Summer Jewels of Japan
5 days 4nights
Schedule
2025/05/22 - 2025/05/26
2026/05/30 - 2026/06/04
Day1
Matsunoyama Onsen, etc.
Our adventure begins at Tokyo Station, where we'll board the sleek Shinkansen (bullet train) to Echigo-Yuzawa. From there, we'll drive to our destination: the remarkable Matsunoyama Onsen, a hidden sanctuary for some of Japan's most extraordinary birds.
This special location is one of the few places in the world where you can observe the breeding endemic Yellow Bunting in the habitat. As we explore the verdant surroundings, we'll keep our eyes peeled for the stunning Ruddy Kingfisher with its brilliant scarlet plumage, the distinctive White-backed Woodpecker, and the elegant Japanese Thrush with its striking black and white contrast.
After an exciting day of birding, you'll experience authentic Japanese culture by staying at Matsunoyama Onsen, renowned as one of Japan's three great medicinal hot springs. Here, you can soak in the therapeutic waters while reflecting on the day's unique wildlife encounters. The peaceful mountain setting provides the perfect backdrop for both exceptional birding and cultural immersion.
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Day 2
Matsunoyama Onsen and
Shiga Kogen
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Your day begins with early morning birding in Matsunoyama Onsen's lush environment. Watch in wonder as the distinctive Dollarbird performs its aerial displays, while the Japanese Paradise Flycatcher, with its spectacular long tail streamers and cobalt-blue bill, weaves through the trees. The brilliant Blue-and-White Flycatcher adds to this morning's colorful spectacle. In the surrounding rice fields, we might spot Japan's national bird, the magnificent Green Pheasant, strutting proudly in its natural habitat.
Before noon, we journey to our next destination: Shiga Kogen. En route, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the mighty Shinano River valley.
At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Shiga Kogen offers a different suite of mountain birds. Here, the vibrant yellow and orange plumage of the Narcissus Flycatcher brightens the forest canopy, while Eastern Crowned and Sakhalin Leaf Warblers fill the air with their melodious songs.
Your day concludes at Hotel Takimoto, where you can savor delicious local cuisine while enjoying panoramic mountain views. The hotel's exceptional location provides both comfort and opportunities for evening birding right from your window.
Shiga Kogen
Day 3
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We start our day at dawn in Shiga Kogen, where the morning chorus of Brown-headed Thrushes, Siberian Blue Robins, and Grey Buntings guides our search. These elusive songsters create nature's own symphony, and with some luck, we might encounter the secretive Siberian Thrush or the charismatic Japanese Robin - both highly sought-after species among international birders.
Today's adventure takes us along various trails within Shiga Kogen, each offering unique micro-habitats and their specialist birds. We'll quietly traverse these paths, listening for the distinctive calls of the Northern Hawk-Cuckoo and Oriental Cuckoo echoing through the forest. The vibrant Red-flanked Bluetail may flash its brilliant colors as it flits through the understory, while we search for glimpses of the tiny Asian Stubtail and the melodious Japanese Leaf Warbler.
Each trail reveals new possibilities, and our patient approach maximizes our chances of spotting these shy forest dwellers. The day's varied terrain promises an exciting mix of species, making every step an opportunity for discovery in this mountain paradise.
Day 4
Shiga Kogen and Kita Yatsugatake
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Our final morning in Shiga Kogen offers a chance to search for any species we might have missed, ensuring our mountain bird list is as complete as possible. Each dawn brings new opportunities, and the changing patterns of bird activity often reveal previously hidden treasures.
In the afternoon, we venture to our highest elevation yet - the stunning North Yatsugatake Mountains. Here, at an altitude of 2,000 meters, we explore the pristine surroundings of Lake Shirakoma, a jewel nestled among ancient forests. This special location is a stronghold for the Japanese Robin, and we'll have excellent chances to observe this enchanting endemic species in its preferred habitat.
The crisp mountain air and serene alpine setting provide perfect conditions for spotting the brilliant Red-flanked Bluetail as it forages among the undergrowth, while the melodic songs of Japanese Leaf Warblers echo through the ancient trees. The late afternoon light in this mountain paradise creates magical moments for both birdwatching and photography, making our final full day of birding truly memorable.
Day 5
Nobeyama Highland, etc.
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Our final day begins at the enchanting Dragon God Pond (Ryujin-ike) in the foothills of Tateshina Highland. Here, the melodious songs of Japanese Thrush fill the morning air, while the elegant Ashy Minivets display their graceful flights. The vibrant Narcissus Flycatcher and striking Masked Bunting add to the morning's delightful chorus.
By 8:30, we move to the sweeping grasslands of Kirigamine, where a different array of birds awaits. Watch as Siberian Stonechats perch prominently on grass stems, and listen for the distinctive calls of Chestnut-eared Buntings in their favored habitat.
For our grand finale, we visit the magnificent Nobeyama Highland. Here, against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Yatsugatake, we observe the charismatic Chestnut-cheeked Starlings. On clear days, the majestic Mount Fuji provides a stunning backdrop for our final bird observations - a truly iconic Japanese scene to conclude our journey.
Our adventure ends with a scenic train ride from Nirasaki to Shinjuku Station, carrying with us unforgettable memories of Japan's remarkable birds and landscapes.
Planning and implementation : Kaze Travel Co.,Ltd. (Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1382)