With the cooperation of the Tokachi–Kushiro Salmon and Trout Enhancement Association, we had the opportunity to observe salmon landings at two locations in Makubetsu Town: the Sarubetsu River Salmon Capture Facility and the Fishway Observation Room “Totoroad” located inside Tokachi Ecology Park, a prefectural park.
As of September, when filming took place, this year’s catch was already about five times higher than last year, indicating a very successful season so far. For this visit, salmon from the Tokachi River were landed at a pool upstream of the Fishway Observation Room. At the Chiyoda Weir on the main stream of the Tokachi River, however, salmon are sometimes landed in a much more dramatic way—using a large crane, a method found only here in Hokkaido.
The Sarubetsu River Salmon Capture Facility is restricted to the public and cannot be entered, but salmon landings at the Fishway Observation Room “Totoroad” are open for anyone to observe—if the timing is right. Inside the observation room, visitors can also watch salmon swimming upstream through the fishway, viewed safely through glass panels.
Salmon are one of Hokkaido’s most iconic fishery resources, and witnessing their upstream migration is a powerful reminder of the region’s natural cycles. If you have the chance, consider visiting Tokachi to experience this impressive seasonal event firsthand.
Photo Report Available → Click here
Video: Makubetsu Town – Sarubetsu River Salmon Capture Facility 2025 (1:14)
Kawatabi Hokkaido YouTube
Makubetsu Town – Sarubetsu River Salmon Capture Facility 2025
Kawatabi Hokkaido YouTube URL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxs7p0D4oMQ
Video: Makubetsu Town – Fishway Observation Room “Totoroad” 2025 (1:11)
Kawatabi Hokkaido YouTube
Makubetsu Town – Fishway Observation Room “Totoroad” 2025 Kawatabi Hokkaido YouTube URL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXG6FxKQ8MU
Video: Makubetsu Town – Totoroad Observation Window 2025 (0:31)
Kawatabi Hokkaido YouTube
Makubetsu Town – Totoroad Observation Window 2025 かわたびほっかいKawatabi Hokkaido YouTube URL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8oi339B_r8
［Capturing the Rivers of Hokkaido!］What is “Totoroad”? → Click here
Mapcode：369 639 288*16
