Tour details

An expert will guide you through the mangrove plants and tidal flat creatures.
Four types of mangroves can be seen in the Okukubi River in Kin Town.　One of them is the “Lumnitzera racemosa,” an endangered species (CR) that grows only in the northernmost part of Okinawa Island.
We will also watch Waterbirds in the mudflats, and observe the large schools of Mictyris brevidactylus that appear at low tide, as well as the Uca lactea. In the mudflats and mangrove forests, you can see “benthic organisms” that live in the mud or on the surface.
The best time to observe crabs is at low tide, when vast mudflats appear. The sight of crabs filling the mudflats is especially impressive during the hot summer months. These benthic organisms are also an important food source for wild birds.

The Yanbaru region in northern Okinawa Island is a truly exceptional area,
home to subtropical evergreen forests and a globally rare ecosystem where
numerous endemic species of Okinawa Island quietly thrive.
This exclusive tour focuses on observing and photographing Okinawa’s rare
birdlife, offering a refined and immersive experience. Your guide is an
ornithological researcher with over 40 years of experience studying and
observing wild birds in Okinawa. Drawing on decades of expertise, the guide
provides precise, insightful guidance based on bird behavior, habitats, and
seasonal changes—maximizing the chances of unforgettable encounters.
The tour is limited to one group only and conducted in a small-group setting,
with fully private arrangements available. By valuing silence and respect for
nature, we ensure a luxurious amount of time to engage deeply with each
subject. Careful support is provided for everyone, from beginners to
experienced birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.
The best season to encounter Okinawa’s three iconic endemic species—the
Yanbaru Rail, Pryer’s Woodpecker, and the Okinawa Robin—is from late March
through September, when sighting probabilities are at their highest.
During the winter months, activity levels of forest-dwelling resident birds
decrease, making encounters less frequent. Please consider this seasonal
variation when planning your visit.

This trekking tour along the boardwalk to Hiji Great Falls focuses on observing the flora and fauna found here, including birds endemic to Yambaru such as the Okinawa woodpecker and Ryukyu-Robin Of course, you can also enjoy the view and refreshing coolness of the largest and most majestic waterfall on Okinawa Island, which cascades down at a height of 26 meters.