Cradle of life: Lake Tofutsu
Registered as a Ramsar Convention, Lake Tofutsu is an internationallyimportant habitat for many waterfowl, including japanese cranes and ducks.
Lakes of International Importance (2023) by Lake Tofutsu Wetland CenterAbashiri City
Lakes of International Importance
Lake Tofutsu is a nationally designated bird sanctuary and a Ramsar Convention-listed wetland (2005), as it is one of the most important stopover sites for migratory birds in Japan. It is also designated as Abashiri National Park for its representative scenery of Hokkaido.
Understanding the importance of wetlands and enjoying nature (2022) by Lake Tofutsu Wetland CenterAbashiri City
Understanding the importance of wetlands and enjoying nature
The museum offers a panoramic view of Lake Tofutsu and Mt. Shari, and exhibits stuffed Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed sea eagles.
Visitors can learn about the cradle of life through the four seasons of Lake Tofutsu.
Lake Tofutsu has long been known as a swan lake, and in early October, the 'cooing' call begins to echo through the lake. Many of them migrate south, but some overwinter. When the lake's ice melts, they fly from their wintering grounds to their breeding grounds further north. Lake Tofutsu is rich in waterweeds, which serve as food for whooper swans, and they can be observed eating and drinking from the water.
Steller's sea eagle and white-tailed sea eagle eating carp (2023) by Lake Tofutsu Wetland CenterAbashiri City
Steller's sea eagle and white-tailed sea eagle
One of the largest eagles in the world. Although they fly in for the winter, small numbers of white-tailed sea eagles can be seen all year round. During the harsh winter months, when food is scarce, there is fierce competition for food.
Birds of Lake Tofutsu, Bean goose (2023) by Lake Tofutsu Wetland CenterAbashiri City
Birds of Lake Tofutsu, Bean goose
Bean Goose stop off in spring and autumn on their way to and from their breeding grounds. The spectacle of large flocks of Bean Goose singing and flying across the lake in roosting, roosting and eagle flight is a spectacle to behold.
Bean goose (2023) by Lake Tofutsu Wetland CenterAbashiri City
Birds of Lake Tofutsu, Bean goose
Birds of Lake Tofutsu,Japanese crane (2023) by Lake Tofutsu Wetland CenterAbashiri City
Birds of Lake Tofutsu,Japanese crane
They are seen from spring to early winter and move south to the Kushiro region during the severe winter when the lake surface freezes over. The number of japanese cranes using Lake Tofutsui is gradually increasing and they can be seen here and there around the lake.
Birds of Lake Tofutsu,Japanese crane (2023) by Lake Tofutsu Wetland CenterAbashiri City
When observed through a telescope, japanese cranes can sometimes be seen feeding on crabs, small fish, shellfish, etc., showing the connection between japanese cranes and wetland creatures.
Lake Tofutsu Wetland Center (2022) by Lake Tofutsu Wetland CenterAbashiri City
Lake Tofutsu Wetland Center
Established by the Ministry of the Environment in May 2012 as a centre for research and study, since it became a registered wetland under the Ramsar Convention.
A variety of birds can be observed throughout the four seasons.
