The trip ran very smoothly and everything happened when it should have. It had been very well planned by MS Kiyoka Hirata. Our guide and driver, Mr Hosono, was very good – a diligent and a safe driver, and he was willing to make small adjustments to the itinerary to accommodate our particular interests. Our accommodation and food was excellent, as were the onsens.

The local guides were very good, specially the two we met at Kushiro Wetland Reserve – Ms Yashika Kamibayashi and Mr Hirofumi Shio.

The only disappointing thing was the boat trip from Abashiri which was of short duration and did not go far offshore. Consequently, we saw few seabirds. It was also crowded with tourists but we had to expect that. The boat trip from Rausu was better in that it was focused on bird photography but was too focused on sea-eagles to the detriment of other interesting seabirds. It too, remained close to shore even though the sea was calm.