Red-crowned Cranes— Photo: Susan Myers

Lying off the Pacific coast of Asia and extending over 3,000 kilometers, Japan ranges from the southern subtropical Nansei Shoto Islands to the cool temperate regions of northern Hokkaido. This isolation has resulted in the evolution of several endemic and near-endemic species of birds, in addition to a fascinating array of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, not to mention some truly beautiful landscapes. We will come to grips with some very special birds such as Japanese Yellow Bunting, Copper Pheasant, Izu Islands Thrush, and Ijima's Leaf-Warbler. Japan in winter is an amazing experience. The pristine snow-covered landscapes of Hokkaido and the thousands and thousands of cranes of up to five species in Kyushu ensure a truly memorable tour.

We start in Okinawa, historically an autonomous realm that once was the gateway between Japan and China. In the northern forests we pursue those fantastic Ryukyu endemics—Okinawa Rail, Ryukyu Robin, Ryukyu Scops-Owl, Ryukyu Minivet, and Pryer's Woodpecker—as well as many others. On the island of Amami Oshima we will search for the secretive Amami Woodcock, which is much easier to see here than on Okinawa, and the endemic Lidth's Jay. With a bit of luck we may also find Amami Thrush, White-backed Woodpecker, Ryukyu Woodpecker, and some very localized mammals such as the endemic Amami black rabbit and Amami spinous mouse.

On Kyushu we should find Ruddy Kingfisher and the stunning Fairy Pitta, along with Narcissus and Japanese paradise-flycatchers, to mention but a few. From there we will fly north past the snow-capped cone of Mount Fuji to Hokkaido, where the wide expanses of the northern island's wilderness contrast with the steep-valleyed mountain scenery of the first part of our tour. The beauty of this almost Siberian landscape is complemented by some very exciting birds, notably Spectacled Guillemot, Blakiston's Fish-Owl, and Hazel Grouse.

Although located at a latitude of only 43 degrees, Hokkaido's climate is influenced by that of nearby Siberia and the winters are cold and white. We will explore the coastal headlands and grasslands where we might find Pelagic and Red-faced cormorants along with Tufted Puffins and Rhinoceros Auklets. Hokkaido is renowned as the breeding area for two of Japan's most impressive residents, Red-crowned Crane and Blakiston's Fish-Owl. The sight of cranes displaying in the snow is simply thrilling, as are the many wonderful Steller's Sea-Eagles we will encounter. The return sea crossing to Tokyo is in daylight and will provide us with our first taste of the richness of the seabirds in Japan's coastal waters: Black-tailed Gulls, tens of thousands of Streaked Shearwaters, numerous Short-tailed Shearwaters, and the scarce Tristram's Petrel and Japanese Murrelet, both of which have the center of their Japanese breeding ranges in the Izu Islands.

Accommodations good to excellent—most are western style except for a guesthouse in Hokkaido, which is always a trip highlight; pace relaxed and not physically strenuous; food superb and varied throughout—all tastes can be catered for; cool and pleasant in the south, very cold but beautiful in Hokkaido.