Japan Wildlife & Conservation Tour - Guest Reviews

Mary, Scotland — Japan Wildlife Tour, September 2026

This wildlife tour of Japan is an opportunity to see some rare and unique creatures, while also visiting a lot of the country in a short space of time. This was our first time in Japan and we wanted to see and experience as much as possible, going beyond the usual tourist spots to see the real Japan. It proved to be quite a physically challenging trip. If you want to see bears and serow you have to hike up mountains and if you want to see nocturnal amphibians, you have to wade up a river at night. Snorkelling with turtles is another highlight, in the warm sea off the Amami islands. For professional ecologists/biologists, Richard has a wealth of knowledge on conservation issues and offers an opportunity to participate in some fieldwork with his beloved salamanders.

The trip is well structured and strenuous days were followed by more restful days, visiting castles and gardens or having a travel day to the next destination. We appreciated the overland travel, seeing more of the country, and it was always relaxing and efficient. Most of the time we were in rural Japan, staying at a mix of traditional hotels, with futons and onsen, and international hotels, with pastries on offer for breakfast. The accommodation was always comfortable, but don't expect gourmet meals. Richard is an excellent guide, passionate about his conservation work, fun to travel with and goes out of his way to ensure that everyone in the group has a good time. Highly recommended.

Dale, England — Japan Wildlife Tour, September 2026

My recent Wildlife and Conservation Tour with Bushido Travel was the trip of a lifetime. I'd researched 'standard tours of Japan' and wanted something different.

We travelled extensively throughout Japan, and were expertly guided to wildlife havens, well off the usual tourist routes.

Lead guide Richard Pearce's wildlife knowledge was incredible, and his choice of friendly local guides was spot on. He looked after us so well and adapted the schedule when necessary.

The itinerary was amazing with a huge variety of different environments, each with its own special memories for me.

The Wildlife and Conservation Tour exceeded my expectations and certainly fulfilled my dreams of travelling in Japan.