Spectacular Japan in Winter

 

Nature and the seasons have figured prominently in the Japanese imagination for centuries. And how can they not? While long settled, fifty percent of Japan remains uncultivated owing to the country’s ample rugged terrain, and its location at the interface of Asia and the Pacific has made it host to annual feathered migrations from beyond since time immemorial.

On this tour of discovery, we’ll visit three distinct areas of this archipelago nation for a chance to experience the source of some of this inspiration for ourselves. Dormant winter woodlands will be brought to life by sublime forest birds as we explore and attune ourselves to the tranquility. Elsewhere, overwintering cranes provide a contrasting seasonal rendition as they gather by the thousands and offer their rousing calls. Seaside expeditions in the north provide a taste of raw nature as eagles and seabirds navigate icy landscapes during their winter sojourn. And everywhere, we will be treated to the remarkable Japanese hospitality and cuisine.

While birds provide a lot of interest on this tour, you don’t need to be a “hardcore” birder to enjoy this…you may not even need to love winter! The birds will bring winter alive and provide a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the season and discover this fabled land.