Do you know about the tiny bird that has caused a huge boom on Japanese social media and has now become a symbol of "cuteness"? Its name is "Shima-enaga." In recent years, it has been widely featured in the media, and you can often see it in emojis, stamps, and various goods. Shima-enaga’s biggest charm is its fluffy, snowball-like white body with round little eyes. Thanks to its adorable appearance, it has been called the "Snow Fairy," capturing the hearts of people of all ages.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into everything about Shima-enaga—from its charm, habitat, and ecology, to places in Hokkaido where you can spot them, hotels with Shima-enaga-themed rooms, and even cute merchandise.
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What kind of bird is Shima-enaga?
Shima-enaga is a subspecies of the "long-tailed tit" that can be found throughout Japan. It belongs to the Aegithalidae family and the Aegithalos genus. However, Shima-enaga lives only in Hokkaido. In winter, its entire body becomes pure white, covered in soft, cotton-like feathers, giving it a perfectly round shape. This one-of-a-kind cuteness stands out even more against the harsh cold of Hokkaido’s winter.
What are the characteristics of Shima-enaga?
Shima-enaga is a tiny bird, about 10–14cm long and weighing around 10g, making it one of the smallest birds in Japan. It’s even lighter than a single 10-yen coin! Watching its small body dart around brings a sense of calm and comfort. Its most distinctive feature is its fluffy white feathers. In winter, the feathers puff up with air to keep out the cold, making the bird look even rounder and fluffier—like a snowball that has come to life. Its round silhouette, paired with a small tail, adds to its charm. Many illustrations and goods highlight this round shape as its signature. Its plain white face with bead-like black eyes and a tiny beak gives it a simple, gentle look that makes people feel relaxed and happy.
How is it different from the regular long-tailed tit?
With Shima-enaga’s rising popularity, many people have also come to learn about the regular long-tailed tit. The main differences are their habitat and facial features. Long-tailed tits live on Japan’s main island, Honshu, and are known for their bold, dark "eyebrows." In contrast, Shima-enaga lives only in Hokkaido and has a pure white face with no eyebrows. Interestingly, the name "enaga" (long-tailed tit) comes from its long tail, which resembles the handle of a ladle ("hishaku" in Japanese).
Why is Shima-enaga so loved?
What makes Shima-enaga so captivating? It’s not just its adorable appearance. While it may look calm and gentle, in reality it’s very quick and active. Its movements—hopping from tree to tree, hanging upside down from branches, or playing around with its friends—are endlessly entertaining. Sometimes it tilts its head in a way that looks like it’s puzzled, adding to its approachable charm.
Shima-enaga usually travels in flocks of 5 to 20, communicating with each other using calls that sound like "jii-ru, jii-ru," and helping one another to survive. In spring and summer, they live with their families, while in autumn and winter, they form small groups. During the breeding season in spring, you may see around 10 baby Shima-enaga lined up on a branch, huddling together like dumplings. Unlike adults, the babies don’t have fully white heads yet, but their huddled appearance is unbelievably cute. No other bird species has chicks that group together like dumplings, making this a unique and heartwarming sight.
Why do Shima-enaga only live in Hokkaido?
The reason Shima-enaga are found only in Hokkaido is related to the "Blakiston’s Line," a zoogeographical boundary running across the Tsugaru Strait. North of this line, Hokkaido has many animals that evolved differently from those on Honshu. Shima-enaga is one of them. To survive Hokkaido’s harsh winters, they evolved thicker feathers compared to the long-tailed tits in Honshu. This rarity—being found only in Hokkaido—is one of the reasons for their popularity.
Where can you see Shima-enaga? Recommended observation spots and the best season
If you’d like to see Shima-enaga in real life, here are some recommended spots and the best season to visit.
Why is winter the best season to spot Shima-enaga?
The best time to observe Shima-enaga is in winter, when they look their fluffiest. With the leaves gone from the trees, visibility is better, making it easier to find them. In summer, Shima-enaga look slimmer and sleeker, with more noticeable black feathers. While their summer look is also cute, in winter you’ll encounter the pure white, fluffy Shima-enaga that are especially enchanting.
[Sapporo City] Maruyama Park
This park is famous as one of Sapporo’s top birdwatching spots. It’s also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. The park is easy to access from central Sapporo, and it’s only a 5-minute walk from Maruyama Koen Station. Many wild birds live here, and in winter you may spot Shima-enaga. You might even encounter wild animals such as the Hokkaido squirrel.
- Address: 3 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Details: https://maruyamapark.jp/natures/birds/
[Sapporo City] Asahiyama Memorial Park
Located on a hillside next to Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Maruyama, this park offers sweeping views of the Ishikari Plain, the Sea of Japan, and Sapporo’s cityscape. With a good balance of forest and open areas, it’s a great spot for observing not only Shima-enaga but also a variety of other wild birds. According to the park’s official website, Shima-enaga are often sighted between October and June. Birdwatching tours and events for visitors are also regularly held, so it’s worth checking the schedule before your trip.
- Address: 5 Asahigaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Details: https://www.sapporo-park.or.jp/asahiyama/
[Sapporo City] Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park
This vast national park spans about 400 hectares and preserves untouched natural landscapes. Although it’s a little farther from central Sapporo, its rich natural environment makes it an ideal place for encountering wildlife and enjoying birdwatching. In winter, your chances of seeing lively Shima-enaga in the snow are especially high. Binoculars can be rented at the Mori-no Koryukan Nature Center and the Takino Park Information Center.
- Address: 247 Takino, Minami-ku, Sapporo
- Opening hours: From 9:00 (closing times vary by season, so be sure to check the official website before visiting)
- Details: https://www.takinopark.com/takino_bird/
[Sapporo City] Makomanai Park
This Hokkaido Prefectural Nature Park was the main venue for the 1972 Winter Olympics. Inside the park, you’ll find a 3km loop course where you can enjoy running and jogging in summer, and cross-country skiing or walking in winter. Much of the natural forest is still preserved, and it is also famous as a spot for autumn foliage.
- Address: 3-1 Makomanai Koen, Minami-ku, Sapporo
- Details: http://www.makomanai.com/koen/
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Hotels where you can experience the charm of Shima-enaga
There are also hotels where you can fully enjoy the charm of Shima-enaga as part of your trip.
Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo
The special concept room themed around Shima-enaga, the "Shima-enaga Room," was created as a pioneering idea to share the appeal of Shima-enaga back when it was not yet widely known.
The hotel has also collaborated with a Shima-enaga photographer’s social media account to offer a special lunch where you can enjoy the changing seasons of Hokkaido together with the wild Shima-enaga.
Shima-enaga-themed sweets are also popular. They’re almost too cute to eat, but why not treat yourself to a relaxing and delicious moment?
Poppins Pastry Boutique
"Shima-enaga Fée de Forestière" 1 piece ¥680 (tax included)
- Opening hours: 10:00–17:00
- Address: 2-1 Kita 5-jo Nishi 7-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Details: https://www.keioplaza-sapporo.co.jp/
Shin Furano Prince Hotel
Although available only with a members-only plan, this hotel offers a charming Shima-enaga concept room decorated with the beloved bird. Surrounded by great nature, you may even have the chance to spot Shima-enaga right on the hotel grounds.
Since 2023, the hotel has hosted a "Shima-enaga Birdwatching Tour," and in 2024 the encounter rate reached 50%. It is also scheduled to be held again in the winter of 2025. Please check the official website for details.
- Accommodation Plan: 【Members Only】Shima-enaga Trip with Breakfast & Hot Spring Stay
- Period: July 1, 2025 (Tue) – November 2, 2025 (Sun)
- Details: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/shinfurano/plan/concept/shimaenaga_room_bit/
Recommended Shima-enaga Goods
For those who say "It’s difficult to see them in person…" or "I want to be soothed by Shima-enaga at home!" here are some recommended Shima-enaga goods.
NITORI DECO HOME "Shima-enaga Collection"
"DECO HOME," an interior goods shop by NITORI, offers many Shima-enaga-themed items. From kitchenware to living goods, you’ll find a full lineup of cute Shima-enaga designs, perfect for anyone who wants to bring the "snow fairy" into their everyday life. The "Teire Shima-enaga" and the "Stretch Pile Pillow Cover" are especially recommended.
Product name: Teire Shima-enaga (scHCa01)
NITORI Net Link: https://www.nitori-net.jp/ec/product/2113300002891/
Product name: Stretch Pile Pillow Cover (DM3 Shima-enaga IV)
NITORI Net Link: https://www.nitori-net.jp/ec/product/2115100000947/
Find NITORI DECO HOME’s "Shima-enaga Collection" here 👉https://www.nitori-net.jp/ec/brands/decohome/feature/shimaenaga/
Shima-enaga Stationery
Shima-enaga stationery is especially popular with kids! 🛒 Purchase Shima-enaga stationery on Yahoo! Shopping 👉 here
References:
- Tokoton Enaga, Shima-enaga, First edition published in 2022, Publisher Hiroshi Saito, Published by Bun-ichi Sogo Shuppan Co., Ltd., 127 pages
- Why is Shima-enaga so popular? Exploring the charm of the "Snow Fairy" – Shima-enaga Fluffy Diary | Illustrations, goods, plushies, and more
- Why is Shima-enaga popular? Thorough explanation of its charm and reasons! | Ikimono Gatari
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