In the colder months, the northern island of Hokkaido is a stunning winter paradise, and the northeast corner of the region in particular holds many special secrets. This is the home of the famous red-crowned crane, a majestic symbol of Japan, as well as countless other varieties of birds, marine life, and forest animals. Come witness the unique landscape on the dynamic ice floes of the Shiretoko Peninsula and travel down the tranquil river ways of the Kushiro wetlands. With only a short window to experience all that this area has to offer at its seasonal peak, this trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive into the spectacular nature of winter in Hokkaido.
Itinerary
📍 Total transportation time (approximation): Kushiro to Tsurui Village: 30 min
Arrive at Kushiro Airport or Station where a Japanese speaking driver is waiting.
Welcome to a slice of winter paradise in Hokkaido’s northeast! Prepare for 5 days of up-close wildlife and magnificent icy scenery in this special region.
Begin in Tsurui village, the home of Hokkaido’s famous red-crowned cranes. In the 1920s the cranes returned to this village after years of being gone, and now this area is the ideal spot to see these elegant birds in their natural habitat.
Tonight’s lodging – like most on this trip – features public hot spring facilities. This is the perfect way to relax and warm up after a day of touring in the snowy northern reaches of Japan.
Overnight in Tsurui Village
Inclusions:
🍗 Dinner
📍 Time: Hotel departure 9:00 Duration: 6 h
Meet a local nature guide at the hotel and head out for day of sightseeing by car in the Tsurui area.
The highlight here is the Tsurui Ito sanctuary, where the famous red-crowned cranes can be seen up close. This is Japan’s largest bird, known for its captivating mating calls and elegant movements over the snow. The sanctuary acts as a feeding grounds to approximately 300 cranes during winter, providing great opportunities to admire the birds and learn about them from the guide.
Continue touring the village, stopping at local sites known only to the guide.
Overnight in Tsurui Village
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner
📍 Total transportation time (approximation): Tsurui to Lake Kussharo: 1 h Lake Kussharo to Shiretoko: 2 hTime: Hotel departure 08:30 Drift ice walk: 15:00 to 16:30
The English-speaking driver will greet you in the hotel lobby today.
Prepare for an exciting day as the tour moves northeast to the coast.
Drive through a national park to nearby Lake Kussharo, the largest caldera lake in Japan, to see the marvels of nature. This is where graceful swans gather in winter to enjoy the piping hot mineral water that flows into the lake. There are also the fascinating volcanic vents of Mt. Iozan, where steam rises from a rugged landscape.
Upon arrival in Utoro on the Shiretoko Peninsula, head out on the ice-covered bay for a drift ice walk. This unique activity allows guests to immerse themselves in the winter scenery of the frozen sea, walking atop dynamic ice floes and admiring stunning views. A dry suit that goes on over regular clothing provides protection from the elements, even allowing for a surprisingly comfortable plunge into the chilly sea!
Overnight in Shiretoko
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner
📍 Total transportation time (approximation): Shiretoko Utoro to Rausu: 2 h Rausu to Notsuke: 1 h Notsuke to Youroushi Onsen: 1 hTime: Hotel depart: 09:30 Start (boat tour): 13:00 Duration: 1 h
Enjoy a relaxing morning admiring the constant build-up of sea ice in the bay before departing in a private car for the eastern town of Rausu.
After a light lunch at a local restaurant, a boat awaits for a bird-watching cruise that will head to open water where Steller’s sea eagles swoop down to land on icebergs and perch in coastal forests. This is a very rare bird, with only about 5,000 left in the wild. Seeing these large, awe-inspiring animals from the boat is a truly special experience.
Return back to port and drive south along the coast to the rugged landscape of the Notsuke Peninsula animal preserve. This curiously shaped low spit of land juts out into the sea and is home to foxes, deer, and a variety of winter birds that can all be seen from the car. It’s a magnificently isolated region with its own unique ecosystem that few visitors ever get to experience.
Finish the day in the local hot spring town, where guests can enjoy a hot bath and traditional dinner.
Overnight in Youroushi Onsen
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner
📍 Total transportation time (approximation): Yourouushi to the meeting point: 1.5 h Canoe ending point to the Airport: 1 hTime Start (canoe tour): 10:00 Duration: 90 min
One of the most impressive activities has been saved for last: a wildlife-spotting canoe tour down the narrow channels of the Arekinai River.
Glide across the water through peaceful wetlands, with the English-speaking nature guide pointing out where cranes, kingfishers, and owls make their homes. Over the mist on the water, you may spot foxes, squirrels, and packs of deer as they roam the shores. This memorable journey down peaceful waterways is the ideal way to finish the trip.
Transfer to Kushiro airport or station to continue on to the next destination in the trip.
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast
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