About one million seabirds come to Teuri during the breeding season; Haboro’s themes also range from island nature to the history of herring fishing and coal mining. The municipality includes Teuri and Yagishiri. If you’re looking for accommodation in Haboro, first consider whether you’d like to include the islands in your trip or focus on cultural and seasonal activities.

Islands, ferries and seabirds

The ferry route starts in Haboro, travels via Yagishiri to Teuri, and then returns to Haboro via Yagishiri. Haboro is therefore the starting point for the island connection. If you’re planning to visit Teuri or Yagishiri, check the schedule for your travel dates: timetables and vessel availability may change.

Teuri is one of Japan’s major seabird nesting grounds. About one million seabirds come to the island during the breeding season. On the west coast, seabirds nest on cliffs formed by marine erosion; a seabird observation shelter stands above these cliffs.

The Hokkaido Seabird Center introduces eight seabird species found on Teuri Island, with displays of their habitats and light and sound effects: ウミウ, ヒメウ, オオセグロカモメ, ウミネコ, ウミガラス, ケイマフリ, ウトウ and ウミスズメ. The exhibition connects specific species with their habitats.

The rock 赤岩 (Akaiwa) also shows how the sea has shaped Teuri’s landscape: it is 48 meters high, sheer-sided and formed by marine erosion. It can be seen from a viewpoint that juts out over the sea. If you’re choosing a nature theme between the islands, Teuri focuses on seabird nesting grounds and sea cliffs, while Yagishiri offers a contrast of natural forest and a distinctive group of yew trees.

Forest, history and seasonal themes

On Yagishiri, natural forest covers one third of the island. At “Onko no Sho” stands a group of yew trees about one meter tall, with branches spreading more than ten meters. The island’s nature theme thus ranges from extensive forest to a single, specifically named landscape feature.

The Haboro Local History Museum displays valuable fossils excavated in Haboro, as well as numerous materials from the heyday of herring fishing and coal mining in Haboro. Different periods are represented side by side: fossil finds and materials relating to two historic industries. The former Konō House adds another perspective on history as a single building. It was built in 1900 and is designated by Hokkaido as a tangible cultural property.

The seasonal themes vary when choosing a time to travel: seabirds on Teuri are the focus during the breeding season; from around September, salmon can be seen migrating upstream in Haboro’s rivers, although the timing varies from year to year. In winter, another option is the town ski area “Byu.” Its spacious family slope offers views of the Sea of Japan. Ski operations are seasonal; check the operating hours if you’re including this in your travel plans.

For an overview of the wider area: Tomamae District.