Lake Furen

Lake Furen is a brackish lagoon in eastern Hokkaido that covers more than 50 square kilometres. Still connected to Nemuro Bay and the Sea of Okhotsk, the lake is shaped by the meeting of fresh and salt water.

Fed by more than a dozen rivers, Lake Furen is a region with a highly diverse array of habitats, consisting of extensive mud flats, thick forests and vast saltmarshes. To the north and south, two huge sandbars form natural barriers, shielding the lake from the ocean. The southern Shunkuni-tai sandbar is especially striking; an eight kilometre chain of ancient sand dunes, supporting a rare mix of habitats, including a unique Sakhalin spruce forest.

These varied environments make Lake Furen one of Hokkaido’s most significant wildlife areas. Around 280 bird species have been recorded here — nearly 40 per cent of all bird species found in Japan. Both resident and migratory birds use the lake and surrounding marshes, including endangered species such as the iconic red-crowned crane, spoon-billed sandpiper and Blakiston’s fish owl, as well as other sought-after species including white-tailed and Steller’s sea eagles, and the black woodpecker.

The region is often cool and misty, with sea fog rolling in from nearby currents. While the weather can be unpredictable, these conditions have helped preserve Lake Furen’s rich ecosystems, making it a rewarding destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

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