Guide
Shunkokutai is a scenic area located in the eastern part of Nemuro, Hokkaido, boasting a precious natural environment registered under the Ramsar Convention. The topography is characterized by a unique sandspit protruding into the Sea of Okhotsk, adjacent to vast wetlands and a beautiful coastline. This area maintains a rich ecosystem and serves as a vital "bird sanctuary" for numerous wild bird species. It is a place where time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to feel the raw dynamism of nature up close.
This region has long been a place where the cycles of nature have been preserved. With a name rooted in the Ainu language, the area's geography is heavily influenced by the Sea of Okhotsk, creating a unique landscape where the sandspit and wetlands exist as one. As a Ramsar site, its ecological importance is recognized internationally. The tradition of observing migratory birds and local flora and fauna while living in harmony with nature conservation has continued through the generations.
The greatest attraction is the dynamic landscape created by the interplay of the sandspit and wetlands. A wooden boardwalk (boardwalk) has been installed along the water's edge, allowing visitors to observe the wetlands and water surfaces safely. The coastline facing the Sea of Okhotsk offers an incredibly emotional experience during sunset, as the sky transforms into a beautiful gradient of orange, purple, and gold. It is also a renowned spot for birdwatching, where you can observe various bird species that change with the seasons.
Shunkokutai reveals a different face throughout the four seasons. From spring to summer, the lush greenery and the vitality of the wetlands are striking, making the waterside scenery exceptionally vivid. From autumn to winter, the landscape shifts to a more silent, stark beauty as creatures survive the harsh environment. The sunset hour is particularly recommended, as the sky and water surface change colors vibrantly. Visiting for birdwatching is also highly recommended, as the types of birds seen change depending on the season.
Visitors can enjoy stays centered around observing the natural environment. There are routes for walking along the wooden boardwalk to observe the wetland and water ecosystems. The area also functions as a prime spot for birdwatching; visitors can use binoculars to track migratory birds and local wildlife. Listening to the sound of the wind and the calls of birds in the silence of nature offers a profound experience far removed from daily urban life.
There are many other spots surrounded by rich nature around Nemuro City. For example, Kanayama Lake and other scenic spots counted among the