Private 5-Day Hokkaido Winter Birding Tour with All Japan Tours
A five-day private winter birding journey from Kushiro to Tsurui, Lake Kussharo, Yoroushi, Rausu and the Notsuke Peninsula.
About this tour
This private winter route concentrates on eastern Hokkaido’s signature birds and landscapes. It begins from Kushiro with two sessions around Tsurui, where feeding grounds, river roosts and protected habitat provide opportunities to watch Red-crowned Cranes.
The journey then follows frozen-lake and forest habitats toward Lake Kussharo and Yoroushi for Whooper Swans and a carefully timed evening search for Blakiston’s Fish Owl. A coastal day around Rausu and Notsuke adds drift-ice scenery, sea ducks and large raptors, with Steller’s Sea Eagle a principal target.
The USD 4,650 published starting price is per person for at least two sharing. It includes four hotel nights, breakfast daily, four dinners, private transfers, listed admissions and professional English-speaking birding guidance. Winter weather and sea-ice conditions can alter the cruise or route, so the final programme is reconfirmed for the chosen dates.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Japan.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Kushiro arrival and first crane session
Meet the driver at Kushiro Airport, transfer to Tsurui and join the birding specialist for an afternoon focused on Red-crowned Cranes before dinner and check-in.
Day 2
Tsurui crane sites
Visit the Tsurui Crane Sanctuary, Otowa Bridge and Tsurumidai with timing adapted to weather, light and current crane activity.
Day 3
Lake Kussharo and evening owl watch
Travel to the lake’s winter open-water areas for Whooper Swans and other waterbirds, then continue to Yoroushi for a night-time attempt to observe Blakiston’s Fish Owl.
Day 4
Rausu drift ice and Notsuke Peninsula
Travel to Rausu for the planned pack-ice cruise, subject to sea and weather conditions, then bird the Notsuke Peninsula for sea eagles and other winter species. Return to Yoroushi for a final owl opportunity.
Day 5
Departure from Kushiro
After breakfast, use any available time around the accommodation before the included transfer to Kushiro Airport.
Locations & map
- Tsurui crane country - Hokkaido Japan (Cold winter conditions around crane feeding areas, river roosts and open fields.)
- Lake Kussharo - Hokkaido Japan (Frozen caldera-lake margins with locally open water near hot springs.)
- Yoroushi forest - Hokkaido Japan (Forested river habitat used for evening owl observation.)
- Rausu and the Shiretoko coast - Hokkaido Japan (Marine birding and drift-ice activity depend on weather and sea conditions.)
- Notsuke Peninsula - Hokkaido Japan (Exposed coastal grassland and winter shoreline habitat.)
5 stops. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Private customized departures can be arranged year-round; this itinerary is designed for winter conditions and seasonal
Included
- Four Western-style hotel nights - Exact properties remain subject to the confirmed travel documents.
- Arrival meet-and-greet and airport transfers - Included at the airports stated for the itinerary.
- Private transfers between itinerary destinations - Baggage handling is included.
- Professional English-speaking birding guidance - Assigned by All Japan Tours.
- Daily breakfast - Included each morning.
- Entry fees and listed activities - Included for the sites and activities stated in the itinerary.
- Four dinners - Included on Days 1 through 4.
Not included
- International airfare - Not included.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary - Special meal requests can be discussed before confirmation.
- Travel insurance - Guests should arrange suitable cover.
- Alcoholic and soft drinks - Not included unless confirmed otherwise.
- Personal expenses - Laundry, telephone charges and other personal purchases are excluded.
Transport & stays
- Private van and planned pack-ice cruise The coastal cruise is weather and sea-ice dependent; the land route is private. | Meet: Kushiro Airport | Pickup: Arrival and departure transfers are timed to confirmed flights.
Accommodations
- Tsurui and Yoroushi route hotels (days 1-4) Twin, double or triple sharing in the published base price Breakfast and dinner included
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Can this private itinerary be customized?
Yes. All Japan Tours states that the itinerary can be adapted to guest interests and budget, subject to current logistics and availability.
Are bird sightings guaranteed?
No. The guide selects appropriate sites and timing, but all wildlife sightings depend on season, weather and natural conditions.
How is the starting price calculated?
The published starting price is per person for a minimum of two guests sharing a twin, double or triple room. A current written quotation is required before booking.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.