Experience Japan’s Breathtaking Winter Wildlife: Witness Snow Monkeys Soaking in Hot Springs, Majestic Migratory Birds, and Seals on the Frozen Drift Ice!

Published on December 21, 2025

Winter transforms Japan into a wonderland for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers. The country’s unique ecosystems provide unforgettable experiences, from the world-famous snow monkeys soaking in natural hot springs to the elegant red-crowned cranes performing their courtship dances on snowy fields, and seals navigating the spectacular drift ice of Hokkaido’s northern coast. Whether you’re a dedicated wildlife photographer, an outdoor adventurer, or simply someone who appreciates nature’s beauty, Japan’s winter landscapes offer some of the most remarkable animal encounters anywhere on Earth.

Jigokudani Snow Monkeys: A Natural Hot Spring Sanctuary

The World’s Only Hot Spring-Bathing Primates

One of Japan’s most iconic winter wildlife attractions is the Jigokudani Monkey Park, established in 1964 in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture. Located in the valley of the Yokoyu River within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, the name Jigokudani means “Hell’s Valley” due to the steam and boiling water that bubbles from small crevices in the frozen ground.

The park is home to around 200 Japanese macaques, known as snow monkeys because they’re the only primates (other than humans) who live in snowy climates and the only monkeys known to bathe in hot springs. At an altitude of 850 meters, winter conditions are harsh, with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees below zero and snow falling over 1 meter deep.

The History Behind the Hot Spring Habit

The story of how these monkeys came to inhabit the park is fascinating. In the 1950s, Japanese macaques lived in nearby mountains like Shiga Kogen, but due to ski resort development and forest clearing, they were driven from their mountain habitat and descended to human settlements, becoming pests. Local hiker Sogo Hara and the owner of the Korakukan ryokan began luring the monkeys away from farms toward the valley in the late 1950s.

The park was established in 1964 with the goal of allowing wild Japanese macaques to be observed in an environment without fences or cages while keeping them away from neighboring farmland. According to the official story, the bathing behavior began around 1963 when a female snow monkey noticed tasty beans floating in the water and found the warm bath so pleasant that she forgot about the beans. The monkeys’ international fame soared when they made the cover of LIFE magazine on January 30, 1970.

When and How to Visit

The best timing for a visit is January and February when there is usually snow in the region from December to March. During these cold months, many monkeys take a bath on very cold and snowy days, with some staying in the bath for a couple of hours.

The park is accessible via a 25-40 minute walk through the forest from the Snow Monkey Park bus stop, which can be reached from Yudanaka Station (10 minutes, 390 yen) or Nagano Station (40 minutes, 2000 yen). Visitors should not feed, touch, or threaten the monkeys, and should avoid staring into their eyes as this can be seen as aggression.

The park is open year-round, with green season hours (April to October) from 8:30 to 17:00 and winter season hours (November to March) from 9:00 to 16:00, with admission at 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children.

Red-Crowned Cranes: Hokkaido’s Sacred Dancers

Japan’s Symbol of Longevity and Fidelity

The Japanese red-crowned crane, known as tancho, is a magnificent bird that stands up to 160cm tall and weighs up to 10.5kg. With a wingspan reaching 2.5 meters, these birds display striking white plumage contrasted by black wingtips and neck markings, crowned by the distinctive red patch that gives them their name.

The population of red-crowned cranes in Japan is mostly non-migratory, with the Hokkaido race moving only 150 km to its wintering grounds. These cranes are deeply woven into Japanese culture, symbolizing peace, longevity, and faithfulness, as they mate for life and remain single if their partner dies.

Conservation Success Story

The species was thought to have been completely extirpated from Japan in the early twentieth century, before a small flock of 20 birds was discovered in the Kushiro Marshlands in 1924. In the winter of 1966, dairy farmer Ito Yoshitaka began feeding livestock feed and dent corn to a pair of red-crowned cranes on his pasture, gradually increasing the number that survived harsh winters. By 1987, the Wild Bird Society of Japan established the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary, and today population numbers have been restored to approximately 1,800.

Best Viewing Locations and Times

The optimal time for crane watching spans from early December through mid-March, with February being particularly spectacular as it coincides with their breeding season. The Kushiro Marshlands is your best chance to see these birds, as it is the only place in the world where they are resident all year round.

Top viewing spots include:

• Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary: In winter, some 300 red-crowned cranes fly in to feed at this sanctuary, established over approximately 12 hectares on the northern extremity of Kushiro Shitsugen marsh. Feeding typically occurs at 09:00 and 14:00 from November through March.
• Otowa Bridge: This popular bridge allows photographers to capture red-crowned cranes in their natural habitat as they sleep and wake up in the early morning light along the Setsuri River. For classic steam-fog photos, plan a pre-dawn visit during the coldest mornings of January–February when cranes roost on the river.
• Akan International Crane Center: Japan’s only dedicated crane research and education facility pairs indoor exhibits with winter feeding, where as many as 300 wild cranes may appear on busy days.

Getting to Kushiro from Sapporo station involves a four-hour train journey, but the experience of witnessing these magnificent birds performing their synchronized courtship dances against snowy backdrops is unforgettable.

Whooper Swans: Arctic Visitors to Hokkaido’s Lakes

Elegant Migrants from Siberia

Each winter, over 300 graceful white birds return to Lake Kussharo in Hokkaido, escaping the harsh Siberian cold. Whooper Swans are large, powerful fliers found in colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere, known for their deep honking calls and capable of flying at speeds up to 55 miles per hour.

Lake Kussharo is the largest caldera lake in Japan in terms of surface area and the sixth largest lake in Japan, and it is also the largest lake in Japan to freeze over completely in winter. The lake was formed over 100,000 years ago by volcanic eruptions, and in winter its surface freezes except near the shores where thermal springs keep the waters warm.

Prime Swan-Watching Locations

The best time to view whooper swans at Lake Kussharo is between December and February. Hundreds of whooper swans migrate from Siberia to Lake Kussharo for the winter, and visitors can bathe in open-air hot springs and watch these beautiful swans from just meters away.

Top spots for swan viewing:

• Sunayu: On the east edge of the lake, this is the best place to find the swans in winter, where you can even enjoy the hot spring waters at outdoor onsen along the lakeshore
• Kotan Onsen: Offers stunning opportunities to photograph swans with the Akan Mashu National Park hills as a backdrop
• Kawayu Onsen: Another excellent location with natural hot springs where swans gather

Visitors can enjoy lunch at cozy restaurants in Sunayu with large windows overlooking the lake, pairing scenic views with delicious ramen or curry.

Seals on the Drift Ice: Hokkaido’s Winter Marine Marvel

The Southernmost Drift Ice in the Northern Hemisphere

Located on a similar geographical latitude as Venice and Portland, the Sea of Okhotsk coast of Hokkaido is the northern hemisphere’s southernmost region to see drifting sea ice. The ice originates from the Amur River in Russia and drifts through the Sea of Okhotsk to reach Hokkaido typically in mid-January to early February before disappearing around mid-March to mid-April.

The Shiretoko Peninsula, measuring approximately 70 km in length and about 20 km in width, is the furthest south in the northern hemisphere where drift ice approaches the coast. The drift ice is extremely important to the creation of Shiretoko’s ecosystem, as phytoplankton called ice algae adheres to the bottom of the drift ice and breeds in abundance throughout the sea come spring.

Seal Species and Viewing Opportunities

In early spring when seasonal sea ice enters the Nemuro Strait, you are likely to see different species of seals, such as spotted seals and ribbon seals. Harbor seals are the only species that reproduces in Hokkaido; the rest give birth on the drift ice while it is out on the Sea of Okhotsk and come with the ice to Rausu and other parts of Hokkaido in winter.

Spotted Seals are members of the seal family that come to Northern Hokkaido shores in winter to breed, characterized by black spots dotting their hide, similar to black sesame seeds.

Drift Ice Experiences and Tours

Shiretoko Peninsula (UNESCO World Heritage Site) offers the most spectacular drift ice experiences:

• Drift Ice Cruises: Winter drift ice and bird watching cruises generally depart Rausu before sunrise, allowing you to take beautiful photos of eagles perched on drift ice against the backdrop of the sun rising from Kunashiri Island
• Drift Ice Walk Tours: Tours from Utoro involve participants dressed in dry suits being led out onto the ice by guides, typically taking two hours and costing around 7,000 to 12,000 yen. The Drift Ice Walk can only be experienced in the Utoro area for approximately 1.5 months each year from February 1 to March 31
• Icebreaker Ships: The Aurora icebreaker in Abashiri offers hour-long cruises where visitors can experience drift ice up close and possibly spot seals or white-tailed eagles on the ice

The best timing to view the ice is typically around the second half of February. However, due to global warming, the amount and thickness of drift ice has decreased considerably since the late 1980s.

Winter Wildlife Photography: Capturing Japan’s Snowy Treasures

Essential Tips for Wildlife Photographers

Japan’s winter wildlife provides diverse and rich subject matter for photographers of all skill levels. Here are key considerations for capturing stunning images:

Equipment Recommendations:

• Use telephoto lenses for wildlife photography, especially for snow monkeys and migratory birds
• Long lenses help capture seals without disturbing their natural behavior
• Prepare for extreme cold—batteries drain quickly in sub-zero temperatures

Timing and Light:

• Golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) provides the best light for nature photography
• Early mornings offer the most active animal behavior
• For steam-fog photos of cranes, arrive well before sunrise during the coldest mornings of January-February

Practical Considerations:

• On drift ice walks, apparent temperatures may reach -20 degrees, so wear warm clothes under the provided dry suits
• Trails to the Snow Monkey Park can be quite slippery during winter—bring winter boots and consider renting crampons and walking sticks at the trailhead
• Respect wildlife by maintaining safe distances and never feeding animals

Behavior and Etiquette

When photographing Japan’s winter wildlife, always prioritize animal welfare and follow local guidelines:

• Do not feed animals, touch them, make sudden movements, or get too close, especially to babies—these are wild animals and may attack if they feel threatened
• Avoid direct eye contact with monkeys, as in the animal world this is perceived as a challenge
• Do not use camera flash, as it can frighten animals and cause stress

Planning Your Winter Wildlife Adventure

Best Times to Visit

• Snow Monkeys: January and February for optimal snow and bathing activity
• Red-Crowned Cranes: December through mid-March, with February peak for courtship displays
• Whooper Swans: December through February for best viewing
• Drift Ice and Seals: Late January through early March, with late February being ideal

Getting Around

Kushiro is accessible via a four-hour train journey from Sapporo, while the Snow Monkey Park is about 225 kilometers (140 miles) northeast of Tokyo. Getting to the Shiretoko Peninsula takes more than six hours by car from Sapporo and requires an additional two-hour-plus bus ride from the closest airport, Memanbetsu Airport.

Consider joining organized tours, especially for Hokkaido’s winter wildlife, as they handle transportation logistics and ensure you’re at the right places at optimal times.

An Unforgettable Winter Wildlife Experience

From the endearing snow monkeys of Jigokudani soaking peacefully in natural hot springs to the majestic red-crowned cranes performing their ancient courtship rituals across snowy fields, and the seals navigating the dramatic drift ice of Hokkaido’s northern coast, Japan’s winter wildlife offers experiences found nowhere else on Earth. The country’s unique combination of accessible infrastructure, pristine natural habitats, and successful conservation efforts creates perfect conditions for observing these remarkable creatures in their natural environments.

Whether you’re capturing the delicate balance of nature through your camera lens or simply absorbing the beauty of these animals in their winter habitats, Japan provides a winter wildlife experience that will leave lasting memories. Bundle up, prepare your camera, and immerse yourself in the extraordinary natural wonders that make Japan one of the world’s premier winter wildlife destinations!