There are ferry options for reaching Hokkaido, giving you an opportunity to do some pelagic birding on board. See the "Birds from the Ferry" article in our Hokkaido section. Oarai picture.
In addition, on our winter East Hokkaido tour (but only in February and early March when the sea is frozen), you have an option of taking a 1 hour boat out to see the sea ice off the Rausu coast. This boat has a small closed cabin area to get out of the cold, and provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities..
Ferry
"Oarai --> Tomakomai"
02:00(am) --> 19:45 or
18:30 --> 13:30+1
One Way
2nd class sleeping compartment From approximately JPY11,500 per person
Seat only From approximately JPY8,500 person
In addition, on our winter East Hokkaido tour (but only in February and early March when the sea is frozen), you have an option of taking a 1 hour boat out to see the sea ice off the Rausu coast. This boat has a small closed cabin area to get out of the cold, and provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities..
Ferry
"Oarai --> Tomakomai"
02:00(am) --> 19:45 or
18:30 --> 13:30+1
One Way
2nd class sleeping compartment From approximately JPY11,500 per person
Seat only From approximately JPY8,500 person