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Lake Tofutsu

Lake Tofutsu, a registered wetland under the Ramsar Convention

Lake Lake Tofutsu is a brackish water lake whose name comes from The Ainu language "Toput," which means "mouth of the swamp." It was formed when a shallow bay facing the Sea of Okhotsk was blocked by a sandbar, and has a circumference of 27.3 kilometers and a total area of 900 hectares. As river water and seawater mix together (it is a brackish water lake), it provides a rich environment for living creatures, and was registered as a Ramsar Convention wetland on November 8, 2005.

It was once called "Cikapunto" (a swamp where birds are always present) in The Ainu language, and is known as a paradise for wild birds. It is one of Japan's leading stopover, wintering and breeding grounds for migratory birds, with around 250 to 260 species of wild birds visiting throughout the year, and rare species such as whooper swans, Steller's sea eagles, white-tailed eagles and red-crowned cranes can also be observed.

In summer, the lakeside wetland is filled with blooming irises and Siberian lilies, creating an idyllic landscape of grazing horses. This grazing is also part of a conservation effort aimed at restoring the iris vegetation.

Points

Recommended points from the person in charge

Tofutsu-ko Waterfowl and Wetland Center is located on the Abashiri city side, northwest of Lake Tofutsu. In addition to exhibits on the lake's natural environment and flora and fauna, you can also observe wild birds through indoor telescopes.

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Tofutsu-ko Waterfowl and Wetland Center

Basic information

Address

203-3 Kitahama, Abashiri City, Hokkaido 099-3112
Business hours

*Waterfowl and Wetlands Center
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Regular holiday

*Waterfowl and Wetlands Center Closed on Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday), New Year's holiday (December 29th to January 3rd)
Price

*Free admission to the Waterfowl and Wetlands Center
Access

By car: Approximately 15 minutes (12km) from central Abashiri
Approximately 40 minutes (30km) from Memanbetsu Airport
Approximately 20 minutes (17km) from the center of Koshimizu Town
JR: About 10 minutes walk from Kitahama station on the Senmo Main Line
Bus: Abashiri Bus Koshimizu/Shari Line, about a 5-minute walk from "Hakucho Park Entrance" bus stop
Parking

Available (approximately 25 cars)
Inquiry

0152-44-5849 (Abashiri City Tourism Association)

Surrounding map

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