Tokyo and Izu Island
5 days 4nights
Schedule
2025/04/19 - 2025/04/23
2025/06/02 - 2025/06/06
2026/04/25 - 2026/04/28
Day1
Kasai Rinkai Park, etc.
Day 1 begins at Sanbanze, one of Tokyo Bay's last remaining tidal flats, where we'll get remarkably close views of fascinating shorebirds including Mongolian Plovers, Red-necked Stints, and Grey-tailed Tattlers. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare Great Knot!
In the afternoon, we'll explore Kasai Rinkai Park, a hidden gem on Tokyo's waterfront. Here, you might spot the globally threatened Black-faced Spoonbill resting during migration, along with the vibrant Blue-and-White and Narcissus Flycatchers. The elusive Brown-cheeked Rail often makes surprise appearances, making this location a true treasure trove for bird enthusiasts.
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Day 2
Lake Inba, etc.
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Day 2 unfolds with an enchanting dawn chorus at Lake Inba, where Yellow Bitterns gracefully dance across vast reed beds while Oriental Reed Warblers fill the air with their cheerful melodies.
Next, we'll visit the magical Ukishima marshlands, home to two of Japan's most precious endemics. Watch as the charismatic Japanese Reed Bunting performs its display from reed tops, while we patiently await glimpses of the secretive Japanese Marsh Warbler, known for its distinctive cricket-like song as it briefly emerges from dense vegetation.
The afternoon takes us to Watarase Wetlands, where both Long-eared and Ural Owls regularly nest. With luck, we might witness their adorable owlets! As the day winds down, we'll head to Utsunomiya, ready for tomorrow's adventures in Japan's bird paradise.
Senjogahara Moor of Nikko
Day 3
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Begin your day in the mystical Senjogahara marshlands of Nikko, where ancient nature meets spectacular birdlife. While tourists flock to Nikko's famous shrines, we'll discover why this highland sanctuary is a cherished secret among Japanese birders. Watch the stunning Narcissus Flycatcher display its brilliant plumage against the misty mountain backdrop, while Brown-headed Thrushes and Siberian Blue Robins add to the morning's symphony.
Later, we'll explore three enchanting parks around Utsunomiya, seeking out Japan's unique avian treasures. Witness the agile Japanese Sparrowhawk, one of Japan's smallest raptors, and encounter charming endemic species rarely seen outside the country, including the Japanese Green Woodpecker, Japanese Wagtail, and the delightful Varied Tit. These special birds, found almost exclusively in Japan, offer a truly unique birding experience you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Day 4
Mine Park,etc.
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Day 4 opens at Tochigi Prefectural Forest, where the morning air resonates with Japan's finest avian melodies. Here, we'll seek the Japanese Thrush, renowned for its enchanting song that echoes through the forest canopy. The striking Blue-and-White Flycatcher, adorned in brilliant cobalt blue, ivory, and jet black, presents a stunning sight, while we may be blessed with a rare glimpse of the elegant Japanese Paradise Flycatcher with its mesmerizing long tail streamers.
By late morning, we'll visit Mine Park, where the commanding presence of the Japanese Grosbeak, with its impressive yellow bill, and the watchful Bull-headed Shrike await us. As day turns to dusk, we'll return to Tokyo and board our ferry to Miyakejima Island, where tomorrow's island adventures beckon. Let the gentle sway of the overnight ferry lull you to sleep as we journey towards one of Japan's premier birding destinations.
Day 5
Miyakejima Island
Our final day unveils the treasures of Miyakejima Island, a sanctuary for some of Japan's most coveted endemic species. Here, we'll seek out the globally significant Izu Thrush, the enchanting Izu Robin, and the charming Owston's Tit. May brings special visitors like Ijima's Leaf Warbler and Styan's Grasshopper Warbler, making this island a true birder's paradise.
The grand finale of our tour takes place at sea aboard our return ferry, where the majesty of pelagic birds awaits. Marvel at graceful albatrosses gliding over the waves – both Black-footed and Laysan species – while Streaked Shearwaters and Owston's Storm Petrels dance above the ocean surface. With fortune's smile, we might even spot the rare Short-tailed Albatross or the near endemic Japanese Murrelet, providing a spectacular conclusion to our Japanese birding adventure.
As we dock at Takeshiba Pier, you'll leave with memories of Japan's unique avifauna that will last a lifetime.
Planning and implementation : Kaze Travel Co.,Ltd. (Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1382)