Ochiishi Nature Trail
Embark on an authentic fishing boat tour for unparalleled wildlife viewing and stunning coastal vistas off Hokkaido's remote islands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for puffins
Ochiishi Nature Trail
Best Time
Best chance for puffins
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Embark on an authentic fishing boat tour for unparalleled wildlife viewing and stunning coastal vistas off Hokkaido's remote islands.
"A valuable experience for birdwatchers and nature lovers, despite a tricky booking process and a rocky ride."
🎯 Book in Advance, Be Flexible
Reservations are crucial but conditional. Check the message board for crowding and be ready to adjust dates.
🤢 Motion Sickness Prep
It's a fishing boat! Bring remedies and hold on tight. No facilities onboard.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 10 reviews
Type
Tour Agency
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rhinoceros Auklet Sightings
Off the coast of Yururi and Moyururi Islands
Witness these unique seabirds in their natural habitat. A must-see for birdwatchers and photographers.
Spectacled Guillemot Encounters
Coastal waters near Yururi and Moyururi Islands
Spot these distinctive seabirds, often seen on Teuri Island. A highlight for many visitors.
Marine Mammal Spotting
Waters around Yururi and Moyururi Islands
Keep an eye out for playful sea otters and seals basking in their natural environment.
Stunning Coastal Vistas
Offshore views of Yururi and Moyururi Islands
Even without birdwatching, the dramatic sea views and island landscapes are breathtaking.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Birdwatching Adventure Early
Prepare for a Rocky Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book in Advance, Be Flexible
Reservations are crucial but conditional. Check the message board for crowding and be ready to adjust dates.
🤢 Motion Sickness Prep
It's a fishing boat! Bring remedies and hold on tight. No facilities onboard.
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Many visitors are photographers with long lenses. Bring your best gear for wildlife shots.
🧥 Dress Warmly
Even in summer, the sea breeze can be chilly. Layers are your friend.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book in Advance, Be Flexible
Reservations are crucial but conditional. Check the message board for crowding and be ready to adjust dates.
🤢 Motion Sickness Prep
It's a fishing boat! Bring remedies and hold on tight. No facilities onboard.
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Many visitors are photographers with long lenses. Bring your best gear for wildlife shots.
🧥 Dress Warmly
Even in summer, the sea breeze can be chilly. Layers are your friend.
🐦 Wildlife Isn't Guaranteed
While sightings are common, wild animals are unpredictable. Enjoy the journey!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Ochiishi Nature Cruise for its incredible wildlife viewing opportunities and stunning coastal scenery, with many highlighting sightings of rare seabirds and marine mammals. While the experience is often described as authentic and rewarding, some find the booking process challenging and the ride on the fishing boat quite rough.
"I’ve been a regular here for years. It’s a fantastic experience (I’d subtract half a star for sea sickness if that was an option 😝)"
Susan Myers
"In Search of Tufted Puffins
This tour takes you by fishing boat to the waters off Yururi Island and Moyururi Island. It's a valuable experience, but reservations are difficult. It's not that reservations are difficult due to overwhelming demand, but rather that the conditions for when the tour will take place are extremely unclear. Booking early isn't necessarily a good idea, since reservations can only be made if there are a reasonable number of other reservations. In other words, the conditional acceptance of reservations (depending on the number of other reservations) makes it difficult to make reservations. Incidentally, I was able to participate on August 19th, but that was the first tour in August 2023. Does that make sense?
As for the essential cruise content, this also depends on ocean conditions. We were lucky enough to be able to take the full course, starting off the coast of both islands and skirting the coast. Half of the roughly 10 participants (including me) were photographers armed with cannons. We spotted many Rhinoceros Auklets, speckled guillemots, sea otters, and seals, but we missed the highlight of this cruise: the tufted puffins. I was glad to be able to photograph the Rhinoceros Auklet and the Spectacled Guillemot, which I thought could only be seen on Teuri Island, but unfortunately I didn't get to photograph the Tufted Puffin.
By the way, although it's called a cruise, it's actually a fishing boat, so it's rocky and has no facilities. It's operated using local fishing boats, so that's something to be understood. However, this operation method is also one of the reasons why it's difficult to make reservations, so from the user's perspective, I feel a bit like, "If you're here for tourism, do it properly!"
Although I've written some complaints, the guide and other people involved were all very nice, providing a lot of information and trying their best to entertain us, so it was a truly enjoyable experience. And I definitely want to participate again.
August 19, 2023
From a Hokkaido traveler living in Tokyo"
Hiro Umehara
"The cruise lasts about two hours and costs 8,000 yen per person. The minimum number of participants is three, but during the off-season they may operate with just one person if you pay the three-person fare (24,000 yen) (you can check the crowding level by looking at the message board). Both the boatman and guide were very nice.
Most people seem to use the Ochiishi Nature Cruise primarily to enjoy bird watching, but the spectacular views from the sea are well worth seeing. Even if you're not interested in wild birds, I think you'll still enjoy it.
Personally, I highly recommend it if you're visiting Nemuro. (The nearby Cape Ochiishi was also amazing.)"
ken
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ochiishi Nature Cruise typically departs from a port near Cape Ochiishi. While specific directions can vary, it's generally accessible by car. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus schedules or considering a taxi from nearby towns like Nemuro is advisable.
Public transport to the immediate vicinity of the Ochiishi Nature Trail and its associated cruise departure points can be infrequent. It's recommended to research local bus routes in the Nemuro area or consider private transportation for the most convenient access.
Nemuro is the closest major town. You can reach Nemuro by train from Kushiro, or by bus from various points in Hokkaido. From Nemuro, you'll likely need local transport to get to the specific departure point for the cruise.
Parking availability can vary. It's best to inquire with the tour operator when booking. If parking is limited, arriving early or arranging alternative transport is a good idea.
Absolutely! Cape Ochiishi itself offers stunning views and is often visited alongside the nature cruise. Exploring the Nemuro Peninsula further can also be rewarding.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are required and can be tricky. Tours operate conditionally based on participant numbers and sea conditions. It's advised to check the tour operator's message board or contact them directly for the most up-to-date booking information and to understand the conditional acceptance of reservations.
The cruise typically costs around 8,000 yen per person. There's a minimum number of participants required, and sometimes you can opt to pay for three people if you're a solo traveler or small group during the off-season.
Operating hours are highly dependent on sea conditions and booking numbers. Tours are not on a fixed schedule and are often announced based on favorable conditions and sufficient reservations. Flexibility is key.
Yes, there is a minimum number of participants required for the cruise to operate. If the minimum isn't met, the tour may be canceled or you might have the option to pay for the minimum fare yourself.
Typically, if a cruise is canceled due to unfavorable sea conditions, you should be eligible for a refund or rescheduling. It's best to confirm the cancellation and refund policy with the tour operator when booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The cruise utilizes local fishing boats. This means the ride can be quite rocky, and there are no onboard facilities like restrooms. It's a more rustic, authentic experience.
You have a good chance of spotting various seabirds like Rhinoceros Auklets and Spectacled Guillemots, as well as marine mammals such as sea otters and seals. Tufted puffins are a possibility in the summer.
Given that it's a fishing boat on open waters, the ride can be very rocky. If you are prone to seasickness, it's highly recommended to take preventative medication and be prepared for a potentially uncomfortable journey.
Dress in layers, as it can be cold and windy on the water, even during warmer months. Waterproof outer layers are also a good idea in case of sea spray. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended.
The cruise generally lasts about two hours, providing ample time for wildlife viewing and enjoying the coastal scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Given the fast-moving wildlife and potentially low light conditions, a fast shutter speed is crucial. Consider using aperture priority mode to control depth of field and a higher ISO if needed, but be mindful of noise. Continuous autofocus modes are also very helpful.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended to get close-up shots of wildlife from the boat. Lenses in the 300mm to 600mm range are popular among photographers on this tour.
Using a waterproof camera bag or a rain cover for your camera is essential. Wiping down your lens and camera body regularly with a microfiber cloth will help maintain clear shots.
The best angles will depend on the wildlife's behavior and the boat's position. Be prepared to shoot from various points on the boat, and always be mindful of safety and other passengers.
Lighting can vary greatly depending on the time of day and weather. Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, but overcast days are also common. Be prepared for a range of lighting situations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit