- Teuri Island – Sanctuary of Rare Seabirds
- Hokkaido , Japan
- Witness the spectacle of a million seabirds breeding on a remote island
- Price
- from JPY 180,000
- Duration
- 3nights 4days
- Season
- May to early July
Tour Concept
This tour offers a truly captivating experience for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers—especially those with a passion for seabirds. Teuri Island, located off the coast of Hokkaido, is a sanctuary where over 800,000 Rhinoceros Auklets breed each year. Alongside them, rare species such as Spectacled Guillemots, Common Murres, and Black-tailed Gulls also nest here, bringing the total seabird population to over one million annually. It is an exceptional opportunity to observe and photograph rare breeding behaviors. Highlights include the dramatic evening return of the Rhinoceros Auklets and the courtship displays of the Spectacled Guillemots—moments that are both scientifically fascinating and visually stunning.
With a circumference of just 12 kilometers and a population of only around 250 residents, Teuri Island remains a quiet and secluded destination. The number of visitors is extremely limited, allowing guests to enjoy birdwatching and photography at a relaxed pace, surrounded by pristine nature and the sound of the sea.
Highlights
Teuri Island – Seabird Breeding Sanctuary
Teuri Island is a remote offshore island located 27 km (17 miles) from Haboro Town in Hokkaido. From March to July, more than one million seabirds—representing eight different species—gather along the island’s dramatic western coastline to breed. It’s no exaggeration to say that Teuri is one of the world’s most accessible places to observe Spectacled Guillemots and Rhinoceros Auklets in their natural breeding habitat. Visitors can witness the elegant courtship displays of paired guillemots, watch devoted parents return at sunset with fish for their chicks, and feel the excitement as the young birds eagerly feed—rare and intimate moments that can only be experienced during the summer breeding season.
Seabird Breeding Ground Sites
In the morning, you will visit several observation points overlooking seabird breeding grounds, where you will have chance to see Black-tailed Gulls, Spectacled Guillemots, Common Murres, Japanese Cormorants, and more. Enjoy observing and photographing these birds from designated observatories without disturbing them. At sunset, witness the spectacular roosting of Rhinoceros Auklets—a truly unforgettable sight. You’ll be thrilled by the abundance of opportunities to observe the active breeding behaviors of these rare seabirds.
Stay at Teuri Mafure – A Newly Opened Lodge on Teuri island
During your stay on Teuri Island, you will be accommodated at Teuri Mafure, a Western-style lodge operated by Saiyu Travel. Opened in spring 2025, it is the only western style accommodation on the island. Each room is equipped with comfortable beds and air conditioning. The on-site restaurant serves Western-style cuisine featuring local ingredients from Teuri Island and Hokkaido.
Boat Cruise on Teuri Island with Nature Photographer Takaki Terasawa
The most captivating experience of this tour is the early morning boat cruise, personally captained by Takaki Terasawa, a nature photographer who resides on the island. Aboard a small boat, you’ll glide along dramatic cliffs, getting up close to rare seabirds such as the Spectacled Guillemot, Common Murre, and Pelagic Cormorant, as well as marine wildlife like the Spotted Seal. One of the most enchanting moments may come during the observation of Spectacled Guillemot—watch as they dash across the water’s surface to take flight, or capture their endearing behavior as they call to one another among the rocky outcrops. Due to the small size of the boat, departures are subject to sea conditions. To maximize your chances of experiencing this special encounter, the tour includes up to two morning cruises and one evening cruise—a total of three opportunities to join the cruise during your stay.
Itinerary
01
Sapporo - Haboro
Meet with our guide at Sapporo railway station at noon. Afterward, you will take scheduled bus to Haboro town departing 13:00.
02
Haboro – Teuri Island
After breakfast, board a regularly scheduled ferry bound for Teuri Island, a renowned sanctuary for seabirds.
Upon arrival, enjoy birdwatching in the forest till the check in time. At sunset, set out to observe and photograph the return of the island’s iconic seabird—the Rhinoceros Auklet. Teuri Island is one of Japan’s foremost seabird sanctuaries, hosting around 800,000 breeding Rhinoceros Auklets each year. During the day, they forage far offshore, and at dusk, they return to their nests in dramatic unison. Witnessing this breathtaking spectacle—the sky swirling with wingbeats as the birds come home—is a moment that etches nature’s grandeur into memory.
03
Teuri Island
In the early morning, you’ll take a small boat trip to observe and photograph the rare seabirds of Teuri Island. The highlight is the charming Spectacled Guillemot, easily recognized by its black body, red feet, and distinctive white markings around the eyes—like tiny spectacles. You may also spot other seabirds such as Common Murres, Rhinoceros Auklets, and Pelagic Cormorants.
After breakfast, you’ll join a 1.5-hour local birding tour by car, visiting several seabird breeding grounds. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to enjoy the island until late afternoon. It’s a wonderful opportunity to rent a bicycle and explore the coastline, or spend time birdwatching in the forest.
In the evening, just before sunset, you’ll board a small boat to observe the Rhinoceros Auklet. As dusk approaches, these seabirds begin gathering steadily from offshore. On clear evenings, the setting sun melts into the horizon as the auklets arrive in waves—sometimes overlapping in a breathtaking spectacle. You may witness a scene more wondrous than you ever imagined.
04
Teuri Island – Haboro – Sapporo
You’ll have another opportunity to join an early morning boat cruise to observe and photograph seabirds. After breakfast, you’ll take the morning ferry to Haboro, then continue to Sapporo by scheduled bus. The tour will conclude at Sapporo Station around 16:00.
Price
| Price per person | |
|---|---|
| Tour cost for 2026 3nights 4days |
JPY260,000 Group of 2 people |
| JPY200,000 Group of 3 people |
|
| JPY180,000 Group of 4-5 people |
|
| Single room supplement | JPY28,000 |
** Prices are for reference only. Final costs may vary depending on actual travel dates, accommodations, and other factors. Please contact us for a customized quote.
**This itinerary serves as a general guideline for the tour. We are happy to customize the content—including activity types, tour duration, and accommodation upgrades—based on your preferences.
Payment:
We require booking fee of JPY50,000 per person and the final payment is due 45days prior to departure.Form of payment :
Bank transfer or credit card (Visa or Master)Inclusions:
3nights accommodationsEnglish speaking guide thorough out the tour
Express bus fare between Sapporo and Haboro
Ferry fare between Haboro and Teuri island
3 Breakfasts and 2 dinners
All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary
Exclusive of:
International & domestic AirfaresMeals that are not included in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Rental cycle fee
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry bills etc
Climate
Due to its high latitude, warm clothing is essential even from May to early July. Early morning boat cruises can be especially cold, so please bring proper cold-weather gear and accessories. It may rain anytime, so please prepare a two-piece waterproof rain suit. For land-based birdwatching, waterproof hiking shoes or other comfortable, well-worn footwear are ideal.Accommodations
Due to the limited number of accommodations in this region, we strongly recommend making reservations well in advance.Dietary Restriction
Hotels in remote area may only accept requests for special meals to medical (such as allergy) and religious needs.Note
** Please be aware that ferry services between Haboro Port and Teuri Island are subject to cancellation depending on sea conditions. Should this occur, your stay on Teuri Island may be shortened or extended. Any additional expenses for accommodation, meals, or related arrangements will be borne by the guest.** Boat tour on Teuri island may be canceled due to bad sea conditions. Should this occur, the cruise fee will be refunded following the conclusion of the tour.
**Please note that boat and bird watching tours on Teuri Island are are shared with other guests.
Contact us about this tour
3rd floor, Kyodo Bldg. Jimbocho, 2-2, Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan ｜Travel Agency Registration No. 607
