23 May 2026 - 27 May 2026 (5 days)
JPY375,000 NO SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Local Leader
Tour Leader: Paul Varney
Tour Price (Per person): JPY375,000 (USD2,455 * GBP1,869 * EUR2,129 * AUD3,530)
Single Supplement: JPY47,000 (USD308 * GBP234 * EUR267 * AUD442)
Flight costs: JPY78,000 (USD511 * GBP389 * EUR443 * AUD734)
23 May 2027 - 27 May 2027 (5 days)
JPY395,000 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: André Bernon
Tour Leader: Glen Valentine
Tour Price (Per person): JPY395,000 (USD2,586 * GBP1,969 * EUR2,243 * AUD3,719)
Flight costs: JPY85,000 (USD556 * GBP424 * EUR483 * AUD800)
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*
11 May 2028 - 15 May 2028 (5 days)
JPY420,000 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Amanda Guercio
Tour Leader: Stephan Lorenz
Tour Price (Per person): JPY420,000 (USD2,750 * GBP2,093 * EUR2,385 * AUD3,954)
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*
11 May 2029 - 15 May 2029 (5 days)
JPY440,200 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: André Bernon
Tour Leader: Lev Frid
Tour Price (Per person): JPY440,200 (USD2,882 * GBP2,194 * EUR2,499 * AUD4,144)
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*
Japan’s northern-most island of Hokkaido probably ranks as the country’s most scenic and is certainly Japan’s most rugged and wilderness-rich island. Home to several of north-east Asia’s most iconic birds, we will explore the eastern side of the island in search of mouth-watering species such as the magnificent Red-crowned (Japanese) Crane, Hazel Grouse, Black Woodpecker, Ural Owl, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Middendorff’s and Sakhalin Grasshopper Warblers, Japanese Robin, Siberian Rubythroat, Grey Bunting and the regal Blakiston’s Fish Owl amongst a wealth of other great birds and wildlife.
Red-crowned (Japanese) Crane; Blakiston’s Fish Owl; Hazel Grouse; Black Woodpecker; Ural Owl; Long-tailed Rosefinch; Middendorff’s & Sakhalin Grasshopper Warblers; Japanese Robin; Siberian Rubythroat; Grey Bunting; Harlequin Duck; Rhinoceros Auklet; Spectacled Guillemot.
temperate broad-leaved and coniferous forest, lakes, coastline, wetlands and grasslands
warm sunny days, can be a little cool in the evenings
10 with 2 Rockjumper leaders
MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.
Easy to moderate. Suitable for all birding / wildlife interest levels and most mobility capabilities. Can be a little tiring due to travel and relatively long days.
Mostly good, some lodges are simple with shared and/or basic washroom facilities (minshuku).
Undemanding, most species provide good visuals. A small number of scarce/rare target species.
Good to excellent.
The birding and bird vocalisation skills of Erik Forsyth and local guide Bryan Shirley are simply outstanding. So far, I've probably met only 2 guides who were only just about as good as these two!
This trip was quite an experience: Earthquakes, an erupting volcano, a major blizzard, raw fish and squid for breakfast, some incredible dining experiences, great scenery, and a wicked lot of fantastic birds! Erik Forsyth did a very good job with the tour. He was a bit more laid back than I am used to, but we really had good luck with the birds. A lot of that also had to do with Bryan Shirley, who is also an excellent guide. Erik and Bryan made a great team and appeared to really enjoy the trip, which was infectious for the rest of the group.
Outstanding trip with excellent leadership. Could not have asked for a better experience.
Wonderful experience with Erik Forsyth and Bryan despite challenging weather conditions. The lodging was very comfortable. The birds were fantastic.
Couldn't be better me.
Japan - Spring Highlights 2025 - May 2025
Japan - Southern Islands Extension 2025 - February 2025
Japan - Winter Birding 2025 - January 2025
Japan - Hokkaido Extension 2024 - May 2024
Japan - Spring Highlights 2024 - May 2024
Japan - Southern Islands Extension 2024 - February 2024
Japan - Winter Birding 2024 - January 2024
Japan - Spring Highlights: Hokkaido Extension 2023 - May 2023
Japan - Spring Highlights 2023 - May 2023
Japan - Southern Islands Extension 2023 - February 2023
Japan - Winter Birding 2023 - January 2023
Japan - Winter Birding 2020 - February 2020
Japan - Spring Highlights 2019 - May 2019
Japan - Winter Birding I 2018 - February 2018
Japan - Winter Birding I 2017 - February 2017
Japan - Southern Islands Extension I 2017 - February 2017
Japan - Winter Birding I 2016 - February 2016
Japan - Winter Birding 2014 - December 2014