Nature Experiences Across Japan — Expertly Guided, Ethically Led

In addition to our Japanese Giant Salamander tours on Mt. Daisen, Bushido Adventure can arrange tailored wildlife and nature experiences throughout Japan. These are led only by vetted guides with strong field skills, ethical standards, and deep local knowledge.

As a member of the IUCN SSC Ecotourism and Species Conservation Specialist Group, Richard works with researchers, conservation partners, and specialist guides across the country. This ensures that every experience is conducted responsibly and contributes positively to local communities and ecosystems.

Bushido Adventure is also a UK-registered travel company with long-term, on-the-ground expertise in Japan, allowing us to advise on and organise complete travel logistics — accommodation, domestic transport, ferries, guiding, and nature-focused arrangements — across many of Japan’s wildlife hotspots.

If you would like to explore what is possible, please contact Richard to discuss options and craft a personalised plan.

Recommended Wildlife Add-Ons

Oki Islands — A Wild and Little-Known Extension to Your JGS Tour

The Oki Islands (Shimanes’s remote island cluster) make an excellent add-on to the Japanese Giant Salamander tour. From Mt. Daisen, travellers can take a short drive to one of the mainland ferry ports with services to Oki. A 2–3 night stay allows enough time to explore the main wildlife sites.

Key Wildlife Highlights

Endemic and near-endemic species

Oki Hare (Lepus brachyurus okiensis) — elusive but possible with patience.
Oki Salamander (Hynobius okiensis) — one of Japan’s most distinctive island amphibians.
Tagoi Frog, Oki subspecies (Rana tagoi okiensis)
Oki Brown Frog (Rana okiensis)

Notable non-endemic wildlife

Streaked Shearwaters — visible offshore and around certain coastal headlands during the season.
Japanese Paradise Flycatchers (summer)
Ruddy Kingfishers
A resident Sandhill Crane on Dōgo Island — a little-known individual even among locals.
Raccoon Dogs (tanuki) on Chiburi Island only — technically non-native but now established, forming an interesting case study in local attitudes toward introduced fauna.
Mamushi (Japanese pit viper) — Oki is an excellent place to observe this species responsibly.

Why Oki Works Well as an Add-On

Easy access from Daisen via several nearby ports with Oki ferry connections.
A compact island group ideal for short wildlife extensions.
A concentration of endemic amphibians and island specialists not found elsewhere on your main itinerary.
A mix of dramatic coastline, forests, and geological features forming the UNESCO Global Geopark.

Amami Ōshima — Subtropical Endemism

Amami hosts some of Japan’s rarest and most charismatic wildlife. Highlights include:

Amami Rabbit
Amami Ishikawa’s Frog
Amami Tip-nosed Frog
Habu snakes and forest herpetofauna
Lidth’s Jay

We work with highly experienced local guides who specialise in nocturnal forest searches and conservation-minded fieldcraft.

Okinawa (Yanbaru) — Ancient Forests & Island Reptiles

Northern Okinawa offers superb opportunities for both herpetology and birding:

Okinawa Rail
Anderson’s Crocodile Newt
Ryukyu Odd-tooth Snake
Yanbaru long-armed scarab
Seasonal forest birds and coastal wildlife

Extensions can also include marine experiences around the Kerama Islands with trusted ecological operators.

Other Wildlife Hotspots We Can Assist With

Richard can also help design and organise travel and wildlife experiences in:

Hokkaido (brown bears, owls, cranes, cetaceans)
Nagano (alpine birdlife, mountain ecosystems)
And many other regions depending on season and interest.

Planning Your Experience

We can arrange:

Accommodation suited to wildlife schedules
Domestic transport and ferry bookings
Specialist guides across Japan
Nature-focused itineraries tailored to your interests
Up-to-date seasonal advice and ecological considerations

If you’d like to begin planning, contact Richard directly to discuss routes, timing, and wildlife priorities.