Amami and Okinawa Endemic Birding Journey
A five-day island journey from Tokyo to Okinawa and Amami Oshima for rails, robins, woodpeckers, woodcocks and other Ryukyu endemics.
About this tour
Fly from Tokyo to the southern islands for five days of focused birding across Okinawa and Amami Oshima. Rice fields, subtropical forest, coastal habitat and night drives create a varied program for island endemics, migrants and nocturnal birds.
The Okinawa section combines Kin rice fields with the forests of Yambaru, where the search centers on Okinawa Robin, Okinawa Rail, Pryer’s Woodpecker, Ryukyu Scops Owl and other regional specialties. On Amami Oshima, the focus shifts to Lidth’s Jay, Amami Woodcock, Amami Thrush, Owston’s Woodpecker and Ryukyu forest birds.
Yamadori Factory guides the route in English under Kaze Travel Co., Ltd. Night sightings and rare endemics depend on weather and field conditions, and the team may alter the sequence to use the best current activity.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Japan.
Birds you can spot
Zoothera major
target
Scolopax mira
target
Botaurus cinnamomeus
target
Garrulus lidthi
target
Hypotaenidia okinawae
target
Dendrocopos noguchii
target
Treron permagnus
target
Otus elegans
target
Itinerary
Day 1
Tokyo to Okinawa
Fly from Haneda to Naha, bird Kin rice fields for waterbirds and waders, then continue to northern forest habitat for Okinawa Robin and other island species.
Day 2
Yambaru forest and night birding
Spend the day in northern Okinawa for Ryukyu Green Pigeon, Pryer’s Woodpecker, flycatchers and other forest birds, followed by a night search for owls, woodcock and Okinawa Rail.
Day 3
Okinawa to Amami Oshima
Use the morning for remaining Okinawa targets, fly to Amami Oshima, then begin searching for Lidth’s Jay before a nocturnal drive for Amami Woodcock.
Day 4
Amami endemic birding
Explore Amami’s forest habitats for Owston’s Woodpecker, Amami Thrush, Ryukyu Minivet, Ryukyu Flycatcher and seasonal summer visitors.
Day 5
Amami coast and return to Tokyo
Search for remaining forest birds, add coastal migrants when time permits, then fly back to Haneda for an evening conclusion.
Locations & map
- Tokyo - Japan
- Okinawa - Japan
- Kin Town - Japan
- Yambaru - Japan
- Amami Oshima - 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.