Yonago Waterbird Sanctuary

Overview

Yonago Waterbird Sanctuary is a wetland park in Hikona-cho, Yonago, Tottori Prefecture. Spread along the southern shore of the Yumigahama Peninsula, it faces Nakaumi, known as the largest wintering site for Tundra Swans in western Japan. One of Japan's foremost habitats and gathering places for wild birds, it records over 100 species each year and up to about 10,000 birds at peak, and visitors can observe the waterbirds up close from within the park. Part of a nationally designated wildlife protection area and of the Ramsar-listed wetland Nakaumi, it is an ideal spot for nature watching.

Highlights

• ●A setting facing Nakaumi, western Japan's largest Tundra Swan wintering site
• ●An observation spot with over 100 species and up to about 10,000 birds yearly
• ●Part of a national wildlife protection area and Ramsar-listed Nakaumi wetland
• ●Serious birdwatching by the waters of the Yumigahama Peninsula

History

Yonago Waterbird Sanctuary opened on October 22, 1995. Nakaumi, which the park faces, is widely known as the largest wintering site for Tundra Swans in western Japan and has nurtured a rich waterside ecosystem. The area is designated a national wildlife protection area and is also part of Nakaumi, a wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention for protecting internationally important wetlands. Under its English name, Yonago Waterbird Sanctuary, it has continued to serve as a base for the conservation and observation of wild birds and wetlands.

Map

35.4414, 133.2875 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Travel by car or bus from Yonago Station to the sanctuary on the peninsula's south shore
2. 2Observe Tundra Swans and waterbirds gathering on Nakaumi from within the park
3. 3Take your time experiencing wetland nature woven by over 100 bird species
4. 4Round off the visit by taking in the scenery of Ramsar-listed Nakaumi

Did you know?

💡 Nakaumi, which the park faces, is known as the largest wintering site for Tundra Swans in western Japan. More than 100 bird species are recorded each year, and at peak the number reaches around 10,000, an overwhelming sight. It forms part of Nakaumi, registered under the Ramsar Convention for protecting internationally important wetlands, and as its English name Yonago Waterbird Sanctuary suggests, it is truly a haven for waterbirds.

Nearby spots