Japan
Kyushu, Naganu and Hokkaido
Japan, the exotic island archipelago on the eastern rim of Asia, is well known for its history, culture, industry and powerful economy but on this journey we explore well beyond the bounds of the typical tourist trail to experience the more feminine, natural side of this extraordinary country.
We travel from the southern island of Kyushu to Hokkaido in the north, witnessing along the way wildlife spectacles ranging from the 10,000/12,000-strong flock of Hooded and White-naped cranes at Arasaki on Kyushu, to clamouring hordes of Whooper Swans up close in eastern Hokkaido. We plan on taking a short boat trip to the sea-ice edge to greet dawn with magnificent Steller's Sea Eagles and their rather overshadowed lesser cousins the White-tailed Eagles. And, of course, we will linger to enjoy and photograph the graceful balletic dancing of the Red-crowned Cranes - Japan's traditional Bird of Happiness.
In addition we explore coastal wetlands and montane forests, visit sulphuroles and steam springs, view an ancient castle, samurai houses and active volcanoes, and spend time with the famous 'Snow Monkeys' (although at their famed home in the mountains of Nagano they are called perhaps more amusingly the 'Hotspring Monkeys'). And if the sight of Japanese Macaques lounging in soothing mineral baths is tempting, remember that we can end many days of this tour in a traditional 'onsen' bath - sometimes even beneath the stars in an outdoor 'rotenburo'.
Prolonged geographical isolation, combined with proximity to the Asian continent, means that Japan has an enviable mix of local endemic species and more widespread regional Asian species. Among them we will have good chances of seeing Sika Deer and Red Fox and even perhaps the oddball Japanese Serow - a kind of montane forest antelope.
It is in winter that Japan's wildlife is most concentrated, most viewable, and its scenery most inspiring. In particular, the mountains of Honshu and eastern Hokkaido will be snow clad and beautiful, making this a must for photographers.
