A Special Wildlife and Conservation Tour of Japan
Discover River dragons, ancient rabbits, forest gods and more in the land of the rising sun!
Brand new tour! 2025 DATES: April 17th - May 2nd
Special Introductory Price: £5995 (Great British Pounds GBP)
16 days, 15 nights
(Scroll down for further details)
A great chance to observe and photograph rare and endemic Japanese birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals in truly wild situations.
This tour is a first of its kind in Japan. Join animal conservationist Richard Pearce and renowned biologists on a journey across multiple biomes. From the grassy plains of Hokkaido in the north to the balmy islands in the tropical south, go on a voyage of discovery for a chance to see an impressive array of native animals, both giant and small in size.
As a leading conservation expert, Richard Pearce has meticulously designed a tour that directly benefits the conservation of the creatures and habitats that are the expedition’s star attractions.
Target species:
Japanese serow - A goat-antelope endemic to Japan
Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) EN
Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) VU
Dall’s porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) LC
Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) EN
Ishikawa's frog (Odorrana ishikawae) EN
Japanese giant flying squirrel (Petaurista leucogenys) LC
Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicus) VU
Japanese mamushi (Gloydius blomhoffii), LC
Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus) LC
Okinawa habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis) LC,
Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) VU
Ryuku ayu fish (Plecoglossus altivelis ryukyuensis), EN
Ryukyu Island pit viper (Ovophis okinavensis) LC.
Ryuku scops-owl (Otus elegans) NT
Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) EN
Sika deer (Cervus nippon) LC
Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) VU
Ussuri brown bear (Ursus arctos lasiotus) LC
For a full day-to-day itinerary click here!
For a Japanese wildlife photo gallery please click here!
Japanese giant salamander and its unique suction feeding practise. Filmed by Richard Pearce.
Tour Highlights:
Have a chance to see and photograph endemic and truly fascinating creatures found nowhere else in the world.
Visit Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost “wild” frontier and search for large mammals on land and at sea.
Enter the rivers of Tottori Prefecture to see up close one of the world’s largest amphibians, the Japanese giant salamander.
Walk deep into Asiatic black bear habitat with local experts for a chance to observe wild bears from a safe distance as they forage for food.
Search for the Japanese serow, the nation’s only endemic species of goat-antelope.
Swim in the tropical waters of southern Japan during a stay on Amami Oshima.
Learn about and assist in the conserving of the “Gods of the forest”, the Okinawa Habu Viper.
Experience Japanese culture through visiting holy shrines, temples and gardens and by eating spectacular, traditional Japanese cuisine.
For a full day-to-day itinerary please click here!
Tour Details
tour cost:
£5995 (Great british Pounds). Special introductory price for 2025!
2025 Tours Dates:
SPRING: APRIL 17TH - MAY 2ND
AUTUMN/FALL: TBD
Tour Duration:
16 days, 15 nights
Group size:
Between four (4) and eight (8), plus tour leader and local staff.
Accommodation:
Accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels, local guesthouses and a beach resort on a twin/double sharing basis.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT:
£200
Difficulty Level:
Walking: Moderate (3.5/5). A reasonable level of fitness is necessary to fully enjoy this tour.
Questions:
If you are unsure about anything please message me (Richard) and I’d be happy to arrange to chat with you via WhatsApp, Zoom etc at a suitable time. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Ishikawa’s frog (Odorrana ishikawae), blue morph. - Photo courtesy of Sea Wild Earth.
What's included:
Accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels, local guesthouses, and a beach resort on a twin/double sharing basis. Single supplement is available at extra cost.
15 breakfasts and 4 evening meals. Please note that, in the more rural locations, the meals may as simple as “bento” packed meal boxes. We strive to find the best food possible but the main focus of this tour is seeing and helping wildlife!
All in-country transportation. This includes domestic flights (as part of the tour itinerary), private cars, buses, and trains.
An English-speaking expert tour leader.
Wader rental (for Japanese giant salamander viewing).
Drinking water is available with each meal provided.
What's not included:
International Airfare.
Travel insurance.
Airport transfers when first arriving and departing Japan.
Discretionary tips.
Sim Card / Mobile data or WIFI expenses.
Any personal, additional miscellaneous expenses associated with your trip (including medical expenses).
Single Room Supplement.
Meals in addition to those mentioned above.
Extra baggage charges.
Telephone calls.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks other than tap water.
Four-lined rat snake