Seabird Observation House - Hokkaido

Seabird Observation House (海鳥観察舎) is an observatory on the northwestern coast of Teuri Island. It is located on Teuri Island of the town of Haboro, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Seabird Observation House

Seabird Observation House Details

Located approximately 700 meters from Akaiwa Observatory, the Seabird Observation House on Teuri Island offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe seabird life in its natural habitat. Located at the heart of the island’s seabird breeding grounds, this observation house allows visitors to watch the seabirds in one of Japan's most important wildlife sanctuaries.

Seabird Observation House - Teuri Island, Haboro town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Teuri Island is known for its rugged beauty and rich birdlife, and the Seabird Observation House is positioned in one of the island’s most captivating locations. The House sits near the island’s highest point, making it a prime spot to observe the seabird colonies below.

Experience Nature Up Close: Free Use of High-Powered Binoculars

One of the highlights of the Seabird Observation House is the provision of high-powered 50x binoculars available for free use by visitors. These powerful tools allow for a detailed and close-up view of the seabirds nesting on the cliffs. The binoculars provide an exceptional opportunity to observe the natural behaviors of the birds, from Japanese cormorants nurturing their young to spectacled guillemots in their breeding season. The detailed views offered by binoculars allow birdwatchers and nature lovers to witness behaviors and interactions that would be nearly impossible to see with the naked eye.

The Seabird Observation House is inside the Chidorigaura Picnic Area

Yagishiri Island, as seen from the parking area

You need to walk about 200 meters from the parking to the Seabird Observation House

Infoboard about the umineko or black-tailed gull

Teuri Island National Wildlife Protection Area Map

Orange daylilies grow in this area

There's a picnic table nearby, making it a perfect spot to sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful view.

The panoramic view of the Seabird Observation House

The Best Time to Visit: Seabird Breeding Season from April to August

The Seabird Observation House is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the seabird breeding season, which spans from April to August. During this period, the cliffs come alive with activity as birds, including the Japanese cormorants and spectacled guillemots, engage in their seasonal nesting rituals. The breeding season is an incredible spectacle, and the observation House provides a front-row seat to witness these birds raising their young in the wild. This period is one of the best opportunities for birdwatchers to observe the birds' natural behaviors, from their nesting activities to their feeding routines.

Seabird Observation House

The Seabird Observation House

Inside the Seabird Observation House

The list of seabirds that you can see living on the cliffside

The view from the Seabird Observation House

Can you see the seabirds?

A Prime Location for Birdwatching: Scenic Views of Teuri Island’s West Coast

In addition to its proximity to the seabird colonies, the Seabird Observation House is located near the cliffs on the west coast of Teuri Island, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The location is at the highest point of the island, which provides a breathtaking panorama of the coastal cliffs and the vast waters of the Sea of Japan. Whether you’re enjoying the rich birdlife or simply soaking in the stunning coastal views, the observation House offers a perfect balance of nature, wildlife, and scenic beauty.

Team Nicerio visits Seabird Observation House

On June 25, 2023, during our Father and Daughter Road Trip 4, my daughter and I, along with the Tomamae Gang, made a stop at the Seabird Observation House as part of our #Hokkaido179 travel journey. This visit also marked my 601st day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Although we had already explored the "seabird-rich" Kurosaki Coast and Akaiwa Observatory earlier that day, we couldn’t get enough of the island's seabirds. The binoculars provided at the observation hut gave us an incredible "up-close" view of the birds without disturbing them—almost like using a telephoto lens, but without the chance to take photos. In addition to the seabirds, the view from outside the observation hut was equally spectacular, offering a breathtaking panorama of the island’s northern cliffs.

 

Seabird Observation House Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and enjoy the view from Seabird Observation House. Parking is also FREE but limited, and it’s on a first come, first-served basis. Aside from that, you would need to walk about 200 meters to reach the observation house.  

Seabird Observation House Operating Hours

Seabird Observation House is open 24/7. However, it is highly recommended that you visit in the morning as this place is not well-lit at night.

 

Why Visit the Seabird Observation House on Teuri Island?

The Seabird Observation House is an essential destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and those eager to connect with the raw beauty of Teuri Island. With free access to high-powered binoculars, visitors can enjoy an extraordinary opportunity to observe the natural world in close detail. Whether you’re passionate about seabirds or simply looking to experience the island’s spectacular scenery, the Seabird Observation House promises an unforgettable experience.

 

Getting to Seabird Observation House

Reaching Teuri Island is a breeze, thanks to its well-connected ferry services. Departing from the port at Haboro, two ferries provide access to this serene island:

Ororon 2: A relaxing 60-minute journey that offers stunning views of the Sea of Japan.

Sunrise 2: A faster option, taking just 35 minutes to reach the island.

Seasonal Schedules:

Winter: The Ororon 2 operates with one trip per day.

Peak Tourist Season (August): Both ferries ramp up service, running three trips daily to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Exploring the Island

Once you arrive, getting around Teuri is simple. You can rent a bike, e-bike, motorbike, or car at Wakomaru Bicycle Rental or Ororon Rental near Teuri Ferry Terminal. Seabird Observation House is on the northwestern coast of the island. Just follow National Road 548 on a counterclockwise route.

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