Japan's Summer Wildlife

Tour Code: JPN03

A 15-day tour visiting the Japanese islands of Hokkaido and Honshu, focusing primarily on mammals and birds of the area, including Brown and Asiatic Black Bears, cetaceans and seabirds, Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel, Japanese Serow and summer breeding birds.

15 days from
£9,995
Land only price from
£9,195
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Working in conjunction with a local conservation specialist group, this tour is designed to showcase the best of Japan’s Summer Wildlife, particularly mammals and birds. Due to its position, spring and summer in Hokkaido tend to arrive later and finish earlier than islands further south, so animals make the most of the short months when the weather is warmer and food is abundant. After arriving in Tokyo, we will transfer to the northern island of Hokkaido, where we'll begin at the Shiretoko Peninsula and take several boat trips in search of cetaceans and Brown Bear. In the east of Hokkaido we'll be looking for seals and seabirds, as well as searching out breeding birds around the coast and in the marshes. On return to Tokyo, we'll take a train to Karuizawa for the final part of the tour, where we'll go in search of Asiatic Black Bear, Japanese Serow and Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel, among others. 

  • Search for both Brown & Asiatic Black Bears
  • Boat trips for cetaceans & seabirds
  • Excellent birding opportunities
  • Evenings looking for Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel
  • Opportunity to look for Japanese Serow & other mammals
  • Stunning landscapes in Hokkaido
  • Working in collaboration with local conservation specialists

Grading

Grade A/B - a mix of easy to moderate day walks, with some rougher and steeper terrain, particularly in the Karuizawa area. 

Itinerary
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    In Tokyo and Karuizawa we will be using comfortable tourist hotels with western style rooms and private facilities. In Hokkaido, some nights will be in traditional style Ryokans (Japanese Inns), where the beds are futon style and, while there are private WCs, bathing is in shared onsens, heated by thermal springs. 

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 21st Jun – Sat 5th Jul SPACES £9,995
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Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£9,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£1,295

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!