Local Insight Brings the Wonders of Nemuro to Life

Birdwatching in Nemuro was a truly impressive experience. I was surprised to see so many cranes in this region and that we were able to see them from so close. Equally striking were the birds of prey, including Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles. Our guide had in-depth knowledge of the local ecosystem and told us all about the relationship between these majestic birds and the local fisherman who catch fish beneath the ice. The birds wait and watch patiently as the fishing is in progress before swooping in to grab what the fishermen leave for them. It was an absolutely spectacular sight to see, made all the more impactful by our guide’s insight into this harmonious relationship.

I’ve lived in Hokkaido for ten years, but the food in Nemuro held new discoveries for me. It goes without saying that dishes such as Hanasaki crab, esukaroppu and sushi were absolutely delicious. A particular highlight for me was the menuki, a name given to various types of red rockfish. We had it in two totally different styles, in a hotpot on the first day and as sashimi on the second. The hotpot was deliciously fatty, while the sashimi had a satisfying chewy texture. I was also impressed by how many places to eat there were beyond typical tourist spots. These local restaurants and izakayas a little off the beaten track are where local people come together, which gives you a real insight into life in Nemuro. Not only that, these stores are great places to try an even wider variety of local seafood.

Another important connection in the Nemuro area is the Hanasaki Line railway. Our driver told us that Higashi-Nemuro Station was actually going to close in March 2025 and asked if we would like to go and see it. The timing was perfect because we saw a train pass the station just as sunset was coming. I’m glad we were able to experience that, and it was all thanks to our driver’s insight and desire to share some local history with us. That’s just one example of many nuggets of wisdom that he shared with us on the road.

We actually had good timing with sunsets on both days of our trip. On the other evening, the view over the city and the sea from Kotohira Shrine was truly a sight to behold as the sun went down. I also got a nice surprise when I went to get a goshuin, a stamp visitors can pay to receive at shrines. The paper had an amazing cut-out design depicting the waves of the nearby sea and local icons such as saury and Hanasaki crab. It’s a special memento of a special trip.

Local connections are an important part of what makes Nemuro unique, so I highly recommend exploring with a local guide to enjoy this amazing region to the fullest. A guide is essential for activities such as birdwatching, but in addition to that, someone with deep local knowledge can offer little-known insight and stories to reveal a Nemuro beyond your imagination.

This article was written by our editorial team based on our interview with Lan.