PRIVATE / customized
  • Experience Shiretoko and Rausu's Brown Bears and Whale Watching in the Nemuro Strait
  • Hokkaido , Japan
  • Early Autumn in Hokkaido with the Wildlife

Highlights

  • Observe the Ezo brown bears as they chase salmon from a small fishing boat
    Observe the brown bears from the small boats that fishermen usually use for kelp and sea urchin fishing. This allows us to get closer to the coast, compared to the larger sightseeing vessels, but we can adjust the distance so that it does not cause stress for the bears being observed. After late August the salmon spawning season begins attracting the brown bears to the beach, as the salmon start to make their way upstream.
  • Sperm Whales arrive in the Nemuro Strait
    The male sperm whales will start to appear in the Neumro Strait attracted to the natural source of food for them. The large whales can reach 15 to 18 meters in length, and when they 'Fluke up!" raising their tails above the surface of the water, everyone in the ship will break out in a big cheer!
  • Overnight at the "Fish Owl Observatory" where you can see the Blakiston's Fish Owl
    In Rausu, this location is famous as the place to observe and photograph the Blakiston's Fish Owls' natural behavior at night. For those who want to see this endangered bird, you will have a high likelihood of seeing them here. Just for good measure, if you want to book a second night for additional opportunities, that is also possible.

Stay at two distinctive lodges in Rausu

Blakiston's Fish Owl Observatory (In Rausu)

A guesthouse that is popular with photographers from around the world, where you can get photos of the endangered Owls. Installed lighting reduces the stress on the birds, allowing photographers to shoot without using their flash.

Shiretoko Serai (In Rausu)

Operated by Saiyu Travel,Shiretoko Serai opened in the summer of 2018. Western style rooms overlook the Nemuro Strait and Kunashiri Island. The lobby and dining room is great for relaxing while looking out at the Sea of Rausu. The menu options are also geared towards foreigners. Wine or beer on tap can be made available with your meals. Request a menu when you contact us about this lodging.

Itinerary

  City Summary
1 Nakashibetsu / Kushiro
Rausu
In the afternoon, gather at Kushiro or Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport. Take a private car to Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsula. At night, look for the endemic endangered species, at the Blakiston's Fish Owl Observatory.
Rausu: Overnight at Blakiston's Fish Owl Observatory | Meal Included: Dinner
2

Rausu

In the morning, we will charter a smaller local fisherman's boat to closer observe and photograph the brown bears in Shiretoko peninsula. In the afternoon, enjoy whale watching cruise of the Nemuro Strait. This is the season when Sperm whales are usually in the Nemuro Strait. *Upon request, we can include another opportunity to see the Blakiston's fish owl at night (for an additional charge of 8,000 yen, including return transfer fees).
Rausu: Overnight at Shiretoko Sarai in Rausu | Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
3

Rausu

In the morning, we will go out again for brown bear observation and photography by small fisherman's boat. In the afternoon, We will drive to Shiretoko pass and Utoro area which is the other side of Shiretoko Peninsula.
Rausu: Overnight at Shiretoko Sarai in Rausu | Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
4 Rausu
Notsuke Peninsula
Lake Furen
In the morning, we will take a cruise to try to observe the sperm whales and the seabirds. After that, we will head to Lake Furen and on the way, visit the Notsuke Peninsula with the hopes to observe the Ezo red fox and Ezo sika deer.
Overnight: Lake Furen in Lake Sunset | Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
5 Lake Furen
Nakashibetsu / Kushiro
In the morning, search for the families of Japanese crane around beautiful Lake Furen. Then, head to the airport for your departure.
Meal Included: Breakfast
** We offer other tours within Japan and can accommodate customized packages and quotes in combination with this one. Please feel free to inquire for more information from our agent.

Price

Season: Mid-August to Late September
  Price per person
Tour cost Contact us
Single room supplement Contact us
**Price is for reference only.Price will vary depending on the actual travel dates,hotels to be used,etc.Please contact us for a quote.
** This is a general guideline for the tour. We welcome any changes in the types of activities included, duration of the tour as well as upgrades in accommodations, as you request.
** Tour price listed is per person, based on sharing twin rooms; please inquire for price quotes if your group is more or less than the group size limit mentioned.

Including :

4 Nights of Accommodations | English Speaking Guide with driver | Private Transportation in 10-Seater Vehicle | Meals (Breakfasts, Dinners) | Boat Tour & Observation Areas Mentioned in Program |All Entry Fees

Exclusive of :

Transportation to/from Japan | Domestic flight within Japan | Travel & Medical Insurance (Mandatory) | Daily Lunches & Additional Snacks | Personal Expenses (Souvenirs and Alcoholic Beverages, etc.)

Other

** Probably a long-sleeved shirt will suffice in the daytime. However, on the ship or in bad weather, an additional to a sweater or fleece, as well as waterproof clothes that can serve as a windbreaker would be recommended.
** The lodging at Rausu's 'Shiretoko Serai' and Lake Furen's 'Lake Sunset' each have their own private bathrooms for each room. Rausu's 'Fish Owl Observatory' is a private house, so the Japanese-style room has a futon (not a bed), and the bathroom and shower are shared. Rooms are limited to only 6 rooms, so during the peak season if space is not available, other lodging will be arranged for ahead of time. Other options include western style rooms at 'Serai' or a local hot spring hotel and we will provide transportation between your lodging and the Observatory.
** Lunch during the tour is not included. You can buy food from the local convenience stores or eat at the local eateries. Each person should prepare to pay for these individually.
** In the case of inclement weather, some boat tours may not be running. In the event this happens, we will adjust our schedule flexibly to maximize the chances of seeing wildlife. If the weather is bad and the sightseeing cruises are unavailable, the fees will be refunded to you after adjusting for any additional charges.
** The main purpose of this tour is to observe nature and for wildlife photography. According to weather reports and local information we will adjust your tour schedule as needed; based on recent sightings. However, these are wild animals and there is no guarantee of being able to see everything listed in the itinerary.
  Contact us about this tour
Travel planning and implementation:SAIYU TRAVEL CO.,LTD.
3rd floor, Kyodo Bldg. jimbocho, 2-2, Kanda, jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan |Travel Agency Registration No. 607

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Saiyu Travel Co.,Ltd. / Since1973