Japan Birding with Nature Travel Birding

Arrive on the subtropical island of Ishigaki, the gateway to the beautiful Yaeyama Islands and part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. This little-visited birding destination combines mangrove-lined waterways, lush evergreen forests, palm groves and productive coastal wetlands, making it one of Japan's most important migratory stopover sites during winter.

After settling in, begin exploring the island's diverse habitats in search of some of its most sought-after birds. Key targets include the endemic Ishigaki Tit (E), the scarce Iriomote Tit (E) and the impressive Ryukyu Serpent Eagle. Other highlights may include Ryukyu Green Pigeon, Malayan Night-Heron, Purple Heron and Black-winged Kite. Along the coastline and tidal flats, look for Pacific Golden Plover, Kentish Plover, Greater Sand-Plover and Grey-tailed Tattler before enjoying a welcome dinner and overnight stay.

Spend a full day exploring the varied habitats of Ishigaki, from forested hills and freshwater wetlands to estuaries and sheltered coastal flats. The island's subtropical climate attracts an excellent mix of resident specialties and wintering migrants, making every stop productive.

Today's birding focuses on species not yet encountered, with opportunities to find Ryukyu Flycatcher, Brown-headed Thrush, White-headed Thrush and Eastern Yellow Wagtail. Shorebird habitat may produce Mongolian Sand-Plover, while the wetlands could reveal the elusive Slaty-legged Crake. After dinner, enjoy an optional evening excursion in search of nocturnal specialties including Ryukyu Scops Owl and Northern Boobook, bringing another memorable day of birding on one of Japan's finest islands to a close.

Begin the morning with a final birding session on Ishigaki, revisiting the island's forests, wetlands and coastal habitats to search for any remaining target species. This is an excellent opportunity to look for Ruddy Kingfisher, Cinnamon Bittern, Oriental Pratincole, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, White-breasted Waterhen, Japanese Paradise Flycatcher and Warbling White-eye before departing the Yaeyama Islands.

Later, take a short flight to Okinawa, the largest island in the Ryukyu Archipelago. On arrival, travel north into the renowned Yanbaru region, where subtropical evergreen forests, limestone hills and pristine valleys protect some of Japan's rarest wildlife. After dinner, enjoy an exclusive night birding excursion in search of the elusive Okinawa Rail (E), Ryukyu Scops Owl, the pryeri subspecies of Japanese Scops Owl and, with some luck, the secretive Amami Woodcock. Overnight in the heart of Yanbaru.

Spend the day birding the remarkable Yanbaru Peninsula, a biodiversity hotspot recognized as part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. This vast landscape of subtropical evergreen forest, mangroves and rugged limestone hills protects some of Japan's most sought-after endemic birds and offers one of the country's finest forest birding experiences.

The day's primary objective is the elusive Okinawa Rail (E), one of Japan's most iconic endemic birds. Other key targets include Okinawa Robin (E), Pryer's Woodpecker (E), Black Wood Pigeon, Ryukyu Green Pigeon, Ryukyu Minivet, Asian Stubtail, Pacific Swallow, Japanese Sparrowhawk and Grey-faced Buzzard. Throughout the forest, mature Okinawa Castanopsis trees create ideal habitat for many of these specialist species.

Later, explore Okinawa's productive coastal wetlands, mudflats and paddy fields where wintering shorebirds and waterbirds gather in impressive numbers. Highlights may include the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill, Eurasian Spoonbill, Grey-tailed Tattler, Mongolian Sand Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Long-toed Stint, Temminck's Stint and Eastern Cattle Egret. Return to the hotel after another rewarding day exploring one of Japan's premier birding destinations.

Enjoy a final morning of birding in Okinawa before flying to the spectacular island of Amami Oshima, one of Japan's premier birding destinations. With more than 300 recorded bird species, extensive subtropical forests covering around 65% of the island and Japan's second-largest mangrove forest, Amami Oshima offers exceptional habitat for many of the Ryukyu Islands' most sought-after endemic species.

Spend the afternoon exploring forest roads, river valleys and mangrove habitats in search of Lidth's Jay (E), Amami Thrush (E), Owston's Woodpecker (E), Ryukyu Robin (E), Ryukyu Flycatcher and Ryukyu Green Pigeon. The island is also renowned for its unique amphibians and reptiles, including the beautiful Amami Ishikawa's Frog (E).

After dinner, head into the forest for an unforgettable night excursion. The primary targets are the elusive Amami Woodcock (E) and Ryukyu Scops Owl, while there is also a chance of encountering two of the island's remarkable endemic mammals, the Amami Rabbit and Ryukyu Spiny Rat, making for a memorable introduction to this extraordinary World Heritage island.

Enjoy a final morning exploring the forests and coastline of Amami Oshima before travelling to the airport. A stop along the island's shore offers another opportunity to search for coastal birds and waders, with possible sightings of Far Eastern Curlew, Saunders's Gull, Temminck's Cormorant and Pacific Reef Heron before boarding the flight to Kagoshima on the island of Kyushu.

On arrival, journey through Kyushu's volcanic landscapes towards the renowned wetlands near Izumi. These extensive estuaries, tidal mudflats and reedbeds rank among Japan's finest winter birding locations and attract an impressive concentration of migratory waterbirds.

Spend the afternoon exploring these productive habitats in search of the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill, Saunders's Gull, Baikal Teal and Falcated Duck. The reedbeds and surrounding woodland also provide opportunities to find the distinctive Oriental Magpie, before continuing to Izumi for dinner and an overnight stay ahead of the spectacular crane experience awaiting tomorrow.

Spend the day exploring the internationally renowned Arasaki Crane Reserve, one of the world's greatest winter birding spectacles. Each year, more than 10,000 cranes arrive from Siberia to spend the winter on the fertile plains surrounding Izumi, creating an unforgettable wildlife experience. The reserve's wetlands, agricultural fields and open grasslands provide exceptional viewing opportunities from dedicated observation points.

The main attraction is the immense gathering of over 8,000 Hooded Cranes and around 2,000 White-naped Cranes, while smaller numbers of Common Crane, Sandhill Crane and the occasional Siberian Crane may also be present. Other species to look for include Daurian Redstart, Chinese Penduline Tit, Russet Sparrow, Daurian Jackdaw, Oriental Greenfinch and Meadow, Rustic and Chestnut-eared Buntings.

Later, continue to the wooded surroundings of Kogawa Dam, where mixed evergreen forest, freshwater habitats and clear rivers support a different suite of species. Highlights include the endemic Japanese Green Woodpecker (E), Crested Kingfisher, Mandarin Duck, Red-flanked Bluetail, Long-billed Plover and Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker. With luck, the offshore waters may even produce the scarce Japanese Murrelet (E), providing a fitting end to another outstanding day of birding in Japan.

Enjoy a final morning of birding around the productive wetlands and agricultural landscapes of the Izumi region, with time to search for any remaining target species before transferring to Kagoshima for the afternoon flight to Tokyo.

On arrival, board the overnight ferry to the remote Izu Islands, an island chain forming part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Scattered across the Pacific Ocean southeast of Honshu, these volcanic islands are renowned for their rich marine ecosystems and provide access to some of Japan's finest pelagic birding. As the ferry departs, begin scanning the surrounding waters for seabirds while enjoying a unique overnight voyage to one of Japan's most rewarding island birding destinations.

Arrive at Hachijojima, one of the remote volcanic islands of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, where isolated forests and coastal habitats provide excellent opportunities to search for some of Japan's most localised birds. Explore the harbour and surrounding areas, with the endemic Izu Robin (E) and Izu Thrush (E) among the day's principal targets.

Later, board the ferry back to Tokyo for an unforgettable pelagic birding experience across the Pacific Ocean. The crossing offers outstanding opportunities to observe Japan's oceanic birdlife, with species varying according to weather and sea conditions. Keep watch for the endemic Japanese Murrelet (E), Streaked Shearwater, Tristram's Storm Petrel and the impressive trio of Black-footed, Laysan and the globally threatened Short-tailed Albatross. Every crossing has the potential to produce unexpected seabird encounters before arriving back in Tokyo for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, fly north to Kushiro in eastern Hokkaido, home to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Japan's largest wetland. This vast marshland is one of the country's premier winter birding destinations and offers excellent opportunities to search for the iconic Red-crowned Crane. Other species of interest include Japanese Wagtail and, with some luck, a daytime roosting Ural Owl before continuing east towards Nemuro.

Eastern Hokkaido is a spectacular region of rugged coastlines, sheltered bays, freshwater lakes, forests and wetlands, bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk. En route, stop at Cape Nosappu, the easternmost point of Hokkaido, where rocky shores and offshore waters attract an impressive variety of seabirds. Key targets include Ancient Murrelet, Long-billed Murrelet, Least Auklet, Red-faced Cormorant, Brünnich's Guillemot, Spectacled Guillemot, Common Guillemot, Pigeon Guillemot and Brent Goose.

Later, explore the shores of Lake Furen and the unique Shunkunitai sandbar, where coastal lagoons, salt marshes and rare red pine woodland create outstanding birding habitat. Search for Steller's Sea Eagle, Whooper Swan, Harlequin Duck, Asian Rosy Finch and Rock Sandpiper before arriving in Nemuro for dinner and an overnight stay.

Weather permitting, there is an optional pelagic excursion (at additional cost) offering the chance to experience some of the finest seabird watching in northern Japan. The offshore waters are particularly rewarding for alcids, with opportunities to encounter murrelets, guillemots, auklets and other northern seabirds in their natural marine environment.

After breakfast, continue birding along the dramatic coastline of eastern Hokkaido, exploring sheltered bays, rocky headlands and productive coastal waters. This region is renowned for its wintering sea ducks, gulls and birds of prey. Key targets include Steller's Sea Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Ancient Murrelet, Least Auklet, Brünnich's Guillemot, Spectacled Guillemot, Harlequin Duck, Stejneger's Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Greater Scaup, Glaucous Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Slaty-backed Gull and Kamchatka Gull. Vagrant North American waterfowl occasionally occur, adding to the excitement of birding this remarkable coastline.

Arrive at the lodge in Yoroushi during the afternoon, where the surrounding riparian forest provides habitat for one of Japan's most celebrated birds. After dinner, settle in for an unforgettable evening as you wait for the globally threatened Blakiston's Fish Owl, the world's largest owl, which regularly visits the lodge. Watching this magnificent species emerge under the cover of darkness is a truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

Wake to the sounds of the surrounding forest and enjoy breakfast while watching the lodge's bird feeders, an excellent place to observe several northern woodland species at close range. Regular visitors include Great Spotted Woodpecker, Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker (E), Eurasian Nuthatch, Marsh Tit and the distinctive Eurasian Jay, making for a relaxed start to another rewarding day.

The remainder of the day is spent exploring the pristine forests, rivers and wetlands around Yoroushi in search of any remaining target species. These rich habitats provide outstanding opportunities to encounter additional woodland birds while enjoying one of Hokkaido's most unspoilt natural landscapes.

After dinner, prepare for another unforgettable evening as you return to the lodge hide in anticipation of the globally threatened Blakiston's Fish Owl. A second opportunity to observe the world's largest owl in its natural habitat offers a fitting highlight to this exceptional stage of the journey.

After breakfast, travel to Kushiro for the flight south to Tokyo before continuing to the renowned wetlands of Chiba. This productive mosaic of freshwater marshes, reed-beds, flooded fields and open water attracts an impressive diversity of wintering waterfowl and woodland birds, providing an excellent final opportunity to add new species to the tour list.

Spend the afternoon exploring these rich wetland habitats in search of key targets including the endemic Green Pheasant (E), Japanese Reed Bunting (E) and Brown-headed Thrush. The lakes and marshes regularly support large concentrations of wintering wildfowl, with possibilities including Baikal Teal, Falcated Duck, Smew, Whooper Swan and Tundra Swan. The area can also produce Snow Goose, Cackling Goose and Greater White-fronted Goose, making this a rewarding conclusion to the northern leg of Japan's exceptional winter birding circuit.

After an enjoyable day in the field, transfer to the hotel for a farewell dinner and a comfortable overnight stay before the final stage of the journey.

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning of birding at selected sites before traveling into the scenic Japanese Alps and the elegant mountain resort of Karuizawa. Nestled at an elevation of around 1,000 meters at the foot of Mount Asama, this region is characterized by cool mixed forests, mountain streams and woodland habitats that support many of Japan's sought-after forest birds.

En route, make several birding stops in search of Grey Bunting and the elusive Mountain Hawk-Eagle. Upon reaching Karuizawa, explore the surrounding forests where wintering woodland species are abundant. Key targets include the endemic Copper Pheasant (E), Japanese Green Woodpecker (E), Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker (E), Japanese Accentor (E), Japanese Grosbeak (E), Brown Dipper, Hawfinch, Dusky Thrush, Elegant Bunting, Rustic Bunting, Long-tailed Rosefinch and Pallas's Rosefinch.

During irruption years, there is also the exciting possibility of finding the endemic Japanese Waxwing (E), one of Japan's most unpredictable and highly prized species. Return to the hotel for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in the heart of the Japanese Alps.

Enjoy a final morning of birding in the beautiful forests and mountain valleys surrounding Karuizawa, one of Japan's premier woodland birding destinations. Mixed deciduous and coniferous forests, clear mountain streams and quiet woodland trails provide another opportunity to search for any remaining target species before concluding this remarkable journey.

The focus is on locating species that may have eluded us earlier in the tour, with another chance for the endemic Copper Pheasant (E), Japanese Green Woodpecker (E), Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker (E), Japanese Grosbeak (E) and Japanese Accentor (E). Other possibilities include Brown Dipper, Hawfinch, Dusky Thrush, Elegant Bunting, Rustic Bunting, Long-tailed Rosefinch and Pallas's Rosefinch.

During the afternoon, depart for Tokyo, making carefully selected birding stops along the route to maximise the final additions to the trip list. Arrive in the capital for a final overnight stay, bringing an unforgettable birding adventure through Japan's forests, wetlands, islands and spectacular coastlines to a memorable close.

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to Japan following an extraordinary birding adventure through its subtropical islands, ancient forests, wetlands, rugged coastlines and snow-covered northern landscapes. From remarkable endemic species to spectacular winter gatherings and unforgettable wildlife encounters, the journey comes to a memorable conclusion.

At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your onward flight home, taking with you lasting memories of one of Asia's finest birding destinations.