Listen carefully for chirping as you approach a true wild bird haven

1.Kiritappu Wetland

Kiritappu Wetland, located in Hamanaka Town, is ideal for birdwatching as it offers a vast landscape with various types of wetlands that differ in vegetation and terrain.

Spanning approximately 3,168 hectares, the Kiritappu Wetland is among the largest in Japan. Visiting observation decks with sweeping views of the wetland and exploring Cape Kiritappu, where seabirds flock, promises new encounters and discoveries. Although the wetland may be shrouded in fog at times, these shifting scenes are part of the area’s unique charm. In the quiet embrace of nature, listen carefully for birds singing.

Here, you can observe birds in their natural state, including red-crowned cranes raising their young, Latham’s snipes defending their territory, and gulls gathering along the cape. Another highlight of the Kiritappu Wetland is its remarkable array of flowers. From spring through autumn, delicate blooms such as Amur daylily and beachhead iris appear in succession, earning the area the nickname, “Wetland of Flowers.” Let yourself be soothed by the harmony of birdsong and colorful blossoms.

2.Ochiishi Nature Cruise

In Ochiishi, experience birdwatching in a way that differs slightly from the norm by joining an Ochiishi Nature Cruise. Departing from Ochiishi Fishing Port, the cruise offers close-up views of birds soaring above the sea.

Board a fishing boat captained by a local fisher and set sail. The approximately two-hour cruise journeys around the waters off the islands of Yururi and Moyururi. You will be accompanied by a local guide and fisher who know the area’s natural environment inside out and will let you in on some little-known spots. Unlike tall sightseeing vessels, the low profile of the fishing boat allows you to observe the birds at eye level and you will find that the birds, accustomed to the daily presence of fishing boats, will often venture surprisingly close.

Among the species you may encounter are tufted puffins with their striking, large red beaks, rhinoceros auklets gathering in flocks, and spectacled guillemots with vivid red legs. With a bit of luck, you might even spot rare birds found only in this region, such as red-faced cormorants, easily recognized by the red markings around their eyes. Getting close to seabirds living freely above the open sea is a birdwatching experience truly unique to this place.

3.Shunkunitai

Shunkunitai, often referred to as a “wild bird sanctuary,” is an 8-km-long sandbar that lies between Nemuro Bay and Lake Furen. Largely untouched by human activity, this pristine landscape has recorded sightings of approximately 260 species of wild birds.

What makes Shunkunitai truly distinctive is its remarkable geography. Within a single area, seven different natural environments coexist: deciduous forests, coniferous forests, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, rivers, tidal flats, and salt marshes. This rare concentration of ecosystems creates mystical scenery and supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. During the spring and autumn migration seasons in particular, countless bird species can be seen resting here.

With birds to observe throughout the year, Shunkunitai offers birdwatching opportunities in every season. Among the species present are white-tailed eagles, designated as a Natural Monument of Japan, whooper swans stopping by on their migratory journey, and Siberian rubythroats chirping in the grasslands. You may even spot bird species from different habitats at the same time. Five nature trails wind through the area, making it easy and enjoyable to explore. There is a rich variety of bird life waiting to be discovered.