- Encounter Brown Bears in Shiretoko and
Whale Watching in the Nemuro Strait - Hokkaido , Japan
- Hokkaido’s Wildlife in Early Autumn
- Price
- from JPY 320,000
- Duration
- 4nights 5days
- Season
- End of August to Beginning of October
Tour Concept
This tour offers private transportation and a dedicated guide throughout the itinerary, allowing you to fully enjoy the wildlife and natural landscapes of Shiretoko and Eastern Hokkaido—including Ezo brown bears, Sperm whales, Ezo deer, Red foxes and the endangered Blakiston’s fish owl. Whether your purpose is photography or observation, the experience will be deeply rewarding.
Highlights
Brown Bear Observation by Small Boat in Shiretoko National Park
Observe brown bears from small fisherman's boat used for harvesting kelp and sea urchins. This small boat allow you to approach the coastline more closely than larger sightseeing boats, while maintaining a respectful distance to avoid causing stress to the bears. From late August, the salmon spawning season begins, drawing brown bears to the shore as the fish make their way upstream. Since boat cruise may be canceled due to rough sea conditions, we provide two opportunities.
Sperm Whales in the Nemuro Strait
Male sperm whales begin to appear in the Nemuro Strait, drawn by the abundant natural food sources. These majestic creatures can grow to lengths of 15 to 18 meters. When they “fluke up”?raising their massive tails above the surface?everyone on board erupts in cheers at the breathtaking sight.
Blakiston's Fish Owl photography
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.
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 – Rausu
After breakfast, we will explore Lake Furen and the Nemuro area in search of Red-crowned cranes. Then, we’ll head 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 deer and Red foxes.
03
Rausu
In the morning, we’ll take a small local fisherman's boat to closely observe and photograph brown bears along the Shiretoko Peninsula. In the afternoon, enjoy a whale-watching cruise through the Nemuro Strait—this is the season when sperm whales are most commonly seen in these waters. After dinner in Rausu, we'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, we’ll head out once again aboard a small fisherman's boat for Brown bear observation and photography. In the afternoon, we’ll explore 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 2025/2026 4nights 5days |
JPY460,000 Group of 2 people |
| JPY380,000 Group of 3 people |
|
| JPY320,000 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. The perceived temperature can drop to around 0–5°C, so 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. In addition, certain accommodations may not have private showers, with communal hot spring baths available instead.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
