Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Miyajima-numa in Bibai City is a Ramsar-designated wetland and one of Japan’s premier stopover sites for greater white-fronted geese. The sight of tens of thousands of birds filling the horizon is a soul-stirring experience that defines the natural grandeur of Hokkaido.

Surrounded by tranquil farmland, this 41-hectare marsh serves as a vital sanctuary where migratory birds rest during their epic journeys. During the peak seasons in mid-April and late September, about 60,000 greater white-fronted geese gather here before heading to Siberia. In the chilly stillness of dawn, as morning dew glistens on the grass, the birds take flight all at once. This “roost departure” fills the air with a thunderous beating of wings, creating a powerful resonance that vibrates through the earth and skin alike.

As evening falls, the birds return to the marsh in elegant V-shaped formations, silhouetted against a vibrant orange sky. From the observation huts at the adjacent Miyajima-numa Waterbird and Wetland Center, visitors can watch swans and northern pintails gliding peacefully across the water. Amidst the scent of fresh earth and the profound silence, the sheer vitality of these creatures offers a moment of deep reconnection with the natural world. Whether you are a dedicated photographer or a first-time visitor, the pulse of life at Miyajima-numa will leave an indelible mark on your heart.