Discover Nature’s Symphony at the Edge of Hokkaido
Swan 44 Nemuro is a roadside station perched along National Route 44 in the wild, unspoiled heart of Nemuro, where the vastness of the natural world meets the warmth of local hospitality. Designed with floor-to-ceiling glass, the station offers sweeping views of the renowned Wind Lake and the expansive Shunko-dai sandbar, a haven for over 250 species of wild birds, including the majestic whooper swan and the rare red-crowned crane.
More than a rest stop, it’s a gateway to immersive experiences—enjoy fresh seafood from the nearby fishing ports at the restaurant BirdPal, explore locally crafted souvenirs at Shop BirdPal, or use the on-site telescope and free binoculars to witness birds in their natural habitat. Whether you're savoring a meal with a view, discovering regional delicacies, or simply pausing to breathe in the crisp northern air, Swan 44 Nemuro offers a serene, authentic connection to Hokkaido’s most pristine landscapes.
Why Visit
Swan 44 Nemuro stands out as the only roadside station in Japan where you can witness wild whooping cranes and red-crowned cranes in their natural habitat from a fully glass-enclosed facility. Its standout feature is the exclusive access to fresh, just-landed Hana-saki crab—a regional delicacy—sold directly from the dockside stall. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the 8-kilometer-long sandbar, Spring Country Dune, home to rare birds and wild hawthorn blooms, while dining on seasonal seafood.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh seafood and local flavors at Swan 44 Nemuro's restaurant, where every meal offers a view of the serene Windy Lake and surrounding wilderness.
Bird Park Restaurant
レストラン「バードパル」
Specialty
Seafood-based cuisine with local Nemuro flavors
A restaurant offering a variety of seafood dishes centered around fresh local ingredients, with panoramic views of Lake Furusato and Shunkokodai. The spacious dining area features 100 seats for guests to enjoy meals while taking in the natural scenery.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and regional specialties at Swan 44 Nemuro’s shop, where every purchase supports the community.
Shop Bird Park
特産品等展示・販売コーナー「ショップバードパル」
A retail space showcasing local products, Nemuro specialty sweets, and exclusive roadside station merchandise.
Products
Must-Try Item
Exclusive roadside station merchandise
Touko Michinoeki Store
鮮魚販売コーナー「東光 道の駅店」
A fresh seafood sales counter offering newly landed Nemuro specialties such as Flower-Opening Crab, various seafood, and branded seafood processed products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Flower-Opening Crab
Featured Products
Sample signature items like fresh Hana-saki crab and premium seafood products, crafted from the rich waters of Nemuro.
Flower-Opening Crab
花咲がに
A premium crab species from Nemuro, known for its rich flavor and tender meat, harvested from the cold waters of the Sea of Okhotsk.
Nemuro Brand Seafood Processed Products
根室ブランド水産加工品
High-quality processed seafood products made from local catch, preserving the unique taste of Nemuro's marine resources.
Nemuro Specialty Sweets
根室銘菓
Traditional sweets made with local ingredients, reflecting the unique flavors and culture of Nemuro.
Original Michinoeki Merchandise
道の駅オリジナル商品
Exclusive souvenirs designed specifically for Swan 44 Nemuro, featuring local wildlife and natural themes.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities at Swan 44 Nemuro, including restrooms, Wi-Fi, and accessible facilities for all visitors.
Parking
The roadside station has a parking area with 70 regular cars and 4 large vehicles. There is also a covered parking area available.
Adjacent to the main entrance, along National Route 44
Restroom
The facility includes toilets with warm water flushing, a disabled-accessible toilet, and a diaper changing station. Note: There have been temporary closures reported in the past.
Inside the main building
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the facility, including the information center and common areas
Information Center
The tourism information corner features a TV telescope for viewing the expansive natural scenery of Furusato Lake and Hakkodai. Free binoculars are also available for birdwatching.
Inside the main building, near the entrance
Play Area
While not explicitly named, the surrounding natural environment including the expansive views of Furusato Lake and Hakkodai offers a natural play and relaxation space for families.
Outside the main building, overlooking Furusato Lake and Hakkodai
EV Charging Station
Not mentioned in the provided content.
ATM
Not mentioned in the provided content.
Pet Area
Not mentioned in the provided content.
Nursing Room
A dedicated space for nursing mothers is available, including a diaper changing station.
Inside the restroom area
Onsen
Not mentioned in the provided content.
Bike Rental
Not mentioned in the provided content.
Activities & Experiences
Explore nature through birdwatching, guided tours, and seasonal events that connect you with the region’s wild beauty.
Birdwatching with Telephoto Telescope
テレビ型望遠鏡を使ったバードウォッチング
Participants can use a telephoto telescope installed in the information center to enjoy panoramic views of the majestic nature of Furusato Lake and Hakkodai, observing birds such as whooper swans, red-crowned cranes, and other species.
Duration
30 min
Best enjoyed on clear days for optimal visibility.
Free Binocular Rental for Birdwatching
双眼鏡の無料貸し出し
Guests can borrow binoculars free of charge at the information center, ideal for observing birds in the surrounding natural areas such as Hakkodai and Furusato Lake.
Duration
60 min
Recommended for use during daylight hours when bird activity is highest.
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours for a peaceful experience, and use the 24-hour stamp station even on closed days.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM in winter (November to March) to secure a seat at the restaurant "Bird Parlor" before it closes at 2:30 PM, as it often fills up quickly during peak hours.
- Hidden Gems: Head to the fresh fish counter "Touko Michinoeki Shop" early in the day to find the day’s first catch of Hokkaido’s signature "Hanasaki Crab," which is displayed fresh and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, check the roadside station’s bulletin board near the entrance for pop-up vendors selling seasonal seafood from local fishers—these appear only between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM and feature limited-edition items not available elsewhere.
- Free Equipment Access: Borrow a pair of binoculars from the information counter to enhance your birdwatching experience at the viewing area; the staff will help you identify species like the red-crowned crane and white-naped crane in the nearby wind-river lake and spring land.
- Cashless Payment Tip: Use the cashless payment system at the shop "Bird Parlor" and the fresh fish counter—this is faster than card-only terminals and avoids delays during peak visit times, especially in the summer months.
- Best Viewing Spot: Stand at the glass wall near the restaurant entrance to view the Wind River Lake and Spring Land during daylight hours; the panoramic view is best between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when light conditions are optimal and birds are most active.
- Stamping Hack: Use the 24-hour stamp station located outside the main entrance, even on closed days—this is the only time you can stamp your travel journal without entering the building, saving time and avoiding crowded hours.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit for early birdwatching at Shunko-dai, where Oogasho and Tancho cranes arrive in March, and fresh sea urchin becomes available in April.
Summer (June-August): Ideal for viewing the vibrant Hama-nasu wildflowers along Shunko-dai and enjoying fresh seafood, especially from July to August.
Autumn (September-November): Best for spotting migrating birds like the Whooper Swan at Winden Lake and sampling seasonal seafood at the fresh fish counter.
Winter (December-February): Experience the serene beauty of Shunko-dai under snow, with guided birdwatching and hot meals at the roadside station.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers stroller-friendly access, a baby changing station, and free binoculars for birdwatching. Though no dedicated play area exists, the scenic views and educational birdwatching opportunities provide engaging experiences for children.
Food Lover Review
Features a restaurant with fresh seafood and local specialties like flower crab. The fish market offers high-quality, locally caught seafood, and the shop sells unique regional products, enhancing the authentic culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides a large parking area with roofed spaces and basic facilities, including restrooms. However, the roadside station lacks designated overnight parking, and noise from nearby traffic reduces suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers panoramic views of Wind Lake and Shunkotai, a natural sandbar rich in birdlife. The glass-walled design enhances the scenic experience, and seasonal changes in bird populations and wildflowers add visual variety throughout the year.