Kagoshima Crane Watching Tour (Nov. - Feb.)
Joined 2017
Let's visit Izumi town, located at the west side of Kagoshima prefecture, where is a well-known area for the biggest migration of cranes in Japan. The number of the migratory cranes can be over 10.000 at the peak in January. Even if you are not a birder, it’s a must-see symbolic thing in winter in Kagoshima!!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Kagoshima port, Kagoshima airport, or your hotel.
- Pick-up at Kagoshima port, Kagoshima airport, or your hotel as you like.
Izumi Crane Center
Located 2-hour drive from the central of Kagoshima, Izumi town is the largest migration grounds of cranes in Japan and thousands of cranes will be waiting for you there. Hooded cranes and White-naped cranes are the major species, but you may encounter black-crowned cranes and sandhill cranes if you are lucky.
Lunch or tea break
Lunch or tea break, depending on your preference.
Imuta lake
On the way back to the central of Kagoshima, we will make a stop at Imuta lake where you can enjoy watching a number of winter migratory birds such as mute swan, garganey and great cormorant. The 60-acre freshwater lake was formed about 300.000 years ago by volcanic eruption and is now recognized as a Ramsar site.
Back to Kagoshima port, Kagoshima airport, or your hotel.
Back to Kagoshima port, Kagoshima airport, or your hotel.
Ending Point
Kagoshima port, Kagoshima airport, or your hotel.
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
-Transport (Toyota Voxy or Suzuki Hustler))
-Gasoline
-Parking
-Guide
-Entrance fee for Izumi Crane Center (¥220)
-Lunch or tea break
Tour Important Information
* Please note that the tour is conducted November - February.
* The number of the cranes and the other birds you will watch depends on the condition of the tour's day.
please note that the tour is conducted November - February.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2017
About Tour Guide Eiji K.
Hi I'm Eiji, an English-speaking tour guide in Kagoshima and Amami Oshima.
Born in Tokyo and left the bustling capital when I was 22 years old with my little backpack. After spent my youth to see and experience the world, more than 25 countries in total, and lived in several areas of Japan, such as Yakushima, Izu, Kochi, and Amami Oshima. Now, I’m based in Kagoshima, still have a wanderlust…
Since 2010, I have worked as an English-speaking tour guide in Japan, for INTREPID TRAVEL for 3 years, as a sea kayak tour guide in Izu for 3 years, and as a self-employed in Amami Oshima for 9 years, love to show people around my favorite places.
My interests are traveling, birding, playing with nature, and cooking as well...
I'm looking forward to sharing our time together!!
Reviews
Anthony C.
“Quick birding trip to Amami”
Great guide, very knowledgeable and great company. Would highly recommend for birds or general natural history.
Eiji K.
Thank you for coming to the tour, Anthony. Happy to hear that you enjoyed it. I also enjoyed birding with you today. Good luck on your trip and birding in the future! Arigato!!
Krysta S.
“The BEST experience!!!”
I loved this tour beyond words!! I had initially booked in 2020 and obviously everything was locked down and I had to cancel. Five years later, I finally got to meet Eiji and find some very cool species!! We found Hime Habu Pit Viper, Amami Rabbit, Akamata snake, several species of endemic frogs, newts and Ryukyu Scopes Owl! Eiji is extremely knowledgeable of the species and area of Amami Oshima, I learnt so much!! I had the best time and I highly, HIGHLY recommend this tour!! Thank you once again Eiji!!
Eiji K.
Thank you for coming to my tour, Krysta. Very happy to hear that you enjoyed the night tour a lot. I enjoyed sharing our time together too. Such a fun night, it was!! Arigato! Eiji
Robert O.
“Amami Oshima Birding Tours on May 25, 2025”
Eiji is an excellent birding and nature guide. We visited three sites on the day tour and 3-4 forest roads on the night tour, where all of Amami’s endemic species can be found. I would highly recommend Eiji to anyone traveling to Amami independently who is interested in birds and nature.
Eiji K.
Thank you for coming to my tour, Robert! I enjoyed birding and chatted with you too!! Good luck on your birding in the future. Arigato!
$270/ per group
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