A Special Wildlife and Conservation Tour of Japan

Japanese Wildlife Tour 2026: Detailed Itinerary

Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
Group Size: Maximum 8 Guests
Leader: Richard Pearce (Licensed Researcher & Conservationist)
Fitness Level: Moderate (Includes forest walks, night outings, and uneven terrain)
Inclusions: Domestic transport, accommodations, guiding, most meals (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Meals: D

  • Arrive and check in to the designated tour hotel by late afternoon

  • 6:00 PM: Group welcome meeting

  • Dinner at a local izakaya (traditional Japanese tapas-style restaurant)
    Overnight: Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo to Sado Island

Meals: B

  • Bullet train from Tokyo to Niigata (~2 hours)

  • Ferry to Sado Island (~2.5 hours)

  • Settle in and light exploration of the area
    Overnight: Sado Island

Day 3: Sado Island

Meals: B

  • Visit the Toki Forest Park to learn about the Crested Ibis reintroduction program

  • Explore satoyama landscapes (traditional mosaic of rice fields, forest edges, and rural villages)

  • Birdwatching and cultural insight into sustainable rural land use
    Target Species: Crested Ibis
    Overnight: Sado Island

Day 4: Sado Island to Nagano (Karuizawa)

Meals: B

  • Ferry and train back to the mainland, transfer to Karuizawa

  • Evening Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel viewing tour
    Target Species: Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel
    Overnight: Karuizawa

Day 5: Karuizawa – Bear Watching

Meals: B

  • Morning and midday forest walk with local conservationist

  • Bear viewing from known monitoring points
    Target Species: Asiatic Black Bear
    Overnight: Karuizawa

Day 6: Karuizawa – Serow Tracking and Travel to Tokyo

Meals: B

  • Morning hike in search of Japanese Serow and forest wildlife

  • Afternoon shinkansen back to Tokyo
    Target Species: Japanese Serow
    Overnight: Tokyo

Day 7: Tokyo to Yonago / Mt. Daisen

Meals: B, D

  • Flight to Yonago (~1.5 hrs)

  • Check-in and rest

  • Evening Japanese Giant Salamander viewing tour
    Target Species: Japanese Giant Salamander
    Overnight: Yonago

Day 8: Daisen Fieldwork & Bat Survey

Meals: B

  • Morning tunnel exploration to observe bat species

  • Afternoon lecture and Q&A with leading salamander researcher

  • Night salamander survey activity
    Target Species: Japanese Giant Salamander, Bats (Murina, Pipistrellus)
    Overnight: Yonago

Day 9: Cultural & Wetland Bird Day

Meals: B

  • Visit to Yonago wetlands and birdwatching centers

  • Afternoon visit to Japanese gardens and historic castle
    Target Species: Eastern Marsh Harrier, waterfowl
    Overnight: Yonago

Day 10: Yonago to Osaka

Meals: B

  • Travel to Osaka by highway bus (~4 hours)

  • Free time in the city or join optional street food tour
    Overnight: Osaka

Day 11: Osaka to Amami Oshima

Meals: B

  • Flight to Amami (~1.5 hrs)

  • Night herping drive in search of rare reptiles and mammals
    Target Species: Amami Rabbit, Pit Vipers, Frogs
    Overnight: Amami Oshima

Day 12: Amami Exploration

Meals: B

  • Morning free for snorkeling or leisure

  • Afternoon herping walk

  • Night drive focusing on mammals and reptiles
    Target Species: Amami Rabbit, Habu, Sea Turtles
    Overnight: Amami Oshima

Day 13: Birding and Mangroves

Meals: B

  • Morning birding tour with local guide

  • Visit Amami mangrove forest and look for Ryukyu Ayu

  • Final night drive for amphibians and nocturnal birds
    Target Species: Lidth’s Jay, Amami Woodcock, Ryukyu Ayu
    Overnight: Amami Oshima

Day 14: Return to Tokyo

Meals: B, D

  • Flight to Tokyo

  • Farewell dinner with group
    Overnight: Tokyo

Day 15: Departure Day

Meals: B

  • Tour ends after breakfast. Airport transfers available on request