In the Shiretoko and Rausu area, large whales such as minke whales and sperm whales migrate from warmer southern waters in search of food from spring to summer. Minke whales grow to around 8 to 10 meters in length, while sperm whales can reach an impressive 18 meters. The best time for whale watching is from April to August, with peak sightings of minke whales occurring especially from June to July. Because whales are mammals, they come to the surface regularly to breathe, releasing bursts of mist known as “blows.” Seeing these powerful animals spouting against the backdrop of the Shiretoko Peninsula is truly an awe-inspiring sight! With some luck, you may also witness the dramatic moment when a whale raises its tail. The chances of encountering whales are particularly high off the coast of Rausu, making whale watching cruises highly recommended. If you hear the distinctive “whoosh!” of a blow in the distance, it’s a clear sign that whales are nearby. For the best chance of spotting them, keep your eyes on the diagonal area ahead of the boat’s direction of travel.

Orcas (killer whales) can also be observed in the Shiretoko and Rausu area. Since orcas travel in family groups, you may spot them swimming together, see dynamic jumps at the surface, or even witness dramatic behaviors such as breaching (leaping out of the water) or swimming alongside the boat. With a bit of luck, you might even see spy-hopping (poking their heads above the water) or tail-slapping displays. Orcas move quickly, so spotting their distinctive black dorsal fins—especially the tall fins of males—is key. The best season for observing orcas is from April to June, with May being the peak month for sightings in the Rausu area. What makes this spot truly special is that you can often see them close to shore—it’s so famous as a photo spot that orca enthusiasts visit from around the world during peak season.

Sea otters are often thought of as adorable creatures that crack open shellfish with stones, but in reality, they are a rare and endangered species. Due to overhunting, their global population once plunged to around 2,000, putting them on the endangered species list. Sea otters are able to survive in cold waters thanks to their incredibly dense fur—the thickest among mammals—with over 100,000 hairs per square centimeter. In Eastern Hokkaido, you can watch them feeding mainly on sea urchins and shellfish. Recommended locations to observe sea otters include the Shiretoko-Rausu area and Kiritappu Cape in Hamanaka Town, which is about a two-hour drive from Kushiro Airport. The best time for otter watching is from autumn to winter, but with luck, you may even spot them in the early morning during summer. At Kiritappu Cape, about three sea otters have settled since around 2016, and in 2023, four mother-and-cub pairs were confirmed in the area. You can often observe them relatively close to shore! However, since they may be far away to the naked eye, don’t forget to bring binoculars or a telephoto lens for a better view. The best conditions are clear, fog-free days with calm seas. Watch as sea otters crack open shellfish on their bellies, float playfully on their backs, or cuddle together as mothers and pups—truly heartwarming scenes. Please remember that sea otters are sensitive to noise, so be sure to observe them quietly without making loud sounds.

A special photo guide tour is also available—limited to one group per day! With the support of a professional photographer, you can beautifully capture the lovable scenes of wild sea otters. Even if you don’t have camera equipment, you can rent professional gear for an extra fee.

In Eastern Hokkaido, you can observe pods of dolphins such as Pacific white-sided dolphins and Dall’s porpoises. These intelligent creatures communicate with each other using clicks and whistle-like sounds as they swim. Thanks to their speed and agility, you might even witness “bow riding,” where dolphins swim playfully along the waves created by boats. Watching them jump or spin together in a group is an impressive sight! Dolphins are curious and friendly, making close encounters more likely than with many other wild animals. The best time for dolphin watching is from late April to late October. Nature cruises departing from Abashiri and Rausu offer high chances of seeing dolphins in the wild. If you join a nature cruise, don’t forget to dress warmly—even in midsummer, temperatures in the Shiretoko and Rausu areas can drop below 20°C, and it feels especially chilly out at sea. Wear comfortable, non-slip sneakers, as the deck can be unsteady with strong swells. If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s a good idea to take motion sickness medicine beforehand, since the sea can be rough depending on the weather and conditions.

Seals, which arrive with the drift ice, are a quintessential sight in Eastern Hokkaido’s winter. As the ice starts to melt in early spring, seals can sometimes be spotted close to shore, and can often be observed from boats as well. The most commonly seen species is the spotted seal, known for its round, white face and black spots. Seals rest and give birth on the ice, and by hiding among the drift ice, they protect themselves from predators. Mothers form strong bonds with their pups, nursing them closely for the first few days after birth. Their innocent expressions and the way they poke their heads above the water to look around are sure to warm your heart. The best time for seal watching is from March to early May during the drift ice season, but there are some recommended places where you can see seals throughout the year—here’s our top pick!

With a wingspan stretching up to 2 meters, the Steller’s sea eagle is a magnificent raptor and an iconic symbol of Eastern Hokkaido’s winter. Designated as an endangered species, it is one of the largest birds of prey found in Japan. Their presence is commanding, whether perched on drift ice floating on the sea or resting atop a tree branch. Steller’s sea eagles are instantly recognizable by their striking black and white plumage and their robust yellow beak, truly embodying the title “King of the Skies.” These eagles migrate from Russia mainly during the winter, appearing along Eastern Hokkaido’s coast together with the drift ice. They often feed on fish left by fishermen or carcasses found on the ice, so you can sometimes see them even in areas with human activity. The best time to spot Steller’s sea eagles is from late October to early March, with the peak coinciding with the arrival of the drift ice in February. Drift ice cruises in Rausu and Nemuro are especially recommended for high chances of encountering these majestic birds. You may witness their powerful wings in flight or see them swoop down from treetops to snatch fish. As spring approaches, the eagles return to Russia, but if you’re lucky, you might still catch a glimpse of lingering individuals on April cruises.

Slightly smaller but equally striking, the white-tailed eagle is another raptor commonly seen during winter in Eastern Hokkaido. With a sharp gaze and impressive wings, their overall plumage is brown, and—as their name suggests—they feature distinctive white tail feathers. These eagles can be observed gliding gracefully through the sky or cruising low over open spaces. White-tailed eagles migrate from Russia and other regions during winter and are found along Hokkaido’s coasts, as well as near rivers and lakes inland. They often move in pairs, and you might see them calling to one another or cooperating while hunting. The optimal viewing period is also from late October to early March. Compared to Steller’s sea eagles, white-tailed eagles have a broader range and tend to be spotted around coastal forests and capes, so your chances of seeing them are slightly higher. We recommend joining a nature cruise to see them in their natural habitat. On these tours, you may spot them relaxing on cliffs or treetops, or watch them scanning the sea for prey while flying low in hunting mode.

Because Eastern Hokkaido covers such a vast area, getting around can be challenging. That’s why we recommend taking advantage of sightseeing buses. In particular, the “Shiretoko Airport Liner,” which offers direct service between Memanbetsu Airport and Shiretoko (Utoro), and the “Shiretoko Roman Fureai-go,” a guided tour bus that takes you to major attractions around Shiretoko Utoro, are highly recommended. Reserve your tickets at the links below!