Hokkaido Wildlife Tours

Tsurui Village, located in Eastern Hokkaido, is one of the best places to observe the majestic red-crowned cranes, designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan. Join our experienced guides from Picchio Shiretoko to witness the breathtaking sight of these cranes in their natural habitat. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive through the Kushiro Marsh, where you may also encounter Yezo sika deer, Ezo red fox, White tailed eagles, Steller’s sea eagles and other native wildlife. This tour has everything you need for a perfect experience — full transportation from Kushiro City, a knowledgeable and experienced English-speaking guide, high-quality binoculars for wildlife observation, and a relaxing coffee break.

The most unique aspect of this tour is that it takes you off the beaten path. These paths are originally created by wild animals, and following them gives us a true sense of the wilderness. There is a high likelihood of encountering wild animals along the way. If there is enough snow, we will use snowshoes, allowing us to walk anywhere on the snow. Sometimes, you can even spot the footprints of animals on the surface of the snow.

Despite being a beginner-friendly course, this activity leads you to the absolutely stunning scenery at the end. During winter, you can see frozen waterfalls from above, and if you shift your gaze toward the sea, you will be met with the vast and majestic Sea of Okhotsk. From February to March, you will also get the chance to see the sea covered with drift ice. If you are lucky, you could even encounter wild animals like deer along the way.

This safety-conscious Rafting Tour will gently take you through a magical snow wonderland. Our experienced guides ensure your full enjoyment of Chitose's winter highlights. ① Morning 09:30 – Meet at JR Chitose Station 10:00–10:15 – Orientation/Briefing 10:15–11:30 – Rafting Experience 12:00 – Return to JR Chitose Station / Dismissal ② Afternoon 13:00 – Meet at JR Chitose Station 13:30–13:45 – Orientation/Briefing 13:45–15:00 – Rafting Experience 15:30 – Return to JR Chitose Station / Dismissal

Discover Hokkaido’s adorable Ezo flying squirrels — tiny, round, and gliding silently through the forest at dawn and dusk. This private photography tour takes you into peaceful coniferous woods near Obihiro, where these nocturnal animals peek out from their nests before sunrise and after sunset. Observe and photograph them in natural light while learning about their unique ecology — their nesting behavior, favorite foods, and how they survive the long northern winter. Your guide provides gentle photography support, helping you work quietly and effectively in low light to capture authentic moments in the wild. Between sessions, enjoy the calm rhythm of the forest and seasonal wildlife such as owls, foxes, and long-tailed tits. Rather than chasing animals, this tour is about patience, presence, and quiet connection — a chance to feel the stillness of Hokkaido’s winter and photograph one of Japan’s most endearing forest creatures.