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Tokyo, Nikko and Izu Islands Spring Birding

Five spring days linking Tokyo Bay wetlands, Nikko forest, Watarase, Miyakejima endemics and pelagic birding from the island ferry.

  • Japan Show on map
  • 5 days
  • Price on request
  • Next: Apr 24, 2027
  • Public tour
  • Pace: Five intensive birding days with dawn starts, overland transfers, an overnight ferry and a full day on Miyakejima.
  • Language: English
  • City: Tokyo
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Tokyo, Nikko and Izu Islands Spring Birding
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About this tour

This five-day spring journey connects the tidal flats and reed beds around Tokyo with highland forest near Nikko and the endemic-rich island of Miyakejima. The route mixes shorebird migration, wetland specialists, Japanese forest birds and a final day of island and pelagic observation.

Early stops around Tokyo Bay, Lake Inba and Ukishima focus on waders, bitterns, reed birds and flycatchers. Watarase and the forests around Nikko and Utsunomiya add owls, woodpeckers, thrushes and summer visitors. An overnight ferry then leads to Miyakejima for Izu Thrush, island passerines and seabirds on the return crossing.

The program is guided in English by Yamadori Factory under Kaze Travel Co., Ltd. Ferry operations, weather, migration and breeding activity can affect the exact route and the birds encountered.

Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Japan.

Itinerary

Day 1
Tokyo Bay tidal flats and waterfront parks
Tokyo

Begin at Sanbanze for migratory shorebirds, then continue to Kasai Rinkai Park for Black-faced Spoonbill, rails and spring flycatchers.

Day 2
Lake Inba, Ukishima and Watarase
Lake Inba

Follow reed-bed activity around Lake Inba and Ukishima before continuing to Watarase, where owls and wetland birds may be active.

Day 3
Nikko and Utsunomiya forests
Nikko

Bird Senjogahara and nearby woodland for flycatchers, thrushes and Japanese forest species, with further stops around Utsunomiya.

Day 4
Tochigi woodland and overnight ferry
Tokyo

Search forest sites for Japanese Thrush, Blue-and-White Flycatcher, paradise flycatcher and grosbeaks, then return to Tokyo and board the overnight ferry to Miyakejima.

Day 5
Miyakejima and the return crossing
Miyakejima

Explore Miyakejima for island birds including Izu Thrush and Izu Robin, then watch for albatrosses, shearwaters, storm petrels and Japanese Murrelet during the ferry journey back to Tokyo.

Locations & map

  • Tokyo - Japan
  • Sanbanze - Japan
  • Lake Inba - Japan
  • Nikko - Japan
  • Utsunomiya - Japan
  • Miyakejima - Japan

Availability & pricing

Price: Price on request

Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.

DateStatusFrom
Apr 24, 2027 - Apr 28, 2027 open -
May 6, 2027 - May 10, 2027 open -

Policies & FAQ

Insurance & Safety

Routes, transfers and boat operations depend on weather, access and current conditions. Guests should confirm mobility needs, suitable clothing and any dietary requirements before travel.
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.

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