Kyushu and Okinawa Autumn Birding Adventure
Five autumn days linking Ariake Bay migration birding with Okinawa endemics, rice-field waders and night birding in Yambaru.
About this tour
Combine two very different autumn birding regions on a five-day route from Fukuoka and Ariake Bay to the subtropical forest of northern Okinawa. The first half concentrates on migration across tidal flats and rice country; the second shifts to island endemics and nocturnal forest birds.
Ariake Bay supports large movements of plovers, sandpipers, spoonbills, gulls and storks. Careful scanning may reveal globally scarce waders, while the surrounding fields add inland migrants. After the flight to Okinawa, Yambaru becomes the focus for Okinawa Rail, Okinawa Woodpecker, Okinawa Robin, owls, minivets and other Ryukyu birds.
Yamadori Factory leads the itinerary in English under Kaze Travel Co., Ltd. Tides, migration, weather and night activity affect what is seen, and the guide may adjust the order of stops accordingly.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Japan.
Birds you can spot
Limnodromus semipalmatus
target
Platalea minor
target
Numenius madagascariensis
target
Calidris tenuirostris
target
Tringa guttifer
target
Hypotaenidia okinawae
target
Dendrocopos noguchii
target
Otus elegans
target
Saundersilarus saundersi
target
Calidris pygmaea
target
Itinerary
Day 1
Fukuoka to the Ariake Bay mudflats
Meet at Fukuoka Airport and travel to Ariake Bay for migratory plovers, sandpipers, Far Eastern Curlew and Great Knot before an overnight in Saga.
Day 2
Full day at Ariake Bay
Use tidal conditions to search the mudflats for scarce waders, Black-faced Spoonbill and Saunders’s Gull, with additional time in nearby rice country.
Day 3
Kyushu to Yambaru
Make a final morning visit to the mudflats, fly from Fukuoka to Naha and transfer north to Yambaru for an evening search for Ryukyu Scops Owl, Northern Boobook and Okinawa Rail.
Day 4
Yambaru forest and Kin rice fields
Start before sunrise for Okinawa Rail, Okinawa Woodpecker and Okinawa Robin, then visit Kin rice fields for migrant waders, snipes and secretive waterbirds before another evening forest session.
Day 5
Yambaru to Naha
Search for remaining island endemics near the forest, add a final rice-field stop when time allows and conclude at Naha Airport.
Locations & map
- Fukuoka - Japan
- Ariake Bay - Japan
- Saga - Japan
- Naha - Japan
- Yambaru - Japan
- Kin Town - Japan
Availability & pricing
Price: Price on request
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Policies & FAQ
Insurance & Safety
Are bird sightings guaranteed?
No. The route is planned around habitat, season and recent activity, but all observations depend on wild birds, weather and field conditions.
How do I confirm price and availability?
Send an inquiry through BirdWatch with your preferred date and party size. Current availability, price and practical arrangements will be confirmed with the operator before booking.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.