Japan Walking Tour in Otaru, Hokkaido | Herring Spawning “Kuki” – Whiteout Morning by the Sea

Japan Walking Tour in Otaru, Hokkaido | Herring Spawning “Kuki” – Whiteout Morning by the Sea

Filmed on: January 31, 2026

The day before this walk, the rare herring spawning phenomenon called “Kuki” was reported in Shukutsu, Otaru.

In spring, massive schools of herring gather to spawn,
turning the sea milky white.

I rushed there early in the morning —
but instead of a white sea,
I was met with a complete whiteout.

Nothing was visible.

Later, I revisited on February 14.
This time, no milky sea —
only a calm and beautiful blue ocean.

Seen or unseen,
this is winter in Otaru.

Learn more about “Kuki” here:
https://otaru.gr.jp/tourist/2026-1-30syukutunokuki

📍Location: Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DQB8YhrvE7MyHbaF6?g_st=ic

#SoundsOfOtaru #Otaru #Hokkaido #Japan #NatureSounds #ASMR
#Shukutsu #SeaOfJapan #WinterJapan #Snowstorm #Blizzard #Whiteout