Japan Birding Tour
Japan Birding Tour Overview – A must-visit birding destination for every avid birder.
Marvel at massive flocks of Cranes. Search for range-restricted endemics, such as the Ishigaki Tit and the scarce Iriomote Tit. You can also keep an eye out for Blakiston’s Fish Owl. Anticipate finding the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill. Visit the wonderful town of Karuizawa to search for the endemic Copper Pheasant. An estimated 724 species have been recorded in Japan with around 60 being endemic or sub-regional endemic.
Let’s go birding in Japan!
| Tour starts in Ishigaki and ends in Tokyo | Hotel Accommodation |
| Duration | 16 Days |
| Departure dates | 5 January 2027 Also available to book as private guided tour |
Top Birds
Ishigaki Tit, Iriomote Tit, Okinawa Rail, Okinawa Robin, Pryer’s (Okinawa) Woodpecker, Amami Woodcock, Ryukyu Green Pigeon, Lidth’s Jay, Owston’s Woodpecker, Amami Thrush, Ryukyu Flycatcher, Ryukyu Robin, Japanese Green Woodpecker and Blakiston’s Fish Owl.
Top Mammals
Ryukyu Spiny Rat, Amami Rabbit, Iriomote cat, Ryukyu Flying Fox, Red Fox, Red Squirrel, Sika Deer, Largha Seal, Steller’s Sealion, Sea Otter.
Highlights and Top attractions
• Ishigaki Island – The island serves as a gateway to the magnificent Sub tropical Yaeyama Islands.
• Yanbaru Peninsula – Its pristine subtropical forests and endemic birds, animals and plants have led to its nomination as a combined UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Amami Oshima – This area is home to the second largest mangrove forest in Japan. In addition, a wide variety of species, including the endemic Lidth’s Jay and Owston’s Woodpecker, can be found here.
• Arasaki Crane Reserve – This Reserve boasts one of the largest gatherings of Cranes in Japan.
• Cape Nosappu – The first place in Japan where the sun rises and one of the most remote places to visit.
• Lake Furen – One of the largest swan landing sites in Japan and is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
• Karuizawa -This diverse natural environment, which includes forest, grassland, and wetland, results in many species of birds inhabiting the area..
Summary of day to day Itinerary
| Day 1-2 | Ishigaki |
| Day 3 | Ishigaki to Okinawa |
| Day 4 | Okinawa |
| Day 5 | Okinawa – Amami Oshima |
| Day 6 | Amami Oshima – Kagoshima – Izumi |
| Day 7 | Izumi |
| Day 8 | Izumi – Kagoshima – Tokyo |
| Day 9 | Ferry – Tokyo |
| Day 10 | Tokyo – Nemuro |
| Day 11 | Nemuro – Yoroushi |
| Day 12 | Yoroushi |
| Day 13 | Yoroushi – Furen – Tokyo – Chiba |
| Day 14 | Chiba – Karuizawa |
| Day 15 | Karuizawa – Tokyo |
| Day 16 | Depart Tokyo |