Spectacular Japan in Winter
Jan 25 - Feb 07, 2025
14 days | Japan | Birding
Land of Cranes, Snow Monkeys, and Sea-Eagles
Nature and the seasons have figured prominently in the Japanese imagination for centuries. And how can they not? While long settled, fifty percent of Japan remains uncultivated owing to the country’s ample rugged terrain, and its location at the interface of Asia and the Pacific has made it host to annual feathered migrations from beyond since time immemorial.
On this tour of discovery, we’ll visit three distinct areas of this archipelago nation for a chance to experience the source of some of this inspiration for ourselves. Dormant winter woodlands will be brought to life by sublime forest birds as we explore and attune ourselves to the tranquility. Elsewhere, overwintering cranes provide a contrasting seasonal rendition as they gather by the thousands and offer their rousing calls. Seaside expeditions in the north provide a taste of raw nature as eagles and seabirds navigate icy landscapes during their winter sojourn. And everywhere, we will be treated to the remarkable Japanese hospitality and cuisine.
While birds provide a lot of interest on this tour, you don’t need to be a “hardcore” birder to enjoy this…you may not even need to love winter! The birds will bring winter alive and provide a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the season and discover this fabled land.
Tour Cost (per person):
US$9295 per person including all taxes and gratuities
Group Size:
10 - 12 participants
What’s included: Airport transfers; accommodations based on double occupancy; most meals; two internal flights; all ground transportation by private vehicle; all activities and park entrance fees; taxes and gratuities of US$225; services of Quest leader and a local English-speaking Japanese naturalist leader.
FEATURED ON THE BLOG
The Eagle of the Eastern Ice
By: Justin Peter
Itinerary at a Glance
Day | Activity |
1 | Arrive in Tokyo |
2 | Mount Myōgi |
3 | Karuizawa |
4 | Snow Monkeys at Yudanaka |
5 | Kanazawa |
6 | To Izumi, Kyushu |
7 | Arasaki |
8 | Yatsuhiro |
9 | Lake Mi-ike, to Hokkaido |
10 | Tsurui Crane Sanctuary and Lake Kussharo |
11 | Kotan and the fish owls |
12 | Cruising for eagles and sea birds |
13 | Lake Furen and Cape Kiritappu |
14 | Depart Kushiro |
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Your Tour Leader
Chris Earley is the University of Guelph Arboretum’s Interpretive Biologist and Education Coordinator and a self-proclaimed 'nature geek'. He teaches workshops at the Arboretum, and participates in research around the world. Chris has led many previous Quest trips around the world.