Why not go and look for the fluffy and adorable Shima Enaga in the winter forest? Through expert research, it has been revealed that the “winter fairy” everyone admires frequently visits the forest of the glamping resort “Feriendorf” in Nakasatsunai Village, Hokkaido.
However, Shima Enaga—said to be the second smallest bird in Japan—is extremely timid. Encountering one is not so easy. So here, we’ll introduce how to enjoy winter at Feriendorf and share observation tips to help you find Shima Enaga more easily in the forest.
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“Feriendorf,” where you can enjoy glamping even in winter
About 15 minutes by car from Obihiro Airport. “Feriendorf” is a hidden glamping resort with cottages scattered throughout the forest of Nakasatsunai Village in Tokachi. Each room is equipped with a fireplace, keeping the cottages warm even in winter. Beyond the windows, a silver-white forest spreads out quietly.
Another highlight is the warm dinner that soothes your chilled body. You can choose from special sukiyaki, country chicken hot pot, or shabu-shabu made with Tokachi-grown Japanese black beef. Because Tokachi’s winters are so severe, a steaming meal becomes a truly “feast-like moment.”
And winter fun isn’t limited to indoors. On clear nights, the stars feel even closer in the open space within the grounds. Simply walking through the quiet, frigid forest seems to gently clear your mind.
The forest of Feriendorf, where you can հանդիպ Shima Enaga
In the forest of Feriendorf, an adorable encounter awaits. Winter is the season when Shima Enaga are more likely to appear. Small “white fairies” moving in flocks have been spotted here.
In fact, even the staff at Feriendorf had long been unaware of their presence. It was through a joint survey that began in November 2025 with popular photographer “Kita no Camera,” who continues to photograph Shima Enaga in Tokachi, that their presence was confirmed.
Photo courtesy of “Kita no Camera @ Shima Enaga photographer in Tokachi”
Shima Enaga are birds that inhabit all of Hokkaido. They may well have been in the forest of Feriendorf all along. However, they are extremely small and highly cautious. That’s why—“if you don’t look for them believing they’re there, you won’t notice them.” That’s the kind of bird they are.
“Only seen in winter” is a slight misconception? — The ecology of Shima Enaga
Shima Enaga are often said to be seen only in winter. But are they truly “winter-only” birds? Let’s take a closer look at their ecology.
Ecology of Shima Enaga
Shima Enaga are wild birds found only in Hokkaido within Japan. The “Shima” in their name refers to Hokkaido.
They measure about 14 cm in total length, with approximately 8 cm of that being their long, slender tail. Weighing only about 8–10 grams, they are said to be “the second smallest wild bird in Japan.”
Their main food consists of insects and their eggs. During winter, when food is scarce, they also lick tree sap that seeps from trees. The “icicles of sap” seen in the cold forest are an important treat for Shima Enaga.
During winter, they move in flocks of several to around ten birds. This helps improve feeding efficiency and protect against predators—a rational way of life for surviving winter with such small bodies.
Why they are said to be seen only in winter
Shima Enaga are not migratory birds. They are resident birds that live in Hokkaido year-round. Still, they are strongly associated with winter—and there are reasons for that.
One reason is their change in appearance. In summer, Shima Enaga do not fluff up their feathers and appear more streamlined.
Photo courtesy of “Kita no Camera @ Shima Enaga photographer in Tokachi”
But in winter, to endure the harsh cold, they grow thick plumage and transform into pure white, fluffy, round forms. Perhaps it is this winter-only appearance that earns them the nickname “snow fairy.”
Another reason is their change in habitat.
During summer, they often stay deep in the mountains. In winter, however, they move closer to human settlements and flatland forests in search of food. That is why opportunities to see Shima Enaga near our daily lives increase during winter.
It’s not that they can only be seen in winter. But they are easier to encounter then—and you can see their fairy-like, adorable winter appearance. That is the charm of Shima Enaga.
Shima Enaga are difficult to encounter — Observation tips
Photo courtesy of “Kita no Camera @ Shima Enaga photographer in Tokachi”
Although easier to encounter in winter than in summer, Shima Enaga are extremely small and wary birds. Even if you set out to observe them, finding one is not easy. That’s why here are some tips to increase your chances.
Know the best season and time
The best time to see the pure white, fluffy Shima Enaga is roughly from mid-November to late February.
At Feriendorf, flocks are often seen visiting the forest around midday. If you go for a walk, aim for around 10:00 a.m. to noon as a helpful guideline.
Listen for their calls
Shima Enaga make distinctive calls such as “juriri” and “jiru.” If you remember their sound, you may notice the moment they fly nearby.
Reference for their call (YouTube)
In the forest, first listen carefully, then slowly shift your gaze toward the direction of the sound. Your ears may guide you before your eyes—a very efficient way to search.
Use tree sap as a clue
In winter, when insects are scarce, Shima Enaga favor tree sap. Icicles formed from frozen sap dripping from branches can be a helpful clue.
For example, sap from painted maple and Japanese elm trees is a favorite of Shima Enaga. However, in winter, leaves have fallen, making it hard to tell one tree from another.
If you have a smartphone, it’s also helpful to use “Google Lens” provided by Google. By taking a photo, you can more easily identify the tree species.
When photographing, try capturing the bark, winter buds, and the overall shape of the tree from different angles and distances. The more information you provide, the easier identification becomes.
After your forest walk, head to the café or hot spring
As you listen carefully for signs of Shima Enaga and gaze up at the branches, you may lose track of time—and feel the cold deep in your body.
After walking in the forest, one of Feriendorf’s charms is having warm places to return to. Within the grounds, there is a café and hot spring available even for day visitors, where you can relax at your leisure.
Why not carry the lingering happiness of encountering Shima Enaga into your next warm moment?
Cafe Dinkels
Cafe Dinkels is a place where you can take a relaxing break with warm drinks and food.
In winter, limited-edition desserts inspired by the forest also appear. The “Forest Friends Dessert Plate,” available from February 1 to the end of March 2026, features vanilla ice cream shaped like Shima Enaga and cheesecake inspired by Ezo squirrels—subtly expressing the animals of Feriendorf.
The very creature you were just searching for gently smiles from your dessert set. This playful touch softly brightens your café time.
【information │ Contact】
Address: Minami-Tokiwa Higashi 4-sen, Nakasatsunai Village, Kasai District, Hokkaido
Phone: 0155-67-7746
Hours: 11:00–14:30 (Last order 14:00)
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (may vary by season)
Official Website
Tokachi Airport Spa Sora
After a forest stroll, we also recommend visiting “Tokachi Airport Spa Sora.” This authentic spa facility warms your chilled body from the core. You can enjoy rare free-flowing moor hot spring water and a sauna.
In the popular open-air bath, you can soak while gazing at the snowy scenery. The contrast between the crisp air and warm water creates a luxurious winter moment unique to Tokachi.
Another pleasant point is that guests can use it free of charge during their stay. Walk in the forest, soak in the hot spring, and return to the quiet night—such a flow is naturally prepared here.
【information │ Contact】
Address: 286 Minami-Tokiwa Higashi 5-sen, Nakasatsunai Village, Kasai District, Hokkaido
Fee: Day-use bathing / Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,000 yen, Elementary school students 500 yen, Infants free
※ Face towels and bath towels available free of charge
Coupon ticket: 10 visits 8,000 yen (tax included, valid until June 30, 2032)
Hours: 7:00–22:00 (Last entry 21:30)
Closed: None
Phone: 0155-67-5959
Parking: Approximately 80 spaces (free)
Official Website
Encounter Shima Enaga in the winter forest of Feriendorf
Winter at Feriendorf is full of charm. Stay in a warm cottage with a fireplace and savor special hot dishes. At night, you can gaze at a sky full of stars.
And in the forest, the snow fairy “Shima Enaga” comes to visit. It’s not easy to meet this tiny, timid bird, but if you search by listening for its calls and looking for sap icicles, you might just find one. This weekend, why not visit Feriendorf and look for the winter fairy?
