Izunuma and Uchinuma: Tohoku's Largest Migratory Bird Sanctuary Where Greater White-fronted Geese Winter

Izunuma and Uchinuma

Izunuma and Uchinuma wetlands straddling Kurihara and Tome in northern Miyagi are registered under the Ramsar Convention as internationally important wetlands. Each autumn through winter, massive flocks of greater white-fronted geese and whooper swans migrate from Siberia to winter here.

Highlights

• Dawn Takeoff (Toyadachi): The spectacular sight of tens of thousands of birds taking flight simultaneously at dawn
• Evening Return: Massive flocks returning to the marsh at dusk
• Greater White-fronted Geese Wintering: The largest wintering site for these geese in East Asia
• Swan Flocks: Peaceful scenes of swans gliding on the water

Viewing Period

• October–March: Wintering period for geese and swans
• Early Morning (around sunrise): Best time for the takeoff spectacle

Getting There

• From JR Tohoku Main Line Nitta Station by car: about 15 minutes
• Also accessible from Furukawa or Ichinoseki Stations (car required)

Tips

Arrive before dawn to witness the takeoff spectacle. Thorough cold-weather protection is essential. Get observation information at the Izunuma Sanctuary Center.

📚 Sources

This article is edited from publicly available information such as guidance published by the cities of Kurihara and Tome and Miyagi Prefecture, public information on the sanctuary center and the lotus-viewing boats of Izunuma and Uchinuma, and public information on the Ramsar Convention registration. That Izunuma and Uchinuma are wetlands registered under the Ramsar Convention and known as a wintering ground for white-fronted geese is based on official registration and public information. The arrival period of the geese, lotus timing, boat operation, and access may change, so please confirm official information before visiting.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: Allow about half a day for observing the dawn liftoff of the geese and touring the sanctuary center.
• What to prepare: Winter dawns are bitterly cold, so dress warmly; binoculars are handy for birdwatching.
• Getting there: It is convenient to go by car from stations such as Nitta Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line; for early-morning observation, allow plenty of time.
• Suggested route: In winter, observe the mass liftoff of the geese at dawn, then learn about the wetland nature at the sanctuary center.
• Best seasons: The geese liftoff is in winter (around November to February), and for lotus flowers, summer (around July to August) is recommended.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Best season: According to Miyagi Prefecture, geese and ducks arrive at Izunuma and Uchinuma around September and October, and numbers peak around January with roughly 16,000 greater white-fronted geese and about 2,000 whooper and tundra swans. They head north again in February and March. A total of 209 bird species can be observed here. The best moments are when the birds leave their roost around dawn and return around sunset. To enjoy the lotus flowers, come in summer (usually around July and August).
• Access: The nearest station is Nitta Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line. A car is convenient for reaching the various observation spots. If you want to see the birds leaving their roost in the early morning, public transport timetables often do not match, so we recommend planning to come by car or to stay nearby the night before.
• Clothing and gear: Winter mornings can drop below freezing. Bring warm outerwear, gloves, a hat and thick socks, along with non-slip shoes for snow and ice. Binoculars or a spotting scope make birdwatching far more comfortable. Much of the area around the marshes is shaded and exposed to the wind, so it feels even colder than the thermometer suggests.

* Birdwatching etiquette: Izunuma and Uchinuma are a Miyagi Prefectural Nature Environment Conservation Area as well as a National Natural Monument and a Special Protection Zone within a nationally designated wildlife protection area. Within the designated areas, capturing or collecting plants and animals and installing structures are restricted. Please do not get too close to the birds, do not make loud noises, do not use flash photography, do not feed the birds, and do not chase or startle them into flight.

* The surrounding land is working farmland. Avoid parking on or driving along farm roads and do not enter private land or rice paddies, so as not to disturb local life and farm work. Parking on the roadside causes accidents.

* Avian influenza precautions: Never touch wild bird droppings or carcasses with bare hands. After observing, wash your hands and gargle thoroughly, and remove mud from the soles of your shoes before moving on (the Ministry of the Environment asks visitors not to approach poultry houses or livestock facilities after birdwatching, in order to prevent the virus from being carried into poultry farms). If you find several wild birds dead in the same place, do not touch them and contact the responsible desk at the prefectural or city office.

* The ice on the marshes is thin and dangerous. Never step onto frozen marshes or wetlands.

(Sources: Miyagi Prefecture "Izunuma-Uchinuma Prefectural Nature Environment Conservation Area" / Miyagi Prefecture "Geese and Duck Population Survey" / Miyagi Prefectural Izunuma-Uchinuma Environmental Foundation, Izunuma-Uchinuma Sanctuary Center / Kurihara City Tourism and Products Association / Ministry of the Environment "How to interact with wild birds")