Full itinerary – Japan Birding tour
Tour info:
Duration: 16 days / 15 nights
Safari in Ishigaki and ends in Tokyo.
Hotel accommodation
Available to book as private guided birding tour. Group departure dates to be confirmed.
Full Itinerary:
Day 1-2: Ishigaki.
Welcome to the interesting birding destination that few birders have visited: the subtropical island of Ishigaki, which is a component of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Situated 400 kilometres southwest of Okinawa’s main island, the island acts as a gateway to the breathtaking Yaeyama Islands. The heart of Ishigaki is home to charming mangrove-lined waterways, heavily forested mountains, and palm-lined forests. One of the most significant migratory stopping locations in Japan is this subtropical area; some species that are considered summer birds near Tokyo are treated as winter birds on this island.
Ishigaki Island’s musical traditions are ingrained in its culture. “The country of poets, the island of songs, and the land of dance” is how people have long referred to the island.
Here, we will be focusing on some extremely rare birds, such as the Ryukyu Serpent Eagle and the endemic Ishigaki Tit and the rare Iriomote Tit. The Ryukyu Green Pigeon, Malayan Night-Heron, Ryukyu (Owston’s) Flycatcher, and other uncommon species in Japan such the Purple Heron and Black-winged Kite are some of the other probable birds on the island. The following overwintering Thrushes are also possible: Brown-headed and White-headed Thrushes.
Eastern Yellow Wagtail should also be observed. The Pacific Golden and Kentish Plovers, Mongolian (Lesser) and Greater Sand-Plovers, Grey-tailed Tattlers, and other shorebirds are possible. When it comes to nocturnal birds, we are aiming to connect with the timid Slaty-legged Crake, the Ryukyu Scops Owl, and the Northern Boobook, if we are very fortunate.
After our exciting first day we will head back to the hotel to enjoy your dinner and make sure to get a good night’s rest so you can be ready for more adventures tomorrow.
Day 3: Ishigaki to Okinawa.
This morning, following a hearty breakfast, we will focus on any species that we may have overlooked the previous day. A few additional birds to watch out for are listed below: Ruddy Kingfisher, Oriental Pratincole, Japanese (Black) Paradise Flycatcher, Cinnamon Bittern, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, White-breasted Waterhen, and Warbling White-eye.
We then board our short flight to Okinawa.
Japan has 47 prefectures, one of which is Okinawa. It is made up of about 160 islands, both inhabited and unoccupied, and covers an area of more than 2,000 square kilometers. Okinawa’s main island is home to Naha, the capital city, which serves a population of around 1.4 million people. At roughly 70 miles (112 km) length and 7 miles (11 km) wide, Okinawa Island is the largest of the Ryukyus.
With the greatest population, the main island is also the largest. Numerous small islands encircle it, some of which are accessible via bridge. The island’s topography varies, with the north’s spectacular karst landscapes and thick forests giving way to the south’s Shurijo Castle Park’s historic castle fortifications and Chatan’s contemporary waterfront promenades.
When we land, we will head north to the Yanbaru region. We will arrive in the early evening and enjoy a delicious meal. We will once again do some night birding in search of the Ryukyu Scops Owl and, with any luck, roosting Okinawa Rails. Another possibility is the separate pryeri race of Japanese Scops Owl. Perhaps we will find an Amami Woodcock.
Day 4: Okinawa.
We will spend some time exploring the main island of Okinawa’s Yanbaru Peninsula. In 2021, UNESCO designated four islands—Okinawa Island, Tokunoshima, Amami Oshima (all in Central Ryukyus), and Iriomote Island (part of Southern Ryukyus)—as World Natural Heritage Sites. These islands are important for safeguarding rare endemic species due to their high biodiversity. The endemic Okinawa Rail, is our primary target here, there are also other rare plants and animals found in Yanbaru’s subtropical evergreen forests, mangroves, and fascinating limestone mountains. Although the Okinawa Rail can be challenging to view, this bird is commonly heard.
The Okinawa Castanopsis, which accounts for 70% of the biomass in Okinawa’s woods, dominates the vegetation in the Yanbaru region. It is essential to the Yanbaru ecosystem’s food chain since it provides food for animals like the Okinawa Rail, Wild Boars, and even freshwater crabs, which eat the acorns of the Okinawa Castanopsis. These trees are home to nest cavities made by Okinawa Woodpeckers during the breeding season. Following the breeding season, owls and Ryukyu Tree Rats may make use of these abandoned tree holes.
We should be able to track down the following species: Black Wood-Pigeon, Ryukyu Green Pigeon, Pacific Swallow, Asian Stubtail, Grey-faced Buzzard, Japanese Sparrowhawk, Okinawa Robin (endemic), and Ryukyu Minivet. Additionally, we will search for the extremely rare and endemic Pryer’s (Okinawa) Woodpecker.
Wader-watching in Naha and other coastal areas should be a part of every trip to Okinawa. These species might be found: Mongolian (Lesser) Sand-Plover and Grey-tailed Tattler. Typically, one can spot both Eurasian and Black-faced spoonbills, which are the rarest and smallest of the six spoonbill species worldwide. We may also have the opportunity to stop at some paddy fields, where we hope to spot the following birds: Pacific Golden Plover, Temminck’s and Long-toed Stints, and Eastern Cattle Egrets.
We will head back to our cozy hotel and have a delicious meal. A restful night’s sleep will be well deserved.
Day 5: Okinawa – Amami Oshima.
Breakfast will be followed by our last birding in the beautiful Okinawa. We then head out to the airport for our short flight to Amami Oshima.
Amami Oshima is considered a haven for birdwatching, boasting over 300 confirmed bird species out of Japan’s approximately 724 species. About 65% of Amami Oshima is forested and has Japan’s second largest Mangrove Forest.
It is home to a wide range of Ryukyu Island endemics, including Amami Woodcock, Ryukyu Green Pigeon, Lidth’s Jay, Owston’s Woodpecker, Amami Thrush, RyukyuFlycatcherand Ryukyu Robin. The island is also home to several endemic amphibians and reptiles. The endemic Amami Ishikawa’s Frog is probably the most beautiful amphibian in Japan. Nocturnal species we can expect when we go out after a tasty dinner are Ryukyu Scops Owl and Amami Woodcock, as well as Ryukyu Spiny Rat and Amami Rabbit.
Day 6: Amami Oshima – Kagoshima – Izumi.
We will do a last round of birding after a hearty breakfast to make up for any species we may have missed. There has been sightings of both Saunders’s Gull and the world’s largest migratory shorebird, the Far-eastern Curlew, at this location in the past; a roadside stop along the shore on the way to the airport will yield some waders. Additionally, keep an eye out for Temminck’s Cormorant and Pacific Reef Herons.
We then take a transfer to the airport in the afternoon to catch our brief flight to Kagoshima on Kyushu. Situated southwest of Honshu, the main island of Japan, Kyushu is also known as the “nine provinces” and is the third largest island. This island is made up of an intricate network of volcanic ranges. Kyushu is renowned for its abundant subtropical flora and copious amounts of rainfall. The island is home to Kirishima-Yaku, Unzen-Amakusa, Aso-Kuju, and Mount Aso, the largest active volcanic crater on Earth.
After reaching our destination, we will travel north to some extremely productive mudflats close by, where Saunders’ Gull and Black-faced Spoonbill can be routinely observed. The Falcated Duck and Baikal Teal, two of the more popular duck species, are frequently spotted here. Before we proceed to Izumi for a well-earned dinner and overnight stay, keep an eye out for passerines among the reeds and trees here, particularly the localized race of Common Magpie (Oriental Magpie).
Day 7: Izumi.
Kyushu is the southernmost main island of Japan, and Kagoshima Prefecture is located near its base. Facing the East China Sea, Izumi City is situated in the northwest corner. Over ten thousand cranes migrate from Siberia to Izumi, which has a warmer climate throughout the winter months (late October to March).
We will spend our time at Arasaki Crane Reserve after a delicious breakfast. In about 1700, was when the first cranes arrived in Arasaki. In 1921, the region was classified as a natural monument and sanctuary, and in 1952, the Izumi crane migration grounds were recognized as a Special Natural Monument. This 254-hectare location offers a 360-degree panoramic view from the crane observation centre.
It is possible to witness six different species of cranes in this amazing assemblage, which includes more than 8,000 Hooded Cranes and 2000 White-naped Cranes, along with a few Sandhill and Common Cranes and the sporadic Siberian Crane. We hope to see Daurian Redstart, Russet Sparrow, Chinese Penduline-Tit, Oriental Greenfinch, Daurian Jackdaw, and Chestnut-eared, Meadow, and Rustic Buntings. The location is great for birdwatching.
Additionally, Kogawa Dam is worth seeing. Common forest birds like the endemic Japanese Green Woodpecker and Pygmy Woodpecker can be found in the mixed evergreen trees that surround this body of water. There are occasionally Meadow Bunting and Elegant Bunting. This area is home to Red-flanked Bluetail, Mandarin Duck, and Crested Kingfisher. Numerous little rivers can be good for Long-billed Plover as we move inland. Further south, we might find Japanese (Crested) Murrelets.
A scrumptious dinner and a good night’s rest is in order for us.
Day 8: Izumi – Kagoshima – Tokyo.
Following breakfast, we will set off for one last day of birding in the Izumi region before returning to Kagoshima for our afternoon flight to Tokyo. This evening, we take a ferry to the Izu Islands, which are part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and stretch 301.56 km2 (116.43 sq. mi) to the southeast of the Izu Peninsula on Honshu. There are nine inhabited islands in the Izu Islands.
Day 9: Ferry – Tokyo.
Following breakfast, we will set off for one last day of birding in the Izumi region before returning to Kagoshima for our afternoon flight to Tokyo. This evening, we take a ferry to the Izu Islands, which are part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and stretch 301.56 km2 (116.43 sq. mi) to the southeast of the Izu Peninsula on Honshu. There are nine inhabited islands in the Izu Islands.
Arriving in Hachijojima *, we will explore the port area where we can sometimes spot the Izu Thrush and, if we are lucky, the Izu Robin. Both species are endemic to the Japanese islands. We take the ferry back to Tokyo, where we will be able to look for seabirds. The species may change depending on the weather. The birds that we may see are as follows: Rarer species are always possible, such as Tristram’s Storm-Petrel, Streaked Shearwater, Black-footed, Laysan, and Short-tailed Albatrosses. As we journey between the islands, we could see Japanese Murrelets. When we get back to our hotel in Tokyo in the evening, we have an enjoyable meal and spend the night there.
Day 10: Tokyo – Nemuro.
We fly to Kushiro, a port city in eastern Hokkaido, this morning after breakfast. Kushiro Shitsugen, the biggest marshland in Japan, is a well-known feature of the city. The uncommon Japanese Red-crowned Cranes can be seen in the marshes, which have been designated as a National Park, in the wintertime. We might find a roosting Ural Owl if we are very fortunate. Along with other passerine species, we will be searching for Japanese Wagtails. We are going to head toward Nemuro.
The Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk envelop eastern Hokkaido. The region boasts an abundance of stunning rivers, lakes, bays, mountains, volcanoes, forests, and wetlands, contributing to a remarkably varied natural landscape. Founded in 1869 as a post town, Nemuro is the easternmost city in Japan.
On our journey, we visit Cape Nosappu, the easternmost cape of Hokkaido, which is noted for having the earliest sunrise in Japan. Constructed in 1872, Nosappu-misaki Lighthouse is the oldest in Hokkaido. It features a bird hide where visitors can view a variety of sea birds. Watch out for Least, Ancient, and Long-billed Murrelets; Red-faced Cormorant; Spectacled, Snow’s, Common, and Brünnich’s Guillemots; and Brent Goose (Black Brant).
At the foot of the Nemuro peninsula, we will also explore Lake Furen, which has a perimeter of almost 96 kilometers (approximately 60 miles). The Shukunitai sandbar is 8 kilometers long and 1.3 kilometers wide, and it separates Lake Furen from the ocean in part. As sand was gradually deposited by ocean currents between Lake Furen and Nemuro Bay, a sandbar developed. On the sandbar, a mossy red pine forest is growing—an incredibly uncommon occurrence. Among the birds we aim to find are Whooper Swans, Stellar’s Sea Eagles, and Harlequin Ducks. There is a chance we might spot a Rock Sandpiper. Typically, Asian Rosy-Finch is also observed.
After a great day of birding, we return to our overnight hotel for a delicious dinner.
Day 11: Nemuro – Yoroushi.
If the weather permits, you may be able to do a pelagic trip to get closer to the alcids. The Pelagic is not included in the cost. The alcid family include puffins, auklets, guillemots, murres, and murrelets.
After a filling breakfast, we travel up the east coast, where the shoreline is frequented by sightings of Steller’s and White-tailed Eagles. Great birds may be found on stops near the bays and peninsulas. It is possible to spot Brünnich’s and Spectacled Guillemots, as well as Ancient Murrelets, Least Auklets (the tiniest species of auk), and potentially even rarer Auks. These species are also a possibility: Glaucous-winged, Glaucous, Slaty-backed, and Kamchatka (Common) Gulls. Stejneger’s and Black Scoters, Long-tailed Duck, Common (Greater) Scaup, and Harlequin Duck are some of the duck species we could see. Occasionally, North American species like American Wigeon, White-winged Scoter, or Canvasback are seen.
After checking into our lodge for the night and enjoying a great dinner we will head out to try and view the Blakiston’s Fish Owl which makes frequent visits to the lodge. The largest extant species of owl with a preference for hunting in riparian woodland is the Blakiston’s Fish Owl. This species is considered a rare and endangered bird by the UCN Red List.
What a way to end the day.
Day 12: Yoroushi.
We can enjoy the lodge’s feeders this morning during breakfast. Brandt’s (Common) Jay and a few other passerines are examples of potential species. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, Eurasian Nuthatch, and Marsh Tit should all be possible. We will spend the rest of the day exploring the surrounding areas to look for any species that we may have missed so far.
We have another chance to see the critically endangered Blakiston’s Fish Owl in the evening. We will enjoy a wonderful dinner and have a good night’s rest at the hotel.
Day 13: Yoroushi – Furen – Tokyo – Chiba.
We travel to Kushiro and get a flight to Tokyo following an enjoyable breakfast. The next stop on our itinerary is Chiba, where we visit the wetlands. Brown-headed Thrush, Green Pheasant, and Japanese Reed Bunting are among the species we aim to get. Baikal Teal, Smew (a species of duck and the only living member of the genus Mergellus), Falcated Duck, Whooper, and Bewick’s Swans are among the many wildfowl that may be seen in the area. Snow, Cackling, and Greater White-fronted geese are also infrequently spotted.
After another great day of birding, we meet for dinner and retire for a well-deserved rest.
Day 14: Chiba – Karuizawa.
After breakfast, we will explore a few nearby locations before traveling to Karuizawa in the Japanese Alps. At an elevation of roughly 1000 meters, the upscale mountain resort of Karuizawa offers relief from the summer heat and is situated at the base of the active volcano Mount Asama in Nagano Prefecture.
We plan to stop occasionally along the way to search for the elusive Mountain Hawk Eagle and Grey Bunting. There are many wintering passerines at Karuizawa. The Brown Dipper, Japanese Grosbeak, Hawfinch, Dusky Thrush, Japanese Accentor, Japanese Green and Japanese Pygmy Woodpeckers, Elegant and Rustic Buntings, and Hawfinch are among the species. The highly elusive Copper Pheasant, which is confined to the Japanese archipelago, Long-tailed and Pallas’ Rosefinches, and Japanese Waxwing, which is the sole endemic waxwing in the old world (assuming it’s a waxwing year), are a few of the potentially rarer species.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 15: Karuizawa – Tokyo.
We will have our last delicious breakfast together. We will be birding in Karuizawa today, looking for any of the species we may have missed. This afternoon, we depart for Tokyo again, making brief stops along the route to complete our final day of birding in this incredible country.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16: Depart Tokyo.
Time to say our goodbyes to the fantastic birding destination of Japan.
You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight home.