Japan is a land of exquisite contrasts—where ancient cedar forests and volcanic mountains rise beyond neon-lit skylines, and centuries-old temples stand quietly amid the rhythm of modern life. Stretching from the bustling metropolis of Tokyo to the wild frontier of Hokkaido, this island nation offers an extraordinary blend of cultural depth and biological richness. For the naturalist traveler, Japan is a revelation: a place where endemic species thrive in beautiful habitats, and where tradition and landscape are inseparable.

Our journey begins in Tokyo on the island of Honshu, where serene shrines and coastal wetlands will introduce us to our first birds, including species like Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Far Eastern Curlew, and the colorful Azure-winged Magpie. From there we travel into the cool mountain forests of Shiga Kogen and Togakushi, where towering cedars, maples, and fern-filled understories provide habitat for Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, Japanese Grosbeak, Siberian Blue Robin, and the endemic Green Pheasant. Along the way, we explore historic sites such as Zenkoji Temple and Matsumoto Castle, deepening our understanding of the cultural roots that shape this remarkable country.

Crossing to the northern island of Hokkaido, the landscape opens into vast wetlands, caldera lakes, and rugged coastal wilderness. In Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park we search for the iconic Red-crowned Crane, while forests and volcanic slopes in Akan-Mashu National Park may yield Black Woodpecker, Gray-headed Woodpecker, and Long-tailed Tit. The UNESCO-listed Shiretoko Peninsula offers some of Japan’s most dramatic scenery and richest wildlife. Here, we’ll have opportunities to encounter birds like Whooper Swan, Falcated Duck, Japanese Robin, and White-tailed Eagle. Boat tours along the coast will help us find seabirds such as Rhinoceros Auklet and Spectacled Guillemot, as well as whales and dolphins. Almost unbelievably, the Shiretoko Peninsula is so wild that it’s also home to one of Asia’s densest Brown Bear populations.

Throughout the tour, we balance focused birding with meaningful cultural experiences, comfortable lodging, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing daily discoveries in beautiful places. Japan’s blend of refinement and wildness makes it unlike anywhere else in the world—and by the journey’s end, you will have experienced not only a remarkable array of birds and wildlife, but also the spirit of a country where nature and tradition remain deeply intertwined. We hope you’ll join us!

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 - June 11: Arrival in Tokyo

Arrive in Japan’s dazzling capital and settle in near Haneda Airport, then gather for a welcome dinner and tour briefing.

Day 2 - June 12: Tokyo—Culture, Cityscapes, and Coastal Birding

Visit iconic sites like Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple, then bird Tokyo Bay at Kasai-Rinkai Park for Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Far Eastern Curlew, and Azure-winged Magpie.

Day 3 - June 13: Tokyo to Shiga Kogen via Nagano

Ride the famous bullet train to Nagano and continue into the Japanese Alps for your first high-elevation birding around Shiga Kogen.

Day 4 - June 14: Birding Shiga Kogen

Explore cool, cedar-rich mountain forests and mossy understories while searching for Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, Japanese Grosbeak, and other upland specialties.

Day 5 - June 15: Birding Shiga Kogen

Continue birding Shiga Kogen’s tranquil alpine habitats with chances for endemic Green Pheasant and encounters with Snow Monkeys and other native mammals.

Day 6 - June 16: Shiga Kogen to Nagano & Zenkoji Temple

Enjoy one more morning of birding in the highlands, then return to Nagano to visit the historic Zenkoji Temple.

Day 7 - June 17: Togakushi Forest Park

Spend a full day birding Togakushi’s beautiful forest reserve for woodland specialties in a classic Japanese mountain setting.

Day 8 - June 18: Matsumoto Castle & Fly to Hokkaido

Tour stunning Matsumoto Castle, then fly north to Hokkaido and prepare for Japan’s wilder frontier.

Day 9 - June 19: Kushiro Wetlands National Park

Explore Japan’s largest wetland in search of the legendary Red-crowned Crane and a rich suite of marsh and grassland birds.

Day 10 - June 20: Kushiro to Akan-Mashu National Park

Bird volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear caldera lakes in Akan-Mashu, targeting forest birds such as Black Woodpecker and Gray-headed Woodpecker.

Day 11 - June 21: Akan-Mashu to the Shiretoko Peninsula

Travel across eastern Hokkaido toward Shiretoko, with cultural and birding stops en route before reaching the rugged coast near Rausu.

Day 12 - June 22: Shiretoko Peninsula—Boat Tour I

Cruise the Nemuro Channel to seek seabirds like Rhinoceros Auklet and Spectacled Guillemot, plus whales, dolphins, and the possibility of Brown Bear.

Day 13 - June 23: Shiretoko Peninsula—Boat Tour II

Take a second Shiretoko boat route and revisit top coastal hotspots for seabirds, raptors, and any wildlife we still need.

Day 14 - June 24: Return to Tokyo via Kushiro

Fly back to Tokyo for a final evening together—wrap up species lists, share highlights, and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 15 - June 25: Departures

Say goodbye (sayonara!) as you depart Japan or continue onward for independent travel.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,295

START DATE: June 11, 2027

DURATION: 15 days

GROUP SIZE: Up to 12

TRIP FOCUS: Birding and Culture

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Light

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Double-occupancy lodging
• Ground transportation
• Breakfasts, lunches, and most dinners
• Excursions and park fees
• Guiding services

YOUR GUIDES

Ivan Phillipsen, Co-owner of Wild Latitudes, is a passionate naturalist with a background in scientific research. He holds an M.S. in biology and a Ph.D. in zoology. Natural history is Ivan’s true passion and what he is most excited to teach to others. Although he is fascinated by just about every aspect of nature, Ivan is particularly fond of birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, plants, and geology. Everything is interconnected in nature and Ivan takes a holistic approach when teaching about the natural world.