Rausu, on the Shiretoko Peninsula of Hokkaido, is the world's greatest winter gathering of Steller's sea eagles, which crowd the drift ice alongside white-tailed eagles. Dawn boat trips push out among the floes as hundreds of the huge eagles wheel and settle on the ice, one of wildlife photography's iconic scenes. The season is short, from January to March, peaking in February when the pack ice arrives.
Rausu, on the Shiretoko Peninsula of Hokkaido, is the world's greatest winter gathering of Steller's sea eagles, which crowd the drift ice alongside white-tailed eagles. Dawn boat trips push out among the floes as hundreds of the huge eagles wheel and settle on the ice, one of wildlife photography's iconic scenes. The season is short, from January to March, peaking in February when the pack ice arrives.
Up to 90% sighting chance in Rausu, Shiretoko, Hokkaido, Japan. Best months: February, January, March.
Mainly Steller's sea eagles, the heaviest eagle in the world, alongside white-tailed eagles, drawn to the winter drift ice.
February is the peak, when the pack ice reaches the coast; the season runs roughly January to early March.
On early-morning drift-ice boat cruises from Rausu port, which push out among the floes where the eagles gather.
Boat cruises run roughly 8,000 to 11,000 JPY per person (2026 prices), weather and ice permitting.
Bitterly cold, often well below freezing on an open boat at dawn, so full winter gear and warm gloves are essential.
