 | 新品価格 |
- Introduction to Kussharo, Hokkaido: A Paradise of Extreme Cold and Wildlife
- Reason for participating in the tour: Longing to visit Hokkaido in winter
- Red-crowned cranes in the extreme cold: grace and beauty
- Adventures in the search for the zebra finch: Early morning walks around the lake
- Lake Kussharo and Notsuke Peninsula: Enjoy the extreme cold of nature
- The best part of the tour: socializing with fellow travelers
- Staying at Kussharo Prince Hotel: Comfortable Rest
- Overall satisfaction: Connection with nature and people
- Private Wisdom-like Summary
Introduction to Kussharo, Hokkaido: A Paradise of Extreme Cold and Wildlife
Kussharo in Hokkaido is an area rich in nature located in eastern Hokkaido, with Lake Kussharo and surrounding natural parks as its main attractions. The extremely cold climate, which can reach minus 20 degrees Celsius in winter, makes it a valuable spot for observing wildlife such as striped eagles and red-crowned cranes. Lake Kussharo is one of the largest caldera lakes in Japan, and the surrounding area is dotted with hot springs and log cabins, offering a resort-like atmosphere. On this trip, we took a Yomiuri Ryoko tour and stayed at the Kussharo Prince Hotel. Tour details can be found on the official Yomiuri Travel website. You can find more information about Lake Kussharo at the Kushiro Convention & Visitors Association and the official website of the Kussharo Prince Hotel where you will be staying. In addition, nature information on Notsuke Peninsula can be checked at the Hokkaido Tourism Promotion Organization. This area is ideal for experiencing the beauty and wildlife of Hokkaido in winter.
Reason for participating in the tour: Longing to visit Hokkaido in winter
In February, I went to Hokkaido in the frigid cold on a tour organized by Yomiuri Travel. The purpose of the tour was to observe the white-bellied nuthatch and the red-crowned crane. Hokkaido in winter is bitterly cold, but the beauty of the snow-covered nature and the vitality of the wildlife stand out. The reason we chose this tour was the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the transportation and schedule are in the hands of professionals. Reservations are easy online, and tour prices start at about 50,000 yen per person (including lodging and transportation). Upon arrival, we took a bus to the Kussharo area, and on the first day we went to a nature park to observe red-crowned cranes. One useful tip: When choosing a tour, check the details of the itinerary in advance. Wildlife viewing is weather dependent, so it is recommended to plan for a reserve day. Equipment is important in winter in Hokkaido, and rental clothing is comfortable. This trip foreshadowed a deeper connection with nature.
 | 新品価格 |
Red-crowned cranes in the extreme cold: grace and beauty
On the first day, we went to a nature park to observe red-crowned cranes. In the minus 20 degree Celsius cold, we put on rental clothes (warm clothes and boots) and went to the snow field. The red head of a red-crowned crane looks graceful as it dances in the snow against the white background. I was so impressed by their beauty that I forgot about the cold. Kushiro Marsh and Lake Akan are famous viewing spots, and the tour guide will take you to the best spots. Bring binoculars so you can see the red-crowned cranes from a distance, and be sure to bring a camera with cold-weather specifications and extra batteries. The red-crowned cranes are most active in the early morning and evening, so the best time to see them is just before sunrise. This elegance left a deep impression on my mind.
Adventures in the search for the zebra finch: Early morning walks around the lake
On the second day, we took an early morning walk around Lake Kussharo in search of striped eagles. We walked around log cabins and forests by the lake and quietly observed them under the advice of our guide. We came across a group of Striped Eagles flitting about on a snowy branch, and were captivated by their lovely appearance. Their small white bodies and black eyes made them look like snow fairies. I succeeded in photographing them with a telephoto lens and shared the joy with my family. The striped eagles are fast-moving and require patience, but the quiet environment around the lake is ideal for observing them. As user information, bring a thermos of warm drinks to protect against the cold. Research observation spots in advance through tour guides and local information. This experience taught me how lovely nature is.
Lake Kussharo and Notsuke Peninsula: Enjoy the extreme cold of nature
Lake Kussharo offers a spectacular view of the frozen lake and snow-capped mountains. We spent a quiet time while warming up in a lakeside hot spring. On the Notsuke Peninsula, the contrast between the drift ice and wildlife was breathtaking. Steller’s sea eagles and foxes were seen, and we were impressed by the power of nature in the extreme cold. The tour bus ride was comfortable and heated. Tips: The Notsuke Peninsula is windy, so be sure to bring a windproof jacket. A wide-angle lens is recommended for photography, and the light at dusk is beautiful. This great nature reset my mind.
The best part of the tour: socializing with fellow travelers
One of the unique attractions of the tour is the interaction with the participants. Conversations with elderly couples and photographers on the bus, sharing photo points and recommended spots for photographing the striped eagles. Even though it was their first time meeting each other, the moment when they were connected by their love for nature was warm. During the meal break, we enjoyed local seafood bowls together and deepened our memories of the trip. For users, it is fun to exchange information when actively talking to each other when participating in tours. Bring a notebook and take notes on your fellow travelers’ recommendations so you can apply them to your next trip. This exchange added human warmth to the trip.
Staying at Kussharo Prince Hotel: Comfortable Rest
The Kussharo Prince Hotel, where you will be staying, is located by the lake and offers hot springs and spacious rooms. Rooms are clean, and the snowy view from the window is soothing. Dinner is buffet style, with a wide variety of Hokkaido seafood and Genghis Khan. The hot spring baths are perfect for relaxing on a cold day and relieving fatigue; a tip: the hot spring baths are open late at night, so if you want to take a relaxing soak, try to go after 10pm. Hotel reservations are easy with tours included. This comfort supported our activities the next day.
| 新品価格 |
Overall satisfaction: Connection with nature and people
This trip to Kussharo in Hokkaido was etched in my mind with the elegance of the red-crowned crane, the loveliness of the striped eagles, and the grandeur of nature. The interaction with fellow tour members was a warm memory. Next time, I would like to take an independent trip and have more time for photography. For reference in planning your trip, the key to Hokkaido in winter is to have warm weather gear and to use tours. The budget starts at around 70,000 yen per person, and it is a worthwhile experience.
Private Wisdom-like Summary
A winter trip to Kussharo is enriched by the extreme cold and the beauty of the animals. As a personal wisdom, the key is to follow the striped eagles and red-crowned cranes while interacting with your fellow tour participants. The serenity of nature and the warmth of people soothe the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This journey quietly nurtures a love of Japan’s great outdoors.
Comments