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Product #142013
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A vibrant salmon or trout resting in the clear, shallow riverbed near Utoro, Hokkaido, showcasing its natural migration journey upstream.
Multiple salmon or trout gracefully swimming in a group through the crystal-clear river near Utoro, Hokkaido, during their impressive upstream migration.
A resilient salmon battling upstream against the turbulent currents of a rocky river near Utoro, Hokkaido, illustrating its powerful migration journey.
A mature salmon poised in the clear, shallow river near Utoro, Hokkaido, ready for its upstream migration, awaiting observation by visitors.
A dynamic illustration of a salmon leaping from stylized waves, symbolizing the thrilling salmon run-up watching tour in Hokkaido's Utoro region.

(SHINRA) Salmon's Run-up Watching Tour

Japan-Hokkaido
Booking confirmed within 4 working day(s)
Duration:1 hour(s) 30 min(s)
Guided language: English / 日本語
Free cancellation 11 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site
☆Visit in a river near the Utoro area.

☆This tour is not a program to walk in the forest. Even those who are not confident in their physical strength can enjoy it.

☆Shari-cho has the largest catch of salmon (chum salmon) in Japan for much of the past 20 years!
Why don't you visit the salmon landings caught in the coastal areas of Shiretoko Peninsula?

[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Product Info

Salmon born in rivers and growing while continuing long journeys in the open ocean. Until then, they had lived in groups, and in September, they headed for the upper reaches of the river where they were born, and moved forward against the strong currents. In the tour, we will explain salmon and trout and the role of the river in the Shiretoko Peninsula in an easy-to-understand manner while considering the behavior of fish.
In order to fulfill the life-threatening mission of leaving offspring, you should definitely see the appearance of confronting the river flowing backwards with a painfully injured body in autumn Shiretoko.
Would you like to see up close how many fish are landed?
A nature guide who lives in Shiretoko Utoro will accompany you and show you in depth the relationship between salmon and humans and the existence of salmon in the area through the landing.
You will observe the landing from the Utoro Salmon Terrace and see the salmon run and spawning behavior in the nearby rivers.

We will mainly guide you along the river and the coast. You will be exposed to cold wind, so please be sure to protect yourself from the cold.
Salmon and trout are getting very nervous as they prepare to spawn. It is also an important industrial resource for the local area, so please follow the guide's instructions regarding how to approach the river and distance.

The minimum number of people for this tour is 2 or more people in total.
【For customers who make hotel reservations after tour reservations】
KIKI SHIRETOKO NATURAL RESORT
Closed from November 4 to December 26.
Please check again if you have selected this as your meeting place.

Purchase Notice

This tour will run as soon as two people gather.


A salmon and the trout become very nervous with laying eggs near at hand. How to approach rivers, the distance, please obey the instructions of the guide.


We do the guide tour rain or shine. Please bring rain wear and rain boots for just in case.(there is no rental boots and wear.)


The tour might be cancelled or discontinued because of the bad weather condition.


Please do not feed wild animals. When these rules are not adhered to, offenders are subject to punishment under the Natural Parks Law.


Please refrain from consuming alcohol immediately before the tour, and refrain from consuming alcohol, smoking during the tour.


Pregnant women may not join this tour.


Please refrain from using cell phones during the walk.


Participants will be picked up from their hotel in UTORO area 10 to 15 minutes prior to the tour. Pick-up service is handled by Shiretoko Naturalist's Association.


・Operation by SHINRA

Reminders

  • What to bring

  • We recommend clothing that is suitable for exercise different layers to adjust for changes in weather and temperature.

  • Short & Long sleeve shirts

  • Comfortable pants for nature walking

  • A windbreaker (thin wind proof jacket)

  • Fleece Jacket

  • Sunshade Hat

  • Comfortable shoes for nature walking

  • Rain Jacket & Pants (packable into a bag)

  • Drink

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 7 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
  • For cancellations made 3 to 6 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

FAQ

1. What is the optimal season to witness the salmon run-up in the Utoro area?

The optimal season to witness the salmon run-up in the Utoro area of Shiretoko is typically from late August through October. During this period, large numbers of salmon, particularly chum salmon, return from the North Pacific Ocean to their home rivers to spawn, making it an excellent time for observation.

2. Where are the best locations near Utoro to observe the salmon run-up?

Near Utoro, the best locations to observe the salmon run-up are usually the rivers flowing into the Sea of Okhotsk. The (SHINRA) Salmon's Run-up Watching Tour specifically visits rivers in the Utoro vicinity, known for significant salmon activity. These areas often provide clear vantage points to see the fish.

3. How can I best observe salmon swimming upstream during the run-up near Utoro?

To best observe salmon swimming upstream during the run-up near Utoro, it's recommended to visit designated viewing spots along the rivers. Look for areas with clear water and shallower sections where the salmon are more visible as they navigate against the current. Early mornings or late afternoons often provide good light and activity.

4. Is it possible to see salmon jumping during the run-up watching tour near Utoro, and where?

Yes, it is often possible to see salmon jumping during the run-up watching tour near Utoro. Salmon frequently jump to overcome obstacles or waterfalls in the rivers as they swim upstream. The tour takes participants to specific river locations where these natural behaviors, including jumping, are commonly observed.

5. What factors influence the best time of day to view the salmon run-up near Utoro?

Several factors influence the best time of day for viewing the salmon run-up near Utoro. River conditions, such as water levels and clarity, play a role. Salmon activity can also vary, with some periods showing more movement. Generally, early mornings and late afternoons can offer clearer visibility and active fish, depending on local conditions.

6. Which specific rivers or areas are typically visited on the (SHINRA) Salmon's Run-up Watching Tour near Utoro?

The (SHINRA) Salmon's Run-up Watching Tour focuses on visiting rivers located in the immediate vicinity of the Utoro area. While specific river names may vary based on daily conditions and salmon activity, the tour guides select the most optimal spots each day to ensure the best viewing opportunities for the returning salmon.

7. What type of salmon can be typically observed during the run-up viewing tour in the Shiretoko area?

During the run-up viewing tour in the Shiretoko area, the primary species typically observed is chum salmon. Shari-cho, which encompasses parts of Shiretoko Peninsula, is particularly known for its large catches of chum salmon, making them a common sight as they return to spawn in the local rivers.

8. Is the (SHINRA) Salmon's Run-up Watching Tour suitable for all physical abilities, given it's not a strenuous forest walk?

Yes, the (SHINRA) Salmon's Run-up Watching Tour is designed to be accessible for various physical abilities. It is not a strenuous program involving long walks in forests or challenging terrains. The tour focuses on easy access to viewing spots along rivers, making it enjoyable even for those less confident in their physical strength.

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