Winter Highlights
Scenery, flavors, and experiences: Discover the joys of winter
Winter abounds with unique experiences, framed by crisp, serene landscapes. Encounter local traditions with fixed-net ice fishing or explore the snow-covered Kiritappu Wetland on snowshoes. Also, it goes without saying that no winter journey would be complete without seasonal delicacies, such as horsehair crab, prized for its rich, flavorful crab miso.
1.Experience fixed-net ice fishing, a century old winter tradition
Lake Furen stretches across the base of the Nemuro Peninsula. In winter, when the lake is concealed by ice, a traditional fishing method known as fixed-net ice fishing takes place. Local fisher and guide, Junichi Komukai, runs a tour that lets you experience this practice. Holes are cut into the thick ice to set fixed nets to catch Saffron cod and smelt. During the tour, you can observe a variety of fish up close and watch as fishers haul up the nets in perfect coordination.
One of the most unforgettable sights is when wild birds gather for leftover morsels. Fish that are left on the ice attract flocks of crows, black kites, and even white-tailed eagles. Countless birds beating their wings and competing for food create a powerful spectacle. For these birds, winter is a harsh season with limited food sources, and these morsels provide vital nourishment to tide them over until spring.
Having been practiced since the Meiji era (1868 – 1912), this winter fishing tradition offers a glimpse into life woven between people and nature.
Infomation
Fixed-net ice fishing tour and net hauling experience
Address: 1 Rakuyo, Nemuro
Phone number: +81-80-1973-5622
Fee: From 10,000 yen
*Tour runs in February
*Children under 9 years old are not permitted to participate. Elementary school students 9 years or older may participate when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
An endless world of white: Walking the snow-covered Kiritappu Wetland
In summer, the Kiritappu Wetland is filled with fresh greenery and delicate flowers, but in winter, it transforms into an entirely different world. Snow blankets the landscape, turning it into a vast, white plain. The mystical scenery is so beautiful, it is enough to take your breath away.
Winter also opens the door to activities unique to the season. Areas of the wetland that are difficult to access in summer become walkable once covered in snow. Exploring the snowy fields on snowshoes or winter boots as an endless blue sky stretches above you is an exhilarating experience. Guided tours are available through several operators, including LandEdge, an outdoor guiding company based in Hamanaka Town.
In the peaceful white expanse, savor a moment shared with nature.
Infomation
LandEdge
Address: 377 Shirishizu, Hamanaka-cho
Phone number: +81-90-8631-5215
Website: https://www.land-edge.com/
*Inquiries about the tour should be made through the website or by phone
2.Horsehair crab: Discover winter’s equivalent to Hanasaki crab
When it comes to crab along the Hanasaki Line, many people jump to Nemuro’s Hanasaki crab in summer. But winter brings another delight not to be missed—horsehair crab.
