Japan is a wonderful winter destination and for bird watchers it offers a unique chance to see a number of rare bird species.

Our self-guided itinerary includes a stay in Tokyo where there are numerous birding options including Ueno Park where the Shinobazu-no-ike Lotus Pond is home to thousands of wild waterfowl which winter here between October and March. The rare Baer's Pochard can also sometimes be spotted here. A little out of town we recommend a visit to Yatsuhigata mud-flats which are ideal for seeing wading birds and to Kasai Rinken in Tokyo Bay for Saunder's Gull, Black-faced Spoonbill and more.

For your second day in Tokyo a local guide expert in Tokyo bird-watching will accompany you on a day trip to Ukishima marsh and Choshi port in Chiba prefecture. This is a famous area for reed bed birds.

You will also have time in Tokyo to check out the city's major sights - accommodation is in historic Asakusa at the start of your trip and amid the bright lights of Shinjuku at the end. You'll have Sensoji Temple virtually on your doorstep and easy access to Meiji shrine, the Imperial Palace and the Ginza.

The bulk of this trip however is spent on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. Rarely visited by overseas tourists, this is a treasure trove of wildlife. We will provide a hire car for you with sat-nav for ultimate ease of transport and flexibility.

First stop on Hokkaido is Tsurui home to Japan's very best crane sanctuaries. In winter you can see the Red-crowned cranes in their mating dance, a magical sight in the silent snow fields around your lodgings. A local birding expert will take you to the best viewing places for these and other local birds such as Meadow Bunting and Pallas's Rosefinch. 

From Tsurui you will drive east to Rausu on the wild Shiretoko Peninsula. En-route we recommend a stop off at Lake Kawayu and you will certainly want to keep an eye out for Black and White-backed Woodpecker and Common Redpolls. Rausu itself is your base for making an ice breaker cruise trip to see the magnificent Steller's Sea Eagles up close. It is also a great destination for searching out Blackiston's Fish Owls.

South of Rausu is lake Nemuro rich in bird life and here you will be staying at a bird enthusiasts lodging. Again Steller's Sea Eagles are often spotted in and around here. Fantastic home cooked cuisine will be a feature of your stay here as well as in Rausu and Tsurui.

This 10 night itinerary offers numerous unique bird watching opportunities as well as the opportunity to experience Japan's unique culture and see the very best of Tokyo's history and culture.