ODAITO NEST 尾岱沼ネスト
-野付半島まで10分の個室ゲストハウスー
ODAITO NEST 尾岱沼ネスト
-野付半島まで10分の個室ゲストハウスー
Notsuke Peninsula is Japan’s largest sandspit, stretching about 26 kilometers in length.
A sandspit is a narrow landform created by sand deposited by ocean currents, and Notsuke Peninsula is one of the best examples. Although the peninsula is long, vehicles can only travel partway; to reach the farthest point, you must continue on foot.
The peninsula is home to a variety of ecosystems, including sandy beaches, forests, wetlands, salt marshes, and raised bogs, creating a unique natural environment that hosts a wide range of plant and animal life. It has been designated as a Hokkaido Heritage site, recognized as a valuable region to pass down to future generations. Additionally, Notsuke Peninsula is a registered wetland under the Ramsar Convention, highlighting its international importance as a protected area.
The landscape shaped by erosion and land subsidence is truly mystical, offering a dreamlike scenery that cannot be seen anywhere else. With its dramatic seasonal changes, Notsuke Peninsula is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
Notsuke Peninsula attracts visitors with its unique natural environment and stunning landscapes. Below are some must-see spots.
Located at the base of the peninsula, this observation parking area provides convenient access by car. On clear days, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Nemuro Strait and the majestic Shiretoko Mountain Range.
You can even glimpse Kunashiri Island, which gives you a sense of how close the Northern Territories are. While the peninsula is often shrouded in fog during summer, spring and autumn offer the best chances for clear, breathtaking views.
At night, the sky is filled with stars, making it an excellent spot for stargazing.
Be sure to check out the night sky if the weather is favorable.
As you head toward the center of the peninsula, you’ll encounter “Narawara,” an area known for its rows of standing dead Mizunara oak trees, creating an ethereal landscape. The name Narawara comes from the Ainu word “Onnikuru,” meaning “big forest.” Once a vast forest, parts of it remain lush today, while many of the trees have died, giving the area a desolate yet hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
Though entering Narawara is prohibited, you can explore it on a guided tour organized by the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center from late September to early March. This special tour allows you to enjoy the unique view from within the restricted area.
From the back of the Nature Center, a walkway leads you to Todowara, an otherworldly landscape once covered in dense forests of Todomatsu (Sakhalin fir) and Ezomatsu (Yezo spruce). Due to land subsidence and seawater erosion, the trees have died, leaving behind a stark and eerie scene.
This scenery is slowly vanishing, as the decaying trees are weathered away, making it a fleeting natural spectacle that should be seen before it disappears.
As you walk along the path, you’ll eventually reach a pier where you can experience the feeling of being at the “edge of the world.” Along the way, enjoy the colorful wildflowers like the black lily and beach roses that bloom during the summer, adding to the natural beauty.
In winter, the frozen Todowara landscape becomes even more magical, with the ice-covered bay and drifting sea ice creating a breathtaking view.
This surreal winter wonderland has been featured in many music videos and album covers, and in recent years, it has attracted both domestic and international tourists during the winter season.
A visit to Notsuke Peninsula is not complete without a stop at the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center, where you can learn more about the peninsula’s nature and history.
The center offers exhibits about local wildlife, plants, and historical sites, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the area. While the displays are primarily in Japanese, the visual exhibits make it easy to grasp the information.
On the first floor, you’ll find a gift shop and a restaurant. The restaurant serves standard dishes like curry and ramen, as well as local specialties. Be sure to try the signature “Scallop Burger” with fried scallops and vegetables or the “Seafood Bow” topped with fresh salmon and roe, made with local ingredients.
Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center
Address: 63 Notsuke, Betsukai Town
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (April 1 – October 31), 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November 1 – March 31)
Closed: New Year’s holidays (The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays)
If you continue driving past the Nature Center to the peninsula’s farthest accessible point, the Notsukezaki Parking Lot, you can walk 500 meters to a birdwatching hide. This shelter allows you to observe birds while protected from the elements. More than 250 species of birds, including Brent geese, shorebirds, and plovers, visit the area throughout the year, making up about 40% of all bird species in Japan.
Inside the hide, you’ll find helpful displays showing which birds are commonly seen and when, providing a handy guide for birdwatchers.
Notsuke Peninsula offers different experiences and scenic beauty depending on the season, making each visit unique. Here’s what to expect throughout the year:
Winter transforms Notsuke Peninsula into a strikingly beautiful snowy landscape. The frozen sea and snow-covered land merge, with the stunning Shiretoko Mountain Range in the background.
In February, drift ice flows into Notsuke Bay, creating a rare and breathtaking view that cannot be found elsewhere.
During this time, magnificent winter birds like Steller’s sea eagles and snow buntings make their appearance, offering prime opportunities for birdwatching. The harsh winter climate enhances the peninsula’s mystic charm, making it an unforgettable experience.
From late April, wildflowers begin to bloom, with Notsuke Peninsula covered in vibrant blossoms. By summer, the landscape is adorned with black lilies, beach roses, and other colorful flowers that paint the terrain. The air is filled with birdsong, as various species of birds become more active, creating a lively and refreshing atmosphere. Spring also offers stunning views of the snow-capped Shiretoko Mountains in the distance.
In autumn, Notsuke Peninsula is covered with vast fields of pampas grass, their golden plumes swaying gently in the wind.
Around September, the coral grass near Todowara turns a vibrant red, offering visitors the chance to witness these colorful plants growing naturally.
This season is also ideal for birdwatching, as large flocks of migratory birds pass through the area. The sight of these birds soaring over Notsuke Bay is truly breathtaking, capturing the powerful beauty of nature in motion.
Notsuke Peninsula offers a range of activities to fully immerse visitors in its natural splendor.
If you’re visiting outside of the winter months, a sightseeing cruise is a must-try activity. Cruises typically explore Notsuke Bay and Todowara, offering breathtaking views of the peninsula from the sea.
Some cruises venture into the open sea, where you can admire Kunashiri Island up close and possibly spot seals.
The cruises run from late May to the end of October and last around 1.5 hours. Although the commentary is in Japanese, the stunning views of Notsuke Bay are enough to make the experience worthwhile. Guests staying at Odaito Nest can enjoy a 20% discount on the cruise.
It’s recommended to book during the busy August season. Reservations can be made by calling the Betsukai Town Tourist Boat or through their website’s inquiry form. Online reservations are not available.
Notsuke Peninsula is one of Japan’s premier birdwatching destinations, attracting birdwatchers from around the world, especially in winter. Over 230 bird species, which make up about half of all bird species found in Japan, can be observed here throughout the year.
The species you can observe at Notsuke Peninsula change with the seasons. Notsuke Bay is a crucial stopover site for Brent geese, an endangered species, and large flocks can be seen here. In winter, majestic birds such as red-crowned cranes, Steller’s sea eagles, and white-tailed eagles fly to the area, making it a perfect time for birdwatching. Particularly during this season, birdwatchers eagerly seek out the snow bunting, a rare winter bird that draws many international visitors.
Notsuke Peninsula is ideal for those who love exploring nature by car or bicycle. With the sea on both sides, this narrow strip of land offers breathtaking views as you travel. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely drive or an active cycling adventure, Notsuke Peninsula provides a serene setting for both.
The peninsula stretches about 26 kilometers, and 18 kilometers of it is accessible by car or bicycle. The road is mostly flat with minimal elevation changes, making it a comfortable drive or ride. As you move along, you’ll be surrounded by vast grasslands, wetlands, and spectacular views of the Shiretoko Mountain Range and Kunashiri Island in the distance, creating a sense of being enveloped by nature.
However, if you plan to cycle, please be cautious as some parts of the road are bumpy, and many cars travel at high speeds.
While Notsuke Peninsula is known for its wildlife, encounters with brown bears (often found in Hokkaido) are relatively rare, allowing visitors to explore in safety while enjoying the natural environment.
In winter, however, the roads can become icy or snow-covered, so extra caution is needed when driving. If driving in winter conditions is not ideal, consider taking the seasonal sightseeing bus, which operates during the colder months.
To truly appreciate the unique beauty and history of Notsuke Peninsula, we recommend joining a nature guided tour. Led by local experts, these tours provide valuable insights into the area’s ecosystems, history, and the remarkable flora and fauna that thrive here.
This tour departs from the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center and takes you along a trail to Todowara, a landscape known for its eerie beauty. The guide will explain the natural processes, such as land subsidence and seawater erosion, that shaped Todowara’s barren scenery. As you walk, the guide will point out various birds and plants that you might otherwise overlook, providing a deeper appreciation for Notsuke Peninsula’s rich biodiversity.
This tour begins with a ferry ride from Odaito Port, bringing you to the Todowara pier. After enjoying the breathtaking views from the sea, you’ll explore the peninsula on foot. The tour offers the chance to experience Notsuke’s vast natural landscapes, including its wetlands, grasslands, and coastal areas, which are home to vibrant wildflowers that change with the seasons. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for photography, as the ever-changing scenery provides numerous picture-perfect moments.
The “Ponnikuru Forest” takes its name from the Ainu language, meaning “big forest.” This tour offers a rare opportunity to enter a restricted area where the forest remains untouched, preserving its original beauty. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll walk among the dead oak trees of Narawara, learning about the rare plants and other natural features of this magical forest. The tour is available only from late September to early March, so if you’re visiting during this period, don’t miss out on this exclusive experience.
In winter, the frozen expanse of Notsuke Bay creates a unique landscape, resembling an endless horizon made of ice. This tour allows you to walk on the frozen bay and experience the serenity and beauty of the snow-covered landscape. A highlight of this tour is the chance to take stunning photos against the backdrop of this winter wonderland.
This exciting tour takes you on a walk across the frozen bay to explore Todowara in winter. The harsh winter environment creates jaw-dropping scenery, and the snow-covered landscape of Notsuke Peninsula offers a dramatic and unforgettable view. Available only during winter, this tour provides a rare opportunity to see the peninsula in a completely different light.
During winter, Notsuke Peninsula becomes a prime location for birdwatching, with rare species such as Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles flocking to the area. On this guided tour, an expert will accompany you on a walk, sharing in-depth knowledge about the wildlife and nature of the peninsula. It’s perfect for both seasoned birdwatchers and beginners, and there will be plenty of opportunities to capture amazing photos of the birds and winter scenery.
While most of the nature tours are conducted in Japanese, English-speaking guides are available upon request. If you require an English guide, it’s recommended to contact the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center in advance to confirm availability.
The Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center is primarily accessible by car, with Naka-Shibetsu Airport located 40 kilometers away (about a 50-minute drive) and Kushiro Airport about 144 kilometers away (approximately 2.5 hours by car).
For those unfamiliar with driving in snowy conditions, the East Hokkaido Express Bus offers a convenient alternative during the winter season. This sightseeing bus departs from Shiretoko and travels to Kushiro, stopping at Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center along the way, making it an efficient way to explore eastern Hokkaido.
Bus route information
Notsuke Peninsula is a narrow sandspit that juts out into the sea, so it’s essential to be well-prepared for the weather and seasons when visiting. Keep the following tips in mind depending on the time of year you visit:
In spring and autumn, temperatures can drop, especially in the mornings and evenings. Be sure to bring warm clothing and layers to stay comfortable. Winds can also pick up, so a windproof jacket is recommended. In spring, as snow melts, the ground may become wet, so wearing waterproof shoes (such as trekking boots or rubber boots) will make your walk more comfortable.
Summer is generally mild, but the strong sea breeze at Notsuke Peninsula can make it feel cooler, even during the day. Light jackets or long sleeves are advisable. The peninsula is also prone to fog during the summer, which can reduce visibility. Be sure to bring sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as UV rays can be strong. Additionally, insect repellent is helpful, as mosquitoes and other bugs are common in the wetland areas.
In winter, Notsuke Peninsula experiences harsh cold, and proper winter clothing is essential. Temperatures can drop below freezing, with strong winds and occasional snowstorms. Wear down jackets, insulated pants, thick gloves, a wool hat, and a neck warmer (balaclava) to keep warm. Waterproof and insulated boots with good grip are also necessary, as the ground may be icy. Don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright reflection of snow and ice.
Notsuke Peninsula is a protected area, so it’s crucial to respect and preserve its natural environment. Some visitors may be tempted to step into restricted areas for photos or feed wildlife such as deer or foxes, but these actions are prohibited. Be sure to pack out all trash, avoid interacting with wildlife, and stay on designated paths to help protect this precious ecosystem.
