Summer Jewels of Japan: Mountain Forest Birding
Five days from Tokyo through Matsunoyama, Shiga Kogen and Yatsugatake for Japanese mountain songbirds, buntings, flycatchers and woodpeckers.
About this tour
Follow Japan’s spring and early-summer mountain birdlife on a five-day route from Tokyo through Matsunoyama Onsen, Shiga Kogen and the Yatsugatake highlands. The journey crosses rice country, mature forest, alpine woodland and open grassland, with accommodation in mountain settings between birding sessions.
The route is timed for breeding-season song and color. Yellow Bunting, Japanese Robin, Japanese Thrush, Narcissus Flycatcher, Blue-and-White Flycatcher and Red-flanked Bluetail are among the central possibilities, supported by cuckoos, warblers, woodpeckers and highland grassland birds.
Yamadori Factory leads the itinerary in English under Kaze Travel Co., Ltd. Mountain weather and seasonal timing influence activity, so daily stops may be adjusted while retaining the overall route.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Japan.
Birds you can spot
Cyanoptila cyanomelana
target
Phasianus versicolor
target
Larvivora akahige
target
Turdus cardis
target
Ficedula narcissina
target
Tarsiger cyanurus
target
Dendrocopos leucotos
target
Emberiza sulphurata
target
Itinerary
Day 1
Tokyo to Matsunoyama Onsen
Travel by train and road to Matsunoyama, then bird the surrounding forest and rice-field landscape for Yellow Bunting, Ruddy Kingfisher, White-backed Woodpecker and Japanese Thrush.
Day 2
Matsunoyama and Shiga Kogen
Begin with early birding around Matsunoyama, then continue to Shiga Kogen for high-elevation flycatchers, warblers and mountain forest species.
Day 3
Shiga Kogen forest trails
Use dawn and a selection of mountain trails for thrushes, robins, buntings, cuckoos, leaf warblers and Red-flanked Bluetail.
Day 4
Shiga Kogen to North Yatsugatake
Search for missed Shiga Kogen birds before climbing toward Lake Shirakoma and the ancient high forest of North Yatsugatake.
Day 5
Tateshina, Kirigamine and Nobeyama
Bird forest and grassland from Ryujin-ike to Kirigamine and Nobeyama, then return by train toward Shinjuku.
Locations & map
- Tokyo - Japan
- Matsunoyama Onsen - Japan
- Shiga Kogen - Japan
- North Yatsugatake - Japan
- Nobeyama Highland - 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.