10 Things to Do in Teuri Island

10 Things to Do on Teuri Island

Teuri Island (天売島) is located 29.5 kilometers northwest of Haboro in the Rumoi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. It is one of two islands under the jurisdiction of the town of Haboro. The island’s name is believed to originate from the Ainu language, with "Teure" meaning "fish back intestine" or "Chure" meaning "foot." Teuri Island is the sole breeding ground for common murres in Japan and is often referred to as a "paradise for seabirds."

For those planning to visit this “seabird paradise” to see what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to do on Teuri Island:

Teuri Island Welcome Post

1. Take a picture of the Teuri Island Welcome Post. It is located near the Teuri Ferry Terminal. It's a fun way to start your adventure on the island.

Teuri Itsukushima Shrine

2. Visit the Teuri Itsukushima Shrine (天売島厳島神社), the main shrine of Yagishiri Island. You can visit at any time of day to offer your prayers and pay your respects. Sadly, this shrine does not have any goshuin as of this writing. 

Ororon Rental

3. If you have just one day on the island, consider renting a bike, e-bike, or car from one of the rental shops near the ferry terminal, like Ororon Rental (おろろんレンタル) or Wakomaru Bicycle Rental (和光丸貸自転車). It will make your tour around the island more convenient. Be aware that there are more uphill roads here compared to Yagishiri Island, so renting an e-bike or car is a better option if possible.

Teuri Island Lighthouse

4. Make sure to visit the Teuri Island Lighthouse (天売島灯台). If you’ve rented a bike, this will be your first stop on a counterclockwise tour of the island. From the lighthouse, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of Yagishiri Island in the distance, making it a perfect spot to take in the natural beauty of the area.

Ocean Space Museum

5. Make sure to visit the Ocean Space Museum (海の宇宙館), a small facility showcasing several photo exhibits of the island’s seabirds. There’s also a café on-site, and many visitors recommend trying the cheesecake.

Kaisen Ramen of Kaiyumaru

6. Stop by Kaiyumaru (海友丸) for a delicious meal. Located just a few meters from the ferry terminal, it’s the perfect spot to grab a bite if you have some time before your ferry departs back to Haboro. Be sure to try the Meiji tuna bowl, Unidon, and kaisen ramen—they’re highly recommended!

Kurosaki Coast

7. Stop by Kurosaki Coast (黒崎海岸) to take in the stunning view. During my visit, this area was home to hundreds of seagulls, with the slopes covered in their nests. It can get a bit noisy, and there are bird droppings everywhere, but they only add to the charm of the place.

Cape Kannon Observatory

8. Take in the stunning view from Cape Kannon Observatory or Kannonzaki Observatory (観音岬展望台), one of the island's premier observation points. From here, you’ll be treated to a picturesque panorama of the northern coast, with a particularly breathtaking view of the Teuri Island Lighthouse standing tall against the horizon.

Seabird Observation House

9. Make sure to visit the Seabird Observation House (海鳥観察舎), which offers one of the best views of the northern coast of Teuri Island. The observation house is equipped with a free-to-use telescope, allowing you to spot hundreds of Ororon birds and other protected seabirds nesting along the cliffs below. It’s an unforgettable experience for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

Akaiwa

10. Admire the stunning birds and breathtaking views from Akaiwa Observatory (赤岩展望台), located at the western tip of Teuri Island. From here, you’ll get a spectacular view of the island’s coastline, including the striking Akaiwa (赤岩) just below the observation platform. During our visit, we were able to spot hundreds of seabird nests near Route 548, adding to the charm of this remarkable spot.

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do on Teuri Island gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this scenic “seabird paradise” of Haboro in the Rumoi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.

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