NEW! We are excited to explore a new part of Japan with Bryan Shirley, our amazing guide so popular on our winter Japan and summer Hokkaido journeys. There is so much more to see in this incredible country! Experience lush sub-tropical islands at the edge of Eurasia, the southern-most extension of Japan, and the endemics they harbor. Our spring visit is timed to see resident and early migrants as they start to sing, display, and engage in nesting behavior; this tour is also timed well to witness the stunning displays of Japanese cherry blossoms—a special spring treat!

The third largest Japanese island, Kyushu, and the Ryukyu Islands of Amami and Okinawa, host an exciting array of endemic and near-endemic birds found in the midst of stunning mountainous landscapes surrounded by crystal clear waters and coral reefs. The very rare Japanese Murrelet, recently discovered and highly threatened Okinawa Rail, stunning Whistling Green Pigeon, secretive Amami Woodcock, Japanese Scopes Owl, Ryukyu Serpent Eagle, Lidth’s Jay, and Amami Thrush await our visit!

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  • “A good mix of nature and culture…Great that Bryan could explain the intricacies of Japanese life to us-would be difficult to negotiate without bilingual guides. Bryan made each person feel like he/she was his main focus. Really appreciated he and Koichi helping to make our son's trip special (the only one in the group below 40).” — Doris Gertler, 2023 Traveler
  • “It would be hard to say enough good things about Bryan Shirley. He knows his birds and where to find them; he takes good care of his group members; he makes sure that everyone has seen the bird; he's friendly with the group and with the locals; and his knowledge of Japanese is extensive.” — Daphne Byron, 2023 Traveler

Tour Highlights

  • Experience a completely different itinerary than the northern Japan winter tour
  • Feast your eyes on iconic Sakura (Japanese cherry blossoms) in peak bloom, especially on the grounds of the renowned and recently rebuilt Kumamoto Castle
  • Look for endemic bird species on subtropical islands Amami, home of Lidth’s Jan and Amami Thrush, and Okinawa, with Okinawa Rail, Okinawa Woodpecker, and Okinawa Robin
  • Take a calm-water boat trip to see a striking island colony of the rarest alcid in the world: Japanese Murrelet
  • View historic Buddhist shrines and rock carvings of the Buddha in one of the greatest centers of Buddhism in Japan on the sunny Kunisaki Peninsula
  • Visit one of the most southern islands in Japan, just 150 miles from Taiwan, where Ryukyu Serpent Eagle, Asian Tit, Malayan Night Heron, and both White-shouldered and Red-billed Starlings are key finds
  • Indulge in fabulous Japanese cuisine at a traditional Japanese Onsen (deep hot spring baths) hotel
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Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Wed., Apr. 1      Welcome to Tokyo | Arrivals at Haneda International Airport (HND)

Welcome to Japan! Arrive at your leisure today. Our guide meets you at the Haneda airport after you clear customs and escorts you to the hotel. Tokyo has two airports, so be sure to arrive to this one. At a welcome dinner tonight, get to know our fellow travelers and guides. For anyone wishing to arrive early and have a day or two to relax or explore Tokyo before the tour, the hotel is easily accessible by train (1 stop) or taxi (about US$10) from the airport. There is a river a few minutes’ walk from the hotel for some birding, and within walking distance you can access the train into Tokyo for the day, where there are parks, museums, and cultural sites. We gather together as a group for our welcome dinner tonight where we get to know each other and learn about the days to come.
Accommodations in a hotel near the airport, Tokyo (D) 

Thurs., Apr. 2       Flight to Oita | Explore the Kunisaki Peninsula

We take a morning flight to the rural city of Oita, on Kyushu, the southernmost of the four main islands of Japan. After we arrive and we meet up with our driver, we spend the rest of the day exploring the Kunisaki Peninsula. 

Kunisaki is a volcanic peninsula overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, which separates the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. Made by a large shield volcano about twice the extent of Mt. Fuji, the peak of this old volcano is Mt. Futago, which had large eruptions for many thousands of years, before 12,000 years ago. Erosion of the old volcanic edifice has formed many, deep valleys radiating from the summit.

One of the greatest centers of Buddhism in Japan, the Kunisaki area is famous for the large number of shrines and rock carvings of Buddha and various other deities. This area is also a wonderful place to view Sakura (Japanese cherry blossoms) in the spring. The beginning of April is normally peak season for Sakura in this part of Japan and it should be spectacular. 

While enjoying the flowers and scenery, we should get to see a pretty good mix of birds too, including Warbling White-Eye, Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, Asian Tit, Varied Tit, Long-tailed Tit, and others. After our first field day, we settle in for the night at a traditional Japanese Onsen (hot spring hotel) and enjoy a fabulous Japanese dinner.
Accommodations in Kunisaki (B,L,D)

Fri., Apr. 3          Kunisaki Peninsula to Nobeoka

Today we spend the first part of the day exploring more of the picturesque and verdant Kunisaki Peninsula before we depart to make our way south. Depending on the Sakura bloom, and the latest bird information on possible sightings, we have a lot of options for stops as we make our way to Nobeoka to our hotel for the next two nights. Nobeoka is a very walkable city, filled with nostalgic architecture, traditional crafts, and views of stunning landscapes. Try Chicken Nanban, considered the local “soul food” of the city, a modern dish dating from the 1970s but still trending.
Accommodations in Nobeoka (B,L,D)

Sat., Apr. 4         Morning Quest to See Japanese Murrelet by Boat | Afternoon Wetland Birding

Today we aim to see a very special bird: the Japanese Murrelet. Japanese Murrelet is the rarest alcid in the world and the entire population is estimated to be between just 5,000 and 10,000 birds. They spend the non-breeding winter months out to sea, then in the spring return to breed on several small islands around Japan. The largest colony, with over half of the breeding population, is an island found off the coast south of Nobeoka. 

Access to the island is strictly prohibited to protect nesting birds, but we have a boat trip to watch the murrelets feeding in the bays and along the coast. The boat trip lasts about two hours and normally the sea is very calm since we don't go too far out into the open ocean. Other birds we hope to see from the boat include Black-tailed Gull, Japanese Cormorant, Pacific Reef Heron, and more.

In the afternoon we visit a large mudflat and river estuary that should hold a good variety of early migrant shorebirds, herons, and other interesting birds before returning to our hotel in Nobeoka. This is a lush area and the river estuary is formed by the confluence of the Hori, Gokase, and Kita Rivers, where they flow into the Hy?ga Sea.
Accommodations in Nobeoka (B,L,D)

Sun., Apr. 5         Aso-Kuju National Park & Kumamoto

Today we travel across to the west side of Kyushu, eventually arriving at our hotel in Kumamoto, but we have a lot of exploring to do along the way. The first half of the day we spend exploring Aso-Kuju National Park. With a caldera circumference measuring nearly 60 miles, Aso Caldera is one of the largest active volcanoes in the world, and the focal point of the park’s Five Mountains of Asia. The caldera area was off-limits for several years due to high levels of dangerous gases, but the viewpoint just reopened in 2024. 

While the upper portions of the national park are volcanic and nearly devoid of life, the lower areas of woods, grasslands, and farms host a wide variety of birds. White-backed and Japanese Woodpeckers are both resident in the forest here and stunning Japanese Grosbeak breed in the area. Many of the breeding migrants won't be back in Japan yet, but between the resident birds and early migrants, as well as the possibility of late wintering species, it should make for an interesting day. 

In the afternoon we carry on to historic Kumamoto City to our hotel. 
Accommodations in Kumamoto (B,L,D)

Mon., Apr. 6          Kumamoto Castle & Kumamoto Area

All of Japan is in an active volcanic area, part of the Ring of Fire. Kumamoto was hit by a 7.2 earthquake in 2016.  The enchanting Kumamoto Castle, ranked one of the top-three best castles in Japan, suffered extensive damage and was closed for many years but recently re-opened to tourists. The grounds of the two-towered castle hold more than 800 Sakura trees and it is one of the best places to enjoy Sakura viewing in southern Japan. Offering one of the most complete castle experiences in Japan, Kumamoto encompasses a large variety of buildings and extensive grounds. The castle and the gardens are the highlight of the day, but we do bird at a couple of nearby parks as well.
Accommodations in Kumamoto (B,L,D)

Tues., Apr. 7    Morning Birding | Flight from Fukuoka to Amami | Amami Night Outing

Our birding location this morning is chosen by what we’ve seen so far on the tour and what birds are being reported. We fly from Fukuoka to Amami today, but since our flight is in the afternoon we have time to hit a spot or two this morning. Near the airport there is a good mudflat for shorebirds and waterbirds, or we have several mountain parks that are options as well. 

We plan to arrive at the airport in the early afternoon and should be in Amami in time to get to our hotel before dark. Colloquially known as the “Galapagos of the East,” Amami was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the large number of endemic plants, animals, and birds found in its lush, subtropical forest (the designation also includes northern Okinawa, where we will be in a couple of days).   

After we get settled at the hotel and have dinner, we have an optional night outing hoping to see some of the nocturnal species found here, including Amami Woodcock, Ryukyu Scops-Owl, and the endemic (and very short-eared) Amami Black Rabbit.
Accommodations in Amami (B,L,D)

Wed., Apr. 8       Amami Island

Located in the subtropical Ryukyu Islands, Amami is a rugged limestone island of ancient corals surrounded by mangrove forest, white beaches, living coral reefs, and crystal-clear seas. It is home to several species we look for today, including endemics like Lidth's Jay and rare Amami Thrush, which are only found on this island, and several other species like Ryukyu Robin and Whistling Green Pigeon, which are only on a few islands other than Amami. Besides the birds, there are endemic newts, frogs, gorgeous swallowtail butterflies, and lots of other things to keep us entertained.  The turquoise blue ocean and forested mountains make for great scenery too!  

Depending how we did on our night drive last night we may do another optional outing tonight for those that wish to join in.
Accommodations in Amami (B,L,D)

Thurs., Apr. 9      Flight from Amami to Okinawa | Yambaru National Park

Our activity today depends on our flight time to Okinawa, but while still on Amami we should have time to either bird in the forest if we missed any endemics yesterday or there is a very productive mudflat near the airport that is full of birds this time of year. Shorebirds could include Grey-tailed Tattler, Red Knot, Oriental Pratincole, and Sanderling … and perhaps other rarities.  

The flight to Okinawa is about an hour, and from here we start the 3.5 hour scenic drive to the far north end of Okinawa to where we are based for the next two nights. Okinawa prefecture comprises more than 150 islands in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Japan’s mainland. It is known for its tropical climate, broad beaches, and coral reefs. The islands are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many endemic species that live in coral reefs, mangrove forests, and subtropical evergreen forests. Okinawa is a birdwatching paradise due to its diverse habitats and unique ecosystem, which support a wide range of bird species, including rarities and endemics. The islands' subtropical climate nurtures resident birds while attracting migratory species from nearby regions throughout the year.

We hope to arrive in time to do some birding around the hotel. Our hotel is located in nice forest, so during breaks or downtime at the hotel there is always a possibility of seeing endemics while learning more about the area.   
Accommodations in Yambaru National Park (B,L,D)

Fri., Apr. 10     Yambaru National Park & Northern Okinawa

Yambaru’s subtropical forests, mangroves, cliffs, and limestone mountains are home to rarities—both plant and birds. The highly threatened Okinawa Rail (only discovered in 1981), endangered Okinawa (Pryer’s) Woodpecker, and gorgeous Okinawa Robin are exciting endemic species we strive to see today. They can all be tricky to find, but this time of year, with spring activity and vocalizations high, we have an excellent chance of finding them all. There are also a few areas with rice and lotus fields nearby that we check this afternoon. Wetland habitat on these southern islands is very limited, so everything ends up in just a few areas with suitable habitat and can be great birding. Besides the waterbirds, there are some new passerine species such as White-vented Bulbul and Zitting Cisticola at the edges of the fields.   

After dinner tonight we have another optional night drive looking for Okinawa Rail on perches, as well as Japanese Scops Owl.
Accommodations in Yambaru National Park (B,L,D) 

Sat., Apr. 11     Yambaru, Kin Wetlands & Naha Area

This morning our field time focuses on finding the Okinawa specialties we may have missed the day before. In the afternoon, we make additional birding stops on our way back towards Naha. 

High on our list is a stop at Kin, rich in nature and one of the most productive areas for wetland species. Roughly in the center of Okinawa Island, Kin has long been famous for its bountiful underground water supply. Taro is grown here and the flooded fields can be great for birding.  It is not uncommon to be able to see Great, Intermediate (now called Medium), Little, and Cattle Egrets all in the same field. There should be lots of shorebirds as well. 

Once we get to Naha, capital of Okinawa Prefecture, we have a few birding options and decide based on recent sightings. 
Accommodations in Naha (B,L,D)

Sun., Apr. 12    Shuri Castle | Flight to Ishigaki Island

For centuries, Naha has been one of the most important sites on the island of Okinawa. This morning we visit the restored Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Used as a major command post by the Imperial Japanese military during WWII, the castle was almost destroyed by the US Military during the course of the war, but has subsequently been reconstructed. Due to the distance from Mainland Japan and proximity to China, Southern Japan has a very distinct culture. It was a separate kingdom, known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, and Shuri Castle was the home of the Royal Court until the Ryukyu Islands were annexed by Japan in the late 1800s. The difference between the traditional Japanese Castle in Kumamoto and Shuri is obvious—the latter looking much more like something from the forbidden city in China than a typical Japanese Castle. 

After spending the morning exploring the castle, we head to the Naha airport for our one-hour flight to Ishigaki Island, our final destination.
Accommodations in Ishigaki (B,L,D)  

Mon., Apr. 13      Exploring & Birding on Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki is one of the southern-most islands in Japan; in fact it is just over 150 miles to Taiwan. With a tropical rainforest climate and surrounded by coral reefs in pristine waters, it is a subtropical paradise. Being this far south and west compared to the rest of Japan also makes it a very exciting birding destination. Today we have a lot of great birds to look for! Split as a separate species by some authorities, the Ryukyu Serpent Eagle is one of the key finds here. The Asian Tit found here is a very distinct form and recognized as a species by most ornithologists as Ishigaki Tit. And this is the only island in Japan we can find Malayan Night Heron and both White-shouldered and Red-billed Starlings, with luck.  

This evening we enjoy a classic and delicious Japanese dinner and recount the many highlights and favorite sightings of our journey to this exciting archipelago of southern Japan.
Accommodations in Ishigaki (B,L,D) 

Tues., Apr. 14      Ishigaki | Return to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport

We have one last morning to explore Ishigaki before our tour comes to an end. Our flight today is scheduled to arrive in Haneda at 1:40 PM. That should give some options for international flights outbound after 5:00 PM on the many overnight flights, or you may opt for a night to relax or sightsee in Tokyo at your leisure before flying home. (B)

  • Black Paradise Flycatcher

  • Whistling Green Pigeon

  • Birding Japan, Bird watching Japan, Hokkaido, Asian Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Japanese Grosbeak

  • Birding Japan, Bird watching Japan, Hokkaido, Asian Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker

  • Birding Japan, Bird watching Japan, Hokkaido, Asian Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Narcissus Flycatcher by Takumi Koichi

  • Birding Sakura

  • Japanese Murrelet

  • Black-naped Tern

  • Sakura Wildflowers

  • Japanese Scops-Owl

  • Mount Aso Scenic

  • Okinawa Robin

  • Okinawa Rail

  • Warbling White-eye

  • Dollarbird

  • White-backed Woodpecker

  • Okinawa Woodpecker

  • Oriental Scops-Owl

  • Orii Flying Fox

  • Ring-necked Pheasant

  • Birding Japan, Bird watching Japan, Kyushu, Ryukyu, Okinawa, Asian Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Ryukyu Robin

Cost of the Journey

Coming soon! Thank you for your patience.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Haneda International Airport (HND) in Tokyo

Arrival Details: Please plan to arrive on April 1, 2026, at your leisure

Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart April 14, 2026, after 5:00 PM

Travel Tips:  If you arrive early we suggest booking an early night at our first night tour hotel, Metropolitan Tokyo Haneda. You can book online and send us your confirmation number, with the goal being you won’t have to switch rooms. Most clients use a taxi and it is about $15-20. You can also take the monorail one stop to Tenkubashi station, there are airport staff available to assist you when purchasing a ticket.

If you would like to book a different hotel, there are many options and it’s best to work with your travel agent to find something that best suits your needs. If you’d like to explore Tokyo, there are an endless number of things to see! The Anamori Inari Shrine is located behind the Metropolitan Haneda and is an early 19th century Shinto shrine that has dozens of fox statues. Other shrines worth visiting are the Asakusa Shrine, the most famous in Tokyo, and the Meiji Jinjgu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and also located in a park with good birding. If you’d like to visit botanical gardens, the Hamarikyu Gardens are nice to walk around and can be good for birding, even in winter. Do you prefer museums? The Sumida Hokusai Museum features exhibits on the life and art of Katsushika Hokusai, recognized as one of Japan’s greatest artists. The Edo Tokyo Museum has exhibits on the history of Tokyo. The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest in Japan and has the largest collection of important cultural artifacts. And finally, if you really want to get an early start on your birding list, head over to Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park, a nature preserve next to Tokyo Bay.

Entry Requirements: See "Essential Information" section under the "Know Before You Go" tab.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Japan

  • Bryan Shirley

    Bryan Shirley graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Japanese/International Economics. He lived in Japan for 3 years when he was 20 and fell in love with the language and culture and has been guiding and birding there ever since. Besides guiding in Japan, he regularly leads tours for Japanese birding groups around the US and other countries. When not guiding he has been involved with various DWR and USFWS projects such as relocating Sage Grouse, breeding bird surveys, and bird-related projects for private environmental consulting firms. He also has volunteered his time to serve as president of Utah County Birders and organizes the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Counts for Provo and Payson, Utah where he currently resides. He currently is a member of the Utah Bird Records Committee.

    Other trips with Bryan Shirley

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of your tour

  • Make sure your passport will be valid at least six months after the date of your scheduled return to the U.S.
  • No Visas are required for U.S. citizens for stays of this duration, though you must have a return airline ticket. If you are from another country, please contact the Embassy of Japan website for guidelines.
  • Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to Japan and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section below.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carryon luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Passports, Visas & Documents

Guidelines and regulations can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s documentation requirements 60-90 days ahead of traveling. Information for U.S. citizens can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html. If you are from another country, please contact the tour destination’s embassy website for guidelines.

Passport: At the time of writing, U.S. citizens must have a passport that is in good condition and at minimum is valid at the date of entry through your scheduled return to the U.S. However, we highly suggest at least 3 months validity beyond the end of the tour to allow for unexpected delays in return travel. Please check that expiration date! You should have at least one blank page per entry stamp. The blank pages need to say “Visas” at the top. Pages marked “Amendments and Endorsements” will not be accepted. 

Visas: At the time of writing, a tourist visa is not required of US citizens for stays the length of this tour.

As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include, but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.

General Health & Inoculations Information – Be Prepared!

Health requirements for entry to any country can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s health requirements and recommendations 60-90 days ahead of traveling. A helpful website for planning is the CDC recommendations for travel to Japan or by phone (800) CDC-INFO or (800) 232-4636.

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of medical emergency. 

Vaccinations: Bring copies of your vaccination records with you. At the time of writing there were no required vaccinations to enter Japan. However, the CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine vaccinations and basic travel vaccines (such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid) before traveling to any destination. Please check with your doctor for recommendations at least 6 weeks before departing on your trip in case there are any that require followup inoculations or time to become effective before departure.

Mosquito born illness: Mosquitos can be prevalent during warmer months and protective measures are essential to reduce any risk of mosquito born diseases (such as Malaria, Dengue fever, Zika, Japanese encephalitis and other diseases that are contracted by mosquito bites). Travelers can reduce their risk of disease by protecting themselves from mosquito bites in lower elevation areas by using protective clothing and mosquito repellent containing DEET or Picaridin. You may consider using Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure. You may also purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield collection. 

Prescriptions: It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage.  Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad. You’ll want to keep medications in their original, labeled containers. 

Allergies: To be prepared for environmental triggers to allergies or breathing difficulties, please bring your allergy and/or asthma medication(s).  If you have severe allergies talk to your doctor about carrying an EPI pen and notify your guides. It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.

Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as motion sickness, diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, insect bites and sunburn); as well as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc.

Altitude sickness: If high altitude will be encountered on your trip, it can affect some and, if there is a concern, be prepared. The most general symptoms are headache and occasionally fatigue and dizziness. You’ll want to take it easy, particularly at first. The likelihood of these symptoms can be reduced by resting, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and taking aspirin. If you have worries about the altitude, ask your physician about medications (such as Diamox) that may be right for you. For more information, see https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/environmental-hazards-risks/high-elevation-travel-and-altitude-illness.

Weather & Climate

Okinawa can be warm in May and June with highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid to high 60s. Hokkaido has a wide range of climates but during June, you can expect comfortably cool to pleasant temperatures in the 50s and 60s during the day, in some locations into the 70s with moderate rainfall, and some periods of clouds and fog. Check your favorite weather website closer to your departure to better predict what the weather will be on your adventure.

Annoyances & Hazards

Mosquitoes can be prevalent where we will travel during this time of year, therefore, protecting yourself from bites is essential. See the General Health & Inoculations section above for details about protective measures to prevent mosquito born illnesses. Ticks are rare, but not impossible. Please listen carefully to any advice given by your local guide. 

Food & Drink

Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Japan, and the wide variety and high quality of Japanese cuisine is one of the highlights of any trip to the country.

Bottled water will be available for field trips and drinking water is provided for you to refill a bottle. One of the many ways we strive to do our part for the environment is by trying to reduce our consumption of plastics; if convenient we appreciate you bringing reusable water bottles. Your guide will let you know when bottled water is preferable.

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Dress is very informal and laundry services are available for a fee at our hotels. While some people will change for dinner, it is usually just to a drier or cleaner version of what they wore during the day.

Please, pack light. We are serious about this – we move around a lot! We know it is challenging with such a wide variety of potential temperatures in the winter, but please do not bring anything more than you must. 

TRAVEL TIP: Imagine NOT getting your suitcase. Wear your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!). And please do not pack any essential medications, or your vital optics, in your checked luggage!

Spending Money

The official currency in Japan is the Yen. We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as cash, an ATM card, and a credit card. For the current exchange rate, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com, or your bank. If you plan to exchange cash in country, bring large U.S. bills ($50 or $100) in good condition (no rips or tears) that will give you the better rate when exchanging to local currency.

When using the ATM to withdrawal cash, keep in mind it might only accept cards from local banks or not allow cash advances on credit cards. Many U.S. banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank before departure. You must become familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey.

We suggest you have more than one card available, if possible. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (VISA and Mastercard are commonly accepted; American Express is less common). You can use credit cards at lodges to pay your bar and gift tabs. Not every shop will accept every card. Some smaller shops and restaurants, or taxis require cash, so it is always a good idea to ask before making a purchase. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling abroad to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges. If you have a choice of cards, bring one with no foreign exchange fees.

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. We do not advise you use them.

Gratuities

Tipping throughout the tour is at your discretion. Some guidelines follow. At larger (mostly city) hotels, tip maids and bar service as you would at home. At eco-lodges, there is typically a staff tip box in a public area; the going rate per person is $6-$10 a day, which is shared among staff for maid service, and general staff service at the lodges. Gratuities for group meals are already included. Your Naturalist Journeys host will take care of smaller tips such field trip services by boat drivers, night drive outings, single activities. Your additional tip is encouraged for birding tour guides and drivers who are with you for several days or the full trip; $10-$15 per day per guest is standard for guide service, and half that for a driver. If you have more than one local guide at a location, they will share the daily amount. We encourage tipping for the local teams hosting you; anything extra for your Naturalist Journeys host is at your discretion.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Your guide is well connected and can help if any urgent communication need arises. However, it is highly recommended that you travel with a CELL PHONE, if only as a precaution for the unfortunate occurrence of a medical emergency during an outing and needing swift accessibility to critical personal or medical contacts. 

Please check with your wireless provider to see if your phone and service will work in your destination country and ask for “international roaming” service for your phone. If you still have a cell phone that accepts a SIM card, you may be able to buy a local SIM card at the airport to insert in your mobile phone.

If your phone can connect to Wi-Fi, you may be able to make voice and video calls free of charge. Please contact your cell phone provider for further details. Another option if you have access to Wi-Fi, is to use smartphone apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or Viber to send text messages, and make voice calls, or video calls. Many smartphones, tablets, or laptops come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download for free. If bringing a laptop or tablet, get a good dustcover to protect it at all times.

Make sure if you do NOT want to use your cell phone that you turn off your cellular data. You could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi. Putting your phone in airplane mode if you mainly use it for photos will save the battery as well. 

Your hotels and most local restaurants provide Wi-Fi at least in their common areas. Although it is generally a reliable service, it can be affected by adverse weather conditions due to the remote location.

Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers, unless it appears to be an emergency. This disrupts other guests, plan on cell phone call use on your own time.

Electricity

The standard in Japan is the same as in the United States and Canada: 110 volts AC (5060 cycles). Plugs are set up in the same style. Plugs and sockets are of types A (2 prong) and B (3 prong). You will not need a power plug adapter in Japan as power plugs fit. But you might benefit from bringing a 3 to 2 prong adapter in case type 3 sockets are not available. You can find more information at www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Time

Japan is on Japan Standard Time (UTC –7), with no daylight savings time. Check www.timeanddate.com before leaving home for your conversion.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

 

Pace & Protocols +

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of Read more

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue, World Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please pack light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Hokkaido has a wide range of climates but during June, you can expect comfortably cool to pleasant temperatures in the 50s and 60s during the day, in some locations into the 70s with moderate rainfall, and some periods of clouds and fog. Check your favorite weather website closer to your departure to better predict what the weather will be on your adventure.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy to wear.

Clothing & Gear

  • Long pants, 2-3 pair
  • Long sleeved shirts, 2-3
  • Comfortable, casual clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes)
  • Personal underclothing and pajamas
  • Socks, various weights for different conditions
  • Comfortable walking/hiking shoes, consider if these will work in wet conditions
  • Sturdy, warm, and waterproof hiking boots with good tread
  • High quality outerwear that can double as wind and rain protection, best is coat and pants
  • Fleece vest, windproof is great
  • Hat with broad brim for sun, and warm cap for cooler times
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes or a skirt, etc.)
  • Bathing suit (optional, but you might really enjoy the hot springs!)

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • Airline tickets or e-ticket verification
  • Passport, visa (if required), health and travel insurance info, current vaccinations, money & credit cards.
  • A secure pouch to carry the items above on your person (such as a secure, under-clothing money pouch)
  • As a backup: copies of all the above (phone and/or paper) packed in a separate location than on your person, plus a set given to your emergency contact at home as a backup. For passport, copy of the  ID and entry stamp pages.
  • Small daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Binoculars
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional)
  • Camera, charger/extra batteries, memory cards/film, lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual (optional)
  • Umbrella – compact and not brightly colored
  • Walking stick – we find that many travelers appreciate a walking stick on trails, sporting goods stores carry collapsible models that pack easily in your suitcase (optional)
  • Small flashlight with fresh batteries
  • Alarm clock
  • Sunscreen/lip balm
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Toiletry articles
  • Water bottle (or plan to refill one bought on location)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Laundry soap if you plan to do hand washing (TIP: laundry “sheets” work perfectly!)
  • Earplugs – in urban and even rural areas barking dogs and traffic noise can be annoying
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)
  • If you are a coffee drinker, consider bringing packets of instant coffee as hotel rooms typically only have tea and not all restaurants serve coffee.

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing - your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Health Insurance information
  • Vaccination records
  • Personal medications (and copy of vital prescriptions)
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, etc.
  • Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments
  • Copy of eyeglass prescription, medical prescriptions and any medical alerts
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
  • Band-aids, moleskin to protect against blisters

 

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for Japan; the following are a few that we Read more

There are many titles of interest for Japan; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

Top Picks

Merlin App – Japan Pack. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Before departing the U.S., download the app for free, then from within the app, download the “pack” for Japan.

Lonely Planet Japan

Field Guides

Japanese Birds. APP for Apple/Android. Enwit Inc. Full version ($28.99) or Lite ($4.99)

Birds of Japan (Helm Field Guides)

Birds of Japan (Lynx & Birdlife Intl. Field Guides)

Photographic Guide to the Birds of Japan and North-East Asia

Japan Birds

Natural History

Japan: The Natural History of an Asian Archipelago

History & Culture

A Modern History of Japan: From Tokugawa Times to the Present

A Concise History of Japan

Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan

Phrasebook: Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook & Dictionary

Memoir/Non-Fiction

At Home in Japan: A Foreign Woman's Journey of Discovery

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Okinawa

Hokkaido

Notsuke Peninsula

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Birding Japan Overview

Birding in Japan Blog (overview with photos)

Endemic Animals of Japan

Siberian Rubythroat

Japanese Robin

Oriental Cuckoo

Bears in Hokkaido

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

“3 Japanese organizations dedicated to conservation” – Article in Zenbird

Daisetsuzan National Park

Shiretoko National Park and UNESCO site

Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park

Geology & Geography

“How Hokkaido Came To Be” – Article, Hokkaido Magazine

Geography of Hokkaido

Geography of Japan

History & Culture

Brief History of Japan

Japanese Culture – Encyclopedic Overview

Ainu Culture

Matsumoto Castle

Izumi-Fumoto Samurai Residences

Zenkoji Temple

Japanese Cuisine

Helpful Travel Websites

20 Essential Japanese Phrases for Travelers (6-minute video)

Naha International Airport (OKA)

New Chitose Airport (CTS)

National Passport Information Center

U.S. Department of State International Travel Information - Japan

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Japan

Canada Travel Advice and Advisories - Japan

Travel Health Pro (UK) - Japan

Foreign Exchange Rates

ATM Locator

Electricity and Plugs - Japan

Date, Time, and Holidays - Japan


Photo credits: Photos By Bryan Shirley and Takumi Kiochi Banners: Roseate Tern, Dollarbird, Japanese Murrelet, Warbling White-eye, Blue-and-white Flycatcher, Black Paradise-Flycatcher  Thumbnails: Warbling White-eye, Amami Thrush, Red-flanked Bluetail, Okinawa Rail, White-backed Woodpecker, Ryuku Scops Owl, Ruddy Kingfisher

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