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Japan - Southern Islands Extension

© Lidth's Jay by Glen Valentine
Japan - Southern Islands Extension 2026

10 Feb 2026 - 17 Feb 2026 (8 days)

JPY510,000 - Spaces Available on this guaranteed departure

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Tour Leader: Gregory de Klerk

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Tour Leader: Local Leader

Tour price (Per person): JPY510,000 * USD3,414 * GBP2,644 * EUR3,165 * AUD5,450

Single Supplement: JPY65,000 * USD435 * GBP337 * EUR403 * AUD695

Flight costs: JPY131,000 * USD877 * GBP679 * EUR813 * AUD1,400

Japan - Southern Islands Extension 2027

10 Feb 2027 - 17 Feb 2027 (8 days)

JPY545,000 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: André Bernon

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Tour Leader: Paul Varney

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): JPY545,000 * USD3,649 * GBP2,825 * EUR3,382 * AUD5,824

On our extension to the Ryukyu Islands, we will visit the small island of Amami, home to the striking Lidth’s Jay, Amami Thrush and the scarce Amami Woodcock. Thereafter, we venture to the island of Okinawa, where a host of exciting endemics can be found – endangered Okinawa Woodpecker, recently discovered Okinawa Rail, stunning Ryukyu Robin and localised Ryukyu Minivet are just some of the island’s tantalizing species that we hope to see during our explorations here.

Top Birds

Okinawa Rail; Amami Woodcock; Black-faced Spoonbill; Ryukyu & Japanese Scops Owls; Northern Boobook; Black Wood Pigeon; Ryukyu Green Pigeon; Okinawa, Japanese Pygmy & White-backed (Owston's) Woodpeckers; Lidth’s Jay; Amami, Izu & Brown-headed Thrushes; Ryukyu, Okinawa & Japanese (Owston's) Robins; Ryukyu Minivet; Japanese Cormorant; Grey-faced Buzzard; Ryukyu Flycatcher; Owston's & Varied Tits; Long-toed Stint; Cinnamon Bittern; Short-tailed, Black-footed & Laysan Albatrosses; Tristram's Storm Petrel; Streaked Shearwater.

Top Mammals

Amami Rabbit (Black Hare); Ryukyu Flying Fox; Ryukyu Long-tailed Giant Rat; Ryukyu Spiny Rat

Habitats Covered

“Itajii” (evergreen oak forests), estuaries, rocky coastlines, wetlands, rice paddies, irrigation channels, open ocean/seas

Expected Climate

mild to cold

Max Group Size

12 with 2 Rockjumper Leaders

Tour Pace & Walking

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.

Moderate. Suitable for all birding / wildlife interest levels and most mobility capabilities. Can be a little tiring due to travel & relatively long days.

Accommodation

Mostly good, some lodges are simple with shared or basic washroom facilities (minshuku).

Ease of Birding

Undemanding, most species provide good visuals. A small number of scarce/rare target species.

Number of Species Expected

around 100

Photographic Opportunities

Good+ to excellent.

What our clients say about us

David Hoddinott
DD - Japan 2024

Outstanding trip with excellent leadership. Could not have asked for a better experience.

Glen Valentine
DB & PB, Japan

Glen, as usual, was the best. This is our third trip with him and would not hesitate to do many more.

Erik Forsyth
PS, Japan 2018

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!

Erik Forsyth
BS, Japan 2023

Wonderful experience with Erik Forsyth and Bryan despite challenging weather conditions. The lodging was very comfortable. The birds were fantastic.

Erik Forsyth
MW, Japan 2018

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.

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