Crane Spectacle in Kyushu 5 days 4 nights
Schedule
Open for the application
2025/12/05 - 2025/12/09
2025/12/19 - 2025/12/23
2026/02/21 - 2026/02/25
Day1
Fukuoka
Once everyone has gathered, we'll embark on an exciting birdwatching journey through the beautiful Ohori Park. This urban oasis is home to an impressive variety of birds, including the Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Dusky Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Cinereous Tit, Japanese Bush Warbler, and Bull-headed Shrike. Keep your eyes peeled, as the park is known for rare sightings of species like the Baikal Teal, Ferruginous Duck, Baer’s Pochard, and Yellow-bellied Tit—a real treat for birding enthusiasts!
After a leisurely morning, we'll head to the scenic Imazu area in the afternoon for a special mission: spotting two endangered species, the Black-faced Spoonbill and Saunder’s Gull. Along the way, we might also encounter other fascinating birds like the Eurasian Spoonbill, Common Shelduck, Falcated Duck, Japanese Buzzard, Chinese Penduline Tit and Chestnut-eared Bunting.
Day 2
Fukuoka → Kagoshima
Start your day surrounded by the beauty of Aburayama as we embark on an exciting birdwatching experience. Our primary focus will be two rare East Asian buntings, the striking Yellow-throated and elegant Grey Buntings. Along the way, we’re likely to encounter other captivating species like the Japanese Green Woodpecker, Red-flanked Bluetail, Eurasian Bullfinch, Japanese Grosbeak, and Rustic Bunting.
After a scenic drive with lunch on the way, we’ll arrive in Izumi for an unforgettable afternoon of birding. At the famous Izumi crane observatory, you'll witness the awe-inspiring sight of thousands of cranes. The stars of the show are the majestic Hooded Crane and White-naped Crane, but if we're lucky you may also see the following, for example, the rare Siberian White Crane and Demoiselle Crane.
Day 3
Kagoshima
While the area is world-renowned for its magnificent cranes, Izumi is also a haven for a diverse array of other fascinating bird species. Keep your binoculars ready as we search for highlights such as the elegant Eurasian Spoonbill, the rare Black-faced Spoonbill, and the elusive Ruddy-breasted Crake. You might also spot the graceful Eastern Marsh Harrier, the striking Daurian Jackdaw, the colorful Daurian Redstart, Russet Sparrow, and Meadow Bunting.
Our adventure continues through the scenic rice fields, where we'll try our luck finding the Long-billed Plover, Temminck’s Stint, and a variety of thrushes, including the Brown-headed and Pale Thrush.
Day 4
Kagoshima → Saga
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We’ll kick off the day by seeking out any missing species on our list, ensuring no bird goes unnoticed.
In the morning, we’ll venture to the serene Kogawa Dam and Satsuma Sendai River, just an hour from Izumi. This picturesque area offers a fantastic opportunity to spot stunning species like the colorful Mandarin Duck, the elusive Long-billed Plover, the striking Crested Kingfisher, the vibrant Ryukyu Minivet, the charming Red-flanked Bluetail, and the graceful Japanese Wagtail.
After a scenic drive in the afternoon, we’ll make our way towards Saga, with a delightful stop for lunch along the way.
As we arrive in Saga by late afternoon, we’ll head to a reservoir that plays host to an impressive flock of Baikal Teal, providing a spectacular finish to an unforgettable birdwatching adventure.
Day 5
Saga → Fukuoka
Start your day by exploring one of Japan's largest and most breathtaking tidal flats, Daiju-garami. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to witness flocks of shorebirds in their natural habitat. Watch as Grey and Mongolian Plovers, Common and Spotted Redshanks, and Red-necked Stints fill the skies. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare yet often-seen Saunder's Gull and the elegant Black-faced Spoonbill—both iconic species of the area.
Our journey continues to Shiroishi reclamation land, a haven for both shorebirds and raptors. Marvel at the graceful Hen Harrier as it glides over the fields, and keep an eye out for open-field species like Buff-bellied Pipit and Meadow Bunting.
After an unforgettable day of birdwatching, we will head back to Fukuoka Airport, where the tour comes to a close—leaving you with memories of the stunning wildlife and serene landscapes you've experienced.
Planning and implementation : Kaze Travel Co.,Ltd. (Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1382)