Wild animals that you will want to encounter in winter

 

Snow Monkey

In winter Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, warm up in natural hot springs. Widely loved by people from all over the world, this is a unique experience where you can observe the wild Japanese macaques up close.

Blakiston's Fish Owl

With a wingspan of about 180 cm, it is the largest owl species. With only about 140 birds inhabiting Hokkaido, it is also one of the most endangered birds. In Rausu, fish are put in a rocky area in the river, and attracted by the fish, the Blakiston's fish owl can be seen from the observation area. The lighting is set exclusively for photography, so you can shoot even at night without a flash.

Japanese Crane

From November to mid-March, when the snow begins to accumulate, cranes will gather from all over Eastern Hokkaido in Tsurui Village's Kushiro Marsh. We will guide you to the Otowa Bridge where you can observe the Japanese cranes sleeping in the river, and the places where you can observe the Japanese cranes flying to the roost in the evening with the sunset.

Steller's Sea Eagle

The largest eagle in Japan with a wingspan of over 2m, which in the Ainu language is called "kapatcir kamuy" (God of Eagles). A majestic eagle with white wings and tail, and an orange-yellow beak. From January to March, it will come to Eastern Hokkaido from Sakhalin, the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Kamchatka Peninsula.

Ezo Sika Deer

This is the season that the herds gather on the Notsuke Peninsula. It is a chance to photograph a flock of sika deer in their soft winter coats.

Ezo Momonga (Russian Flying Squirrels / Pteromys volan orii)

Japanese species of Russian Flying Squirrels come out of their next right at sunset. It's a brief opportunity for catpuring a good shot, so you can challenge it over two days.

Drift Ice and Birdwatching

The ice originates from the Amur River in Russia and then drifts through the Sea of Okhotsk to reach Hokkaido typically in mid-January to early February before disappearing again around end of March. In Rausu, there are cruises which take you out to photograph Steller's Sea Eagles and White-tailed eagles on drift ice. In the case that there is no drift ice, cruises will be canceled but you should not be worried. In Lake Furen, the entire surface of the lake freezes and white-tailed eagles and Steller's sea eagles come every morning aiming for fish scattered on the surface of the lake. You can observe and photograph the eagles flying down to feed and competing against one another in the air and on the surface of the ice from as close as 10m to 15m away.