Observing Brown Bears from the Sea

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Aidomari, Rausu, Hokkaido

• 3.0 hours

• 10 people max. Minimum 2 participants; solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants

• Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
  (French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)

Brown Bear, Brown Bear

Tucked away on the eastern edge of Hokkaido’s remote Shiretoko Peninsula lies the quiet town of Rausu. Its name, meaning “low land” in the Ainu language, reflects the heritage of the indigenous people of Hokkaido and their deep connection to the surrounding wilderness. Today, Rausu is known not only for its rich fishery — particularly salmon, squid, and prized kombu seaweed — but also as a gateway to one of Japan’s most untouched natural frontiers. As the brief summer fades and cool ocean winds roll in, Rausu becomes a sanctuary for rare wildlife. Towering cliffs and dense forests meet the sea in this UNESCO World Heritage landscape, home to brown bears, eagles, foxes, and more. On this unique three-hour tour, you’ll venture out by boat with an experienced local fisherman who knows these waters — and shores — intimately.

What you’ll do

Meet the guide at the port. Your guide will give you instructions regarding the boat cruising. Please note that there is no toilet on the boat for 2.5 hours. Even summer, on the boat, it will be colder than land, so please wear a warm jacket or windbreaker to keep warm. Departing for the edge of the peninsula, enjoy cruising. At the Shiretoko Peninsula, the guide will show you the surrounding natural landscape and point out any animals sighted from the boat.

Includes

Life jacket during cruising

What to wear/bring

Clothes

• Comfortable long-sleeved shirt and pants (can get wet)

• Separated rainwear

• Fleece wear (thick outerwear, on the boat, it will be much colder)

• Sneaker (waterproof/Goatex is preferable)

• Hat/cap with brimmed (Take caution that it does not get blown away by the wind)

• Gloves, Backpack

*NO toilet during the cruising for about 2.5 hours

What else you should know

• Brown bear watching cruise is completely dependent on the wildlife, we cannot guarantee on any trip that it will be possible to locate them.

• The captain and guide reserve the right to cancel or re-route cruises based on the ocean, weather or other conditions.

Who can attend

Children must be 7+

Availability

Everyday from mid-April to mid-October

Session 1 (08:30 - 11:30)
Session 2 (13:30 - 16:30, Apr 15 - Sep 15)
Session 3 (12:30 - 15:30, Sep 16 - Oct 15)

Access

2.0 hr taxi ride from Nakashibetsu airport
or
2.0 hr taxi ride from Shiretoko shari station.

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 5 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.