Lake Tofutsu
濤沸湖
A Ramsar-listed wetland where whooper swans gather in winter. The reflection of Mount Shari on the lake makes it one of eastern Hokkaido’s best birdwatching spots.
Lake Tofutsu is a brackish lake connected to the Sea of Okhotsk, and it was added to the Ramsar Convention’s list of wetlands of international importance in 2005. In autumn and winter, whooper swans, ducks, and other migratory birds overwinter here. The Lake Tofutsu Waterbird and Wetland Center on the shore offers free birdwatching and information about the ecosystem. In summer, horses grazing on the lakeside meadows and the reflection of Mount Shari create a classic scene. Located south of the Koshimizu Natural Flower Garden, about 25 minutes by car from Abashiri city center, it can be visited together with the flower garden and Kitahama Station. Note: Please do not feed wild birds, to help prevent avian flu.
Opening hours
Open all day; wetland center 09:00–17:00 (until 16:00 in winter; closed Tuesdays)
Nearby sights
- Koshimizu Natural Flower Garden
- Kitahama Station
- Aurora Icebreaker Cruise
- Moyoro Shell Mound Museum
- Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples
- Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum
- Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park
- Abashiri Prison Museum