8-Day Wild Winter Hokkaido Birding Expedition
An eight-day winter photography expedition for Red-crowned Cranes, Steller’s Sea Eagles, Blakiston’s Fish Owls and Whooper Swans across eastern Hokkaido.
About this tour
Travel through eastern Hokkaido in midwinter for a small-group expedition centered on some of northern Japan’s most distinctive birds. The route begins around Kushiro and Tsurui, continues to the thermal waters and lakes around Kussharo and Mashu, then reaches Nemuro, Rausu and the Shiretoko coast.
Field sessions are timed around light and behavior. Red-crowned Cranes are photographed at roost and in open fields, Whooper Swans gather near steaming lake edges, and two shared boat trips create opportunities to watch the dark, massive Steller’s Sea Eagle alongside the paler-tailed coastal eagles of Hokkaido. Two evening hide sessions are reserved for Blakiston’s Fish Owl.
Most locations are reached by road with short stops and walks, so the physical demands are modest. Cold, wind and early starts are the more important considerations. The program is suitable for birders and photographers prepared for genuine winter conditions and patient wildlife observation.
The package covers twin-share accommodation, ground transport, Kushiro airport transfers, breakfasts and dinners, the listed cruises, owl-hide sessions and entry fees. Flights, lunches, drinks and personal costs are not included.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Japan.
Itinerary
Day 1
Kushiro arrival and first cranes
Meet at Kushiro Airport around midday, transfer to Tsurui and begin with Red-crowned Cranes before hotel check-in and dinner.
Day 2
Tsurui crane country
Start before breakfast at Otowa Bridge, then work crane fields and other productive winter sites around Tsurui.
Day 3
Tsurui to Lake Kussharo
Photograph cranes in the morning before continuing to Lake Kussharo for Whooper Swans in late light.
Day 4
Kussharo and Mashu
Return to the swans at first light, then explore the lakes and volcanic landscape through the day.
Day 5
Notsuke Peninsula and Nemuro
Travel east through winter coast and snowfields, watching for raptors, foxes and deer before the next hotel.
Day 6
Lake Furen to Rausu and fish-owl hide
Bird around Lake Furen, continue to Rausu and spend the evening in the Blakiston’s Fish Owl observation hide.
Day 7
Shiretoko eagle cruise and second owl session
Take an early boat trip for both of Hokkaido’s great winter sea eagles, explore locally after breakfast, then return for a second owl-hide session.
Day 8
Final eagle cruise and departure
Complete a second eagle cruise, return for breakfast and transfer to Kushiro Airport for departure.
Locations & map
- Kushiro and Tsurui - Hokkaido Japan (Cranes, wetlands and winter river sites.)
- Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu - Hokkaido Japan (Thermal lake edges, swans and winter landscapes.)
- Rausu and Shiretoko - Hokkaido Japan (Coastal eagle cruises and fish-owl hide sessions.)
3 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Twin-share accommodation - All scheduled nights.
- Ground transport and airport transfers - Travel between sites and Kushiro Airport transfers.
- Breakfasts and dinners - Lunches and drinks are not included.
- Two eagle cruises and two owl hides - Shared cruises and scheduled Blakiston’s Fish Owl sessions.
- English-speaking guide and tour leader - Guiding throughout the expedition.
Not included
- Flights and travel formalities - International and domestic flights, visas and vaccinations are excluded.
- Lunches, drinks and personal costs - Also excludes tips, laundry, calls and excess baggage.
Transport & stays
- Private road transport and shared boats Most field sites are reached by vehicle; two coastal eagle cruises are included. | Meet: Kushiro Airport. | Pickup: Scheduled airport transfers are included.
Accommodations
- Eastern Hokkaido hotels
Policies & FAQ
Insurance & Safety
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.