In 1971, the last Oriental White Stork was seen in the skies over Japan. A beautiful bird that was once a common sight in the rice paddies surrounding Kinosaki Onsen town had ended its normal migration and breeding patterns. However, local conservation efforts have reintroduced the stork to the region in 2005 and now about 270 storks make their seasonal homes here. Join a private guide for a special look at one of Japan’s most impressive feathered treasures.
Programme Details
Today’s birding activity starts by meeting the local guide at 10:00 in the hotel lobby.
After a short train ride, cross the wide Maruyama river by boat, feeling as if flying low over the water like a migrating bird.
Next, visit the Genbudo Caves and Museum, a fascinating natural location where intricate patterns in the stone have been left behind by ancient volcanic activity. The mesmerizing outlines reaching high up on the cliffside are a one-of-a-kind site in Japan. Storks and other wild birds are often visible here as well.
Enjoy an organic lunch at the museum restaurant that serves the region’s famous “stork-friendly rice.” In specific rice paddies that host migrating birds, pesticides are forbidden and the water is teaming with fish, frogs, and other elements that the birds rely on for a healthy diet. (Stork-friendly rice may not be available in all seasons)
Proceed by private car to the Park of the Oriental White Stork to learn the full story of how these birds were reintroduced into Japan via a decades-long breeding program that placed special care on the conservation of local habitat and culture. The museum is highly informative and a nearby captivity area houses storks who are not quite ready to venture out into the wild. This is a perfect opportunity to see the birds up close.
Stop at the organic rice fields that play a vital role in supporting the life cycle of storks before arriving at the Hachigoro Wetlands, a Ramsar Convention brackish marsh on the edge of the Maruyama River. On most days, it’s easy to see storks in the wild here, as well as many other regional birds. Local stork volunteers will share their knowledge and lead guests on a short walk through the wetlands. With luck, seasonal nesting activity may be visible in the nest tower.
Say farewell to today’s new feathered friends and return to Kinosaki Onsen by car to part ways with the guide. (L)
Inclusions:
🥘 Lunch
Notes:
• This tour is available March to November.
• This tour is not available on certain holiday periods.
• This tour is available for 2 to 6 guests, ages 6 and up.
• The boat ride may be replaced with a hired car during bad weather or winter months.
• The itinerary is subject to change due to closures, weather, and bird migration patterns.
• Please contact your Travel Consultant for availability and pricing.
• Please inform your Travel Consultant of any special dietary requirements and/or physical conditions that you may have.
• We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation).
• Please note that all of the above services and tours have yet to be booked. They are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation.
• If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the time of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes in the program.
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