Shunkunitai

A sand spit Approx. 8 km long and up to 1.3 km wide, separating Nemuro Bay and Lake Furen. A richly varied natural environment spreads out here—wetlands, grasslands, sand dunes, and more—and it’s known as one of Japan’s leading birdwatching havens. The wild birds observed here total over half of the species that can be seen in Japan, reaching Approx. 330 species. From April to October, skunk cabbage and species such as hamahatazao bloom, adding color to the wetlands and grasslands.

The sand spit consists of three dunes: the First Dune, Second Dune, and Third Dune, with a total area of Approx. 600 hectares. The First Dune is home to one of Japan’s largest rose rugosa colonies, while the Second Dune has a rare pure stand of Sakhalin spruce. The Third Dune is thick with giant trees, offering a spectacular view that evokes an ancient forest.

Five walking trail courses are available, and the estimated time required is around 1.5 to 2 hours. At the “Shunkunitai Wild Bird Sanctuary Nature Center,” you’ll find trail guidance along with a library corner and specimen exhibits.