotting scopes to scan massive flocks for rare teals.
Gobius Nature Museum
- Learn about the brackish water ecosystem supporting the bird life.
Stay: Matsue or Izumo Area
Yonago Waterbird Sanctuary
Tundra Swan Eastern Marsh Harrier
- Located on Lake Nakaumi. Hosts 1,000+ Tundra Swans.
- Look for raptors hunting over the reed beds.
Hii River Estuary
Shorebirds Sandpipers Plovers
- Scan the sandbars where the river meets Lake Shinji.
Matsue Vogel Park
- A large flower and bird park (good rainy day option).
- Close encounters with owls, toucans, and penguins.
Alternative: Hinomisaki Coast
Pelagic Birds Gulls
- Scan the Sea of Japan for murrelets and diverse gull species.
Lake Shinji (Morning)
- Watch the morning flight of geese leaving their roosts.
Departure: Fly out from Izumo Airport.
Important Notes
- Clothing: Hokkaido reaches -15°C (5°F). Wear thermal layers, windproof shell, and insulated boots with good grip (ice cleats recommended).
- Photography: Bring a telephoto lens (400mm+ recommended). Batteries drain fast in the cold; keep spares warm in an inner pocket.
