Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Experience a 600-hectare natural marvel where rare spruce forests, tidal flats, and 340 bird species flourish in a peaceful, untouched landscape.

Shunkunitai is a vast sandbar stretching between Nemuro Bay and Lake Furen. This 600-hectare sanctuary was crafted over thousands of years by the steady flow of ocean currents and seismic activity, resulting in a landscape that feels worlds away from daily life. As you step onto the sandspit, the crisp sea breeze carries the light scent of salt, and the deep silence is softly punctuated by the melodic calls of wild birds. The scenery is a beautiful mosaic of diverse ecosystems, featuring expansive tidal flats, grassy marshes, and a globally rare forest of Sakhalin spruce. With no tall structures to break the horizon, you can truly appreciate the grand scale and serenity of Eastern Hokkaido’s wilderness.

Walking along the wooden boardwalks, you enter a renowned sanctuary where about 340 bird species have been recorded. You might see the elegant dance of red-crowned cranes in the wetlands or spot a white-tailed eagle watching over the coast. Throughout the seasons, delicate wildflowers sway in the wind, adding soft brushstrokes of color to the trails. Your journey is best started at the Nature Center. Large windows offer a peaceful view of Lake Furen, while inside, you can check the latest wildlife sightings for the day. Visiting the center first ensures you know exactly where to look to find the vibrant life waiting in this extraordinary sanctuary.