- Early Summer in Shiretoko
Experience the Nemuro Strait with Shearwaters and Orcas - Killer Whales - Hokkaido , Japan
- Orcas - Killer Whales Watching and Wildlife Encounters in Eastern Hokkaido
- Price
- from JPY 290,000
- Duration
- 4nights 5days
- Season
- May to mid July
Tour Concept
This tour offers private transportation and a dedicated guide throughout the itinerary and is ideal for those who wish to enjoy the magnificent scenery and wildlife of Eastern Hokkaido in early summer. A variety of wildlife including Orca (Killer whales), Red-crowned crane, Sea otter, Blakiston’s fish owl, Ezo shika deer and Red fox can be expected. Summer seabirds such as Short-tailed shearwaters, Black-footed albatrosses, Common murres, Ancient murrelets, Tufted puffin may also be spotted during boat tour, making this an excellent opportunity for birdwatching enthusiasts as well. Whether your purpose is photography or observation, the experience will be deeply rewarding.
Highlights
Seasonal Visits from Shearwaters and Orcas (Killer Whales)
Flocks of short-tailed shearwaters migrate to Nemuro strait from Tasmania in the Southern Hemisphere. At times, over a thousand birds descend upon the area, resting after their long journey. Orcas (killer whales) begin arriving in the Strait in late April and remain until July, with multiple pods confirmed during the season. A three-boat cruise tour is included during your three-night stay in Rausu, Shiretoko.
A Summer Seabird Cruise from Ochiishi Bay
Setting off from Ochiishi Bay, this small-boat cruise is an ideal way to observe summer seabirds in their natural habitat. While the species you encounter may vary slightly depending on the season, sightings often include diverse birds such as Spectacled Guillemots, Rhinoceros Auklets, Red-faced Cormorants, Common Murres, Ancient Murrelets, and Black-footed Albatrosses. In addition to the avian spectacle, marine mammals such as Sea otters and Harbor seals are frequently observed as well.
Discover the Abundant Nature and Wildlife
Notsuke Peninsula, stretching approximately 26 kilometers, is Japan’s largest sandspit and an excellent location for observing wild animals such as Ezo shika deer and Red foxes. Near Nemuro, the wetlands surrounding Lake Furen offer promising opportunities to spot Red-crowned cranes during their breeding season. Additional highlights of the tour include the majestic scenery of Shiretoko National Park—such as the Shiretoko Goko Lake, the Shiretoko Pass, and the stunning Furepe Falls.
Blakiston's Fish Owl observation
Rausu is renowned as one of the best places to observe and photograph the elusive Blakiston’s fish owl. At night, you'll visit a photography hide for a rare opportunity to capture images of this endangered species as it approaches the river.
根室海峡のシャチの家族（2020年6月ドローン撮影）
Itinerary
01
Kushiro – Nemuro
Meet your guide at Kushiro Airport at 13:30, then transfer by private vehicle to Nemuro keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way.
02
Nemuro – Notsuke Peninsula – Rausu
In the morning, we will explore Lake Furen and around in search of Red-crowned cranes. Afterward, we’ll board a boat cruise from Ochiishi Bay to observe summer seabirds. While the species you encounter may vary slightly depending on the season, sightings often include diverse birds such as Spectacled Guillemots, Rhinoceros Auklets, Red-faced Cormorants, Common Murres, Ancient Murrelets, and Black-footed Albatrosses and more. Sea otters and Harbor seals are frequently observed as well. Following the cruise, we’ll travel north by private vehicle to Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsula. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Notsuke Peninsula to enjoy observing wildlife such as Ezo sika deer and Red foxes.
03
Rausu
Cruise the waters of the Nemuro Strait in both the morning and afternoon. Located between the mainland of Hokkaido and Kunashiri Island, the strait is only 17 km wide at its narrowest point. Observe flocks of shearwaters and pods of Orcas while taking in the dynamic coastlines of Kunashiri Island and the Shiretoko Peninsula.
After dinner, you'll visit a photography hide to observe and photograph the endangered Blakiston’s fish owl—the largest and rarest owl in the world.
04
Rausu
In the morning, you'll head out once again aboard a boat cruise for Orcas and sea birds. In the afternoon, exploring some of the Shiretoko Peninsula’s most scenic highlights, including the Shiretoko Pass, the Shiretoko Goko Lakes, and the dramatic cliffs of Furepe Falls.
05
Rausu – Kushiro
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll head to Kushiro Airport. The tour will conclude upon arrival at the airport around 12:30.
Price
| Price per person | |
|---|---|
| Tour cost for 2026 4nights 5days |
JPY415,000 Group of 2 people |
| JPY345,000 Group of 3 people |
|
| JPY290,000 Group of 4-5 people |
|
| Single room supplement | JPY15,000 |
**Prices are for reference only. Final costs may vary depending on actual travel dates, accommodations, and other factors. Please contact us for a customized quote.
** This itinerary serves as a general guideline for the tour. We are happy to customize the content—including activity types, tour duration, and accommodation upgrades—based on your preferences.
Payment:
We require booking fee of JPY50,000 per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 45days prior to departure.Form of payment :
Bank transfer or credit card (Visa or Master)Inclusions:
4nights accommodationsEnglish speaking guide thorough out the tour
Private vehicle with Japanese speaking driver
-Toyota Prius α or similar for the group of two people
-Toyota Alphard/High Ace or similar size vehicle for the group of three and above
4 Breakfasts and 4 dinners
All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary
Exclusive of:
International AirfaresMeals that are not included in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal expenses such as laundry bills, luggage delivery service etc.
Climate
Since it can get chilly on the boat and on days with bad weather, it's essential to bring not only sweaters and fleece layers, but also a waterproof, wind-resistant outer layer—both jacket and pants—for added protection. This is especially important for the brown bear observation boat, which is a small boat without a roof, wind shield, bathroom. Proper cold-weather gear is necessary. Be sure to also bring a two-piece rain suit to guard against rain and splashing water, along with waterproof covers for your backpack and camera.Accommodations
Due to the limited number of accommodations in this region, we strongly recommend making reservations well in advance. Some properties—particularly traditional Japanese-style inns—may offer futon-style bedding, where guests sleep on a mattress laid out on tatami flooring.Dietary Restriction
Hotels in remote area such as Eastern Hokkaido may only accept requests for special meals to medical (such as allergy) and religious needs.Note
** According to weather conditions and local information, we may be forced to adjust or change tour schedule as needed. Please note that any supplementary costs incurred in such cases will need to be covered by the guest.** There is no guarantee of being able to see everything listed wildlife species in the itinerary.
** In the event of bad sea/weather conditions, the cruise tour may be canceled. Should this occur, the cruise fee will be refunded following the conclusion of the tour.
Contact us about this tour
3rd floor, Kyodo Bldg. Jimbocho, 2-2, Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan ｜Travel Agency Registration No. 607
