GROUP / pre-organized
  • June 13th and July 1st, 2026
    Hokkaido Summer Nature and Wildlife Tour
    with Paul Whitton
  • Hokkaido , Japan
  • Experience the rich wildlife of Shiretoko National Park and eastern Hokkaido in summer.

Tour Concept

This well thought out tour is specially designed for people to fully enjoy the nature and wildlife of eastern Hokkaido in the height of summer. Perfect for anyone wishing to experience the true essence of Hokkaido in the summertime, without the hassle of trying to figure out the impossible transportation and lodging puzzles of the region. Allowing you the ability to totally relax and enjoy this tour, perfectly suited to both photography enthusiasts and wildlife/nature lovers alike.

In June and July, wildflowers bloom on lush green rolling hills and stunning sea cliff coastal terrains. while prominent mountain landscapes dot distant horizons, offering ideal settings for capturing frame worthy images, or to just enjoy the region’s iconic scenery and wildlife. There will be plenty of great opportunities to observe and photograph the wildlife, abundant Sea life and also enjoy all the wonderful landscapes this tour has to offer.

The entire journey will be led by professional wildlife photographer & guide Paul Whitton. Paul is bilingual and an Eastern Hokkaido specialist, with extensive experience and knowledge of the wild birds, animals and nature you will encounter along the way on this Picturesque tour.

Traveling by private vehicle, the itinerary can be flexibly adjusted according to weather conditions and wildlife activity, and will allow ample time for observation and photography at each point of interest along the way.

Paul Whitton

Profile

Paul Whitton was born in Australia and has lived in Japan for the past 20 years. Along with having worked professionally in many photographic genres, he has over 35 years of experience in wildlife and travel photography, humbly boasting achievements that include being published by National Geographic on several occasions. Recently he has spent years studying and gathering knowledge mainly on the wildlife rich Eastern side of Hokkaido. He speaks fluently in two languages and has successfully explored almost every corner of Eastern Hokkaido. His priceless expertise and knowledge are a great plus for customers who travel with Saiyu Travel.
Instagram page @kumakafe

Highlights

Seasonal Visits of Orca (Killer Whales) in Shiretoko National Park

Orcas (Killer whales) begin arriving in the Strait in late April and remain until July, with multiple pods confirmed during the season. A two-boat cruise tour is included during your three-night stay in Rausu, Shiretoko. This region is also known for multiple sightings of a white Orca, recorded in both 2021 and 2023.


Brown Bears in Shiretoko National Park

This tour includes two opportunities to observe and photograph Brown bears. From a small boat cruising along the Shiretoko Peninsula to its remote cape, participants can look forward to potential encounters with these majestic creatures in the wild.


Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, and Summer Seabirds on the Sea of Nemuro

Departing from Ochiishi Bay, this small-boat cruise offers an excellent opportunity to photograph both marine mammals—such as sea otters and harbor seals—and a wide variety of summer seabirds in their natural habitat. While the bird species you may encounter can vary slightly from year to year, common sightings include Spectacled Guillemots, Rhinoceros Auklets, Red-faced Cormorants, Common Murres, Ancient Murrelets, and Black-footed Albatrosses. As cruises may be cancelled due to sea conditions, two opportunities to participate are provided.

Blakiston's Fish Owl

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 observation hide for a rare opportunity to capture images of this endangered species as it approaches the river.

Discover the Abundant Nature and Wildlife of East Hokkaido

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.

Itinerary

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01
Kushiro – Nemuro

Meet your guide at Kushiro Airport at 10:00 AM, then transfer by private vehicle to Nemuro, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way, such as Red foxes, Ezo sika deer, and White-tailed eagles. We will also stop to look for sea otters from a stunning cliff enroute.

Recommended flight
ANA-4771 Dep Tokyo (Haneda) 07:40am Arr Kushiro 09:20am or
JAL-541 Dep Tokyo (Haneda) 07:45am Arr Kushiro 09:25am

Meals included: Dinner Overnight in Nemuro: East Harbor Hotel
02
Nemuro

Spend the entire day capturing the wildlife and nature beauty of Nemuro’s lush wetlands. Wander through the lakes and marshes in search of iconic Red-crowned cranes, which breed in the region during summer, as well as elusive Red foxes, herds of Ezo sika deer, and a dazzling array of summer birds. Later, embark on a scenic boat cruise to observe and photograph Sea otters, Harbor seals, and unique seabirds that thrive in the warmer months. Sightings often include a spectacular variety of species, such as Spectacled guillemots, Rhinoceros auklets, Red-faced cormorants, Common murres, Ancient murrelets, and Black-footed albatrosses and many more.

Meals included: Dinner Overnight in Nemuro: East Harbor Hotel
03
Nemuro – Nosuke Peninsula - Rausu

In the morning, we'll continue enjoying nature and wildlife around the Nemuro area, with another opportunity for a boat cruise to capture marine life and summer seabirds. Later, we'll travel north along the coastline toward Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsula. Along the way, we'll stop at the Notsuke Peninsula, known as the longest sandspit in Japan. It bursts into vibrant color during this season, when wildflowers are in bloom. Encounters with charming wildlife such as Red foxes and Ezo sika deer can also be expected here.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight in Rausu: Shiretoko Serai or Rausu Daiichi Hotel
04
Rausu, Shiretoko Peninsula

In the morning, we’ll board a chartered local fisherman’s boat for an intimate cruise to the Cape of Shiretoko, in search of Brown Bears along the pristine and majestic coastline. In the afternoon, we’ll cruise the waters of the Nemuro Strait, located between mainland Hokkaido and Kunashiri Island. At its narrowest point, the strait is only 17 kilometers wide. As we explore this vibrant seascape, we’ll observe and photograph pods of Orcas while admiring the dramatic coastlines of both Kunashiri Island and the Shiretoko Peninsula. After dinner, you’ll visit a secluded observation hide for endangered Blakiston’s fish owl—the world’s largest and rarest owl.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight in Rausu: Shiretoko Serai or Rausu Daiichi Hotel
05
Rausu, Shiretoko Peninsula

Spend another full day enjoying nature and wildlife in Rausu. As on the previous day, take part in a morning cruise in search of Brown Bears, followed by an afternoon cruise for pods of Orcas.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight in Rausu: Shiretoko Serai or Rausu Daiichi Hotel
06
Rausu – Utoro, Shiretoko Peninsula

Depart Rausu in the early morning and head to Utoro, located on the opposite side of the Shiretoko Peninsula. Today, you'll explore the rich natural wonders of the peninsula by private vehicle, visiting scenic highlights such as the Shiretoko Pass and the Shiretoko Goko Lakes. Along the way, enjoy stunning landscapes and encountering native wildlife in their natural habitat. Check into your accommodation in Utoro and take some time to relax in the soothing communal hot springs.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight in Utoro: Shiretoko Noble Hotel or similar
07
Utoro, Shiretoko Peninsula

We'll head out for an early morning session in search of Brown Bears. After breakfast, continue exploring the Utoro side of the Shiretoko Peninsula by private vehicle, enjoying opportunities both wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight in Utoro: Shiretoko Noble Hotel or similar
08
Utoro - Memmanbetsu

After breakfast, depart from Utoro and head toward Memanbetsu Airport. On the way, visit a small waterfall known for the upstream migration of cherry salmon to enjoy your last activity in Hokkaido. The tour will conclude upon arrival at the airport around noon.

Meals included: Breakfast

Price

  Price per person
From June 13th to June 20th
7nights 8days
JPY568,000
From July 1nd to July 8th , 2026
7nights 8days
JPY568,000
Single room supplement JPY45,000

**This tour requires a minimum number of 4 participants (maximum 6 participants). Please do NOT purchase your flights until you receive confirmation that the minimum number of tour participants has been reached.

Payment:

We require booking fee of JPY50,000 per person and the final payment is due 45days prior to departure.

Form of payment :

Bank transfer or credit card (Visa or Master)

Inclusions:

7nights accommodations
English speaking guide thorough out the tour
Private vehicle: Toyota High Ace or similar size vehicle 
7 Breakfasts and 7 dinners
All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary

Exclusive of:

International & domestic Airfares
Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal expenses such as laundry bills, luggage delivery service, daily drinking water etc

Climate

On sunny days, a long-sleeved shirt is usually enough during the daytime, though a jacket is still recommended.
It gets very cold during the cruise, so be sure to bring warm layers such as sweaters and fleeces, along with waterproof outerwear that can shield you from the wind. Cold-weather accessories like gloves and a warm hat are also essential. To prepare for rain, please bring a two-piece rain outfit. Waterproof hiking or trekking shoes are the best choice for footwear.

Accommodations

Most accommodations feature Western-style rooms equipped with private bathrooms. At the hotel in Utoro, guests can also enjoy communal hot spring baths.

Luggage

As we use private van, and luggage space is limited, we allow everyone to bring up to one suitcase per person. If there is not enough space in the trunk for the backpack with photo equipment, you may need to keep it on your lap as we drive.

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

**Lunch during the tour is not included. You will have a chance to buy food from the local convenience stores or eateries. Each person should prepare to pay for these individually.

**The purpose of this tour is to observe and photograph nature and for wildlife. 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 or photograph everything listed 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.

**The detailed itinerary will be sent to all participants at the same time two weeks before the tour start.


  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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