Whopper swans at the Tokachi River.

The whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus) is a large Northern Hemisphere swan in the Eurasian region. They come here in Hokkaido as one of their wintering sites which include southern Europe and eastern Asia. Whopper swans breed in subarctic Eurasia.

Whooper swans looking for food at the Tokachi River.

Whooper swans at the Tokachi River.

I have visited two places in Hokkaido where the whopper swans can be found during winter, Tokachi River and Lake Kussharo. Otofuke even celebrates a festival for the swan during winter when they go to the Tokachi River called Sairinka Festival.

Darkness comes at the Lake Kussharo.

Whooper swans give the Lake Kussharo a magical scenery.

Between the two places, Lake Kussharo gives a more magical scenery as the swans swim in the lake against the snowy mountainous background. Lake Kussharo is a caldera lake in Akan National Park, eastern Hokkaido. However, it is also a beautiful sight when the sunset gives a nostalgic ambience at the Tokachi River filled with swans and ducks.

Sunset at the Tokachi River with the whooper swans.