The largest Eagle in the world, an average wingspan of 2.5 meters.  At times we do spot the Giants with a wingspan of over 3 meters.  

They date back to prehistorical times, with an attitude of complete fearlessness.  

Over Two Thousand winter over in North-East Hokkaido.  The peak times to view them in January-February-March.  February being the best time.  

Rausu, Hokkaido, a small fishing village, where we charter boats to view the eagles on pack ice, their natural feeding habitat. 

Weather in Rausu is unpredictable and not unusual to keep photographers from venturing out to photograph the eagles.  

My friends & I never stay in Rausu in winter, for one very simple reason, there is only one road in & one road out, that you came in on!  The road is closed/blocked off for at times for a week, or even I've seen two weeks, due to road damage & rough weather.   Nothing gets in or out of Rausu, so we don’t take any chances.  We make our way to Rausu on day trips, 60-90 minutes out, by SUV’s. 

So if you are staying in Rausu, make sure you group leader or someone knows how to read weather charts/maps.   

Rausu is ideal if you are visiting in late spring-autumn, the gateway to one of our world's most outstanding National Parks.   Shiretoko National Park.