On Saturday, November 15, 2025, a birdwatching tour organized by the East Tokachi Long Trail Council was held in eastern Hokkaido.
The tour focused on wetlands in Urahoro Town and Toyokoro Town, near the mouth of the Tokachi River. Participants had the opportunity to observe several nationally designated Natural Monument bird species, including the White-tailed Eagle, Red-crowned Crane, Bean Goose, and Greater White-fronted Goose, as well as other rare birds such as the Cackling Goose and Snow Goose.
The tour proved extremely popular, attracting more applicants than available spots and even creating a waiting list. Some participants traveled from as far away as the Kanto region,
highlighting the strong interest in birdwatching tourism in Tokachi. The guides accompanying the group included members of the Tokachi branch of the Wild Bird Society of Japan and local birdwatching experts. Even during the bus ride, guides shared stories and insights about bird habitats along the route, while participants pointed out sightings to one another, creating a strong sense of camaraderie among the group.
After departing from Obihiro, the first stop was the Makubetsu area, where participants observed Red-crowned Cranes and Steller’s Sea Eagles along the Tokachi River New Channel and the Sarubetsu River. The group then headed to downtown Toyokoro for a short break, stopping at local shops to purchase regional specialties and souvenirs.
Next, the tour continued to Urahoro, where all participants enjoyed lunch together. Representatives from both Urahoro and Toyokoro towns welcomed the group, and boxed lunches were served in a hall near the train station. After lunch, the bus traveled further south along the Tokachi River, stopping at the riverbanks in Urahoro to search for geese. Soon, flocks of swans appeared, followed by groups of geese—and even a juvenile White-tailed Eagle (defined as under one year old). Observations were conducted from a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the birds.
Later, the group moved to nearby farmland away from the water, where the largest flock of the day was waiting—along with a group of Red-crowned Cranes. The tour included routes rarely accessible to individual visitors, such as narrow paths through riverbanks and farmland. Thanks to these exclusive routes and the knowledgeable guides who answered every question, participants were able to fully enjoy a rich and memorable day.
In addition to birdwatching tours, the East Tokachi Long Trail Council also offers other themed experiences, such as the “Forest Route” tour exploring the former Urahoro coal mine and wild edible plants, and the “Sea Route” tour tracing the footsteps of explorer Takeshirō Matsuura. Through these activities, the council connects the natural landscapes, history, and culture of Urahoro Town and Toyokoro Town, creating and promoting walking-based tourism routes that allow visitors to experience the region at a relaxed pace.

We created a short video (38 seconds)

November 15, 2025 “River Route” Birdwatching Tour Featuring Natural Monument Birds　Kawatabi Hokkaido YouTube URL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqs-TLs515o