Winter Landscapes & Wildlife of Eastern Hokkaido
2025
Last updated : 2025
Where Eagles Soar and Cranes Dance. Snowy plains, graceful cranes, and skies filled with eagles create a winter wonderland
Explore Hokkaido’s wild eastern landscapes through boat rides among drifting ice, walks across frozen marshes, and up-close encounters with majestic cranes in their natural habitat.
Begin your adventure at Kushiro Airport, then head to Kushiro Shitsugen, Japan’s largest marshland. Walk along several observation points to enjoy the vast expanse of winter wetlands. For those seeking more active exploration, options include a steam-locomotive train ride through the marsh, canoeing on the Kushiro River, or wildlife spotting. Tonight, stay at a cozy family-owned inn or auberge in the area, enjoying local hospitality and warming up after a day in the wild.
On Day 2, drive north toward Rausu, the southern gateway to the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site. Along the way, visit Lake Kussharo, home to majestic swans, the volcanic Mt. Iou-zan, and Lake Mashu, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and panoramic views. Arrive at Rausu and settle in for the night.
The next morning, wake up early for a three-hour boat ride to witness eagles and drift ice floating along the Sea of Okhotsk — a rare and unforgettable winter sight. After breakfast, continue to Utoro, the heart of Shiretoko. Arriving early allows time to relax in a traditional onsen hot spring hotel, preparing for the adventures ahead.
Day 4 is a free day in Utoro, where winter activities abound. Unique to this region is Ryuhyo (drift ice) walking, available in February and March, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that brings you close to nature. Weather conditions may affect the program, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement.
On Day 5, drive south to Tsurui Village, about 2.5 hours from Utoro. Famous for its Tancho cranes, this small village becomes a serene winter paradise. Visitors and photographers alike gather to observe and capture the beauty of these elegant birds against the snowy landscape.
The final day begins with an early morning visit to Otowa Bridge, one of the best crane-watching locations. Capture breathtaking photographs of the birds in their natural habitat before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Then, head back to Kushiro Airport, approximately one hour away, concluding your winter journey through Hokkaido’s wild and pristine eastern landscapes.
Itinerary:
Arrive at Kushiro airport and go to Kushiro Shitsugen, the largest marshland in Japan. Visit several lookouts by walk. There are some options, taking a steam-locomotive train canoeing Kushiro river to watch wildlife. Tonight we recommend to stay at a family-owned inn or auberge in this area.
Overnight in Kushiro
Drive to Rausu today. Head to north, sightseeing spots will be the Lake Kussharo to see whopper swan, an inactive volcano Mt.Iou-zan, Lake Mashu for a great view. etc. Then arrive at Rausu, south harbour of the world natural heritage site – Shiretoko.
Overnight in Rausu
Get up early morning and catch a 3 hours boat-ride for eagles and drift ice. This is awesome experience. After boat ride have a breakfast and head for Utoro, center of Shiretoko. Maybe you should arrive earlier today and take a rest at onsen hot spring hotel.
Overnight in Utoro
Free day today. Enjoy more winter activities here. Ryuhyo(drift ice floe) walking is so unique, one and only experience here. February and March is the season however this program may be cancelled due to weather condition. Yes, it very depends on.
Overnight in Utoro
Drive down to Tsurui village today. It takes 2.5 hours drive. Tsurui is very famous as the hometown of beautiful Tancho crane in winter time. Many people come to see and take photos. In winter there is a silence and beautiful in this small Japanese village.
Overnight in Tsurui
Visit beautiful shooting spot for crane, Otowa bridge, early morning. So many photographers are excited to do an awesome experience. After shooting back to hotel and have a breakfast. Then head to Kushiro airport. It takes almost one hour.
