Photo courtesy of Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Promotion Division
HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Wetland Bird Watching in Miyagi
Bird watchers will be thrilled at the chance to see the 200,000 wild birds who overwinter in Izuma and Uchinuma, a Ramsar Convention wetland
Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization
This tour will take you on a bird watching adventure at a wetland in Miyagi Prefecture, which is one of the world's leading wintering grounds for migratory birds.
Birding times are centered on the early morning flights and evening roosting times, with a plethora of wild birds to see. Among the birds you may spot are swans and ducks, as well as geese. This area is near the southern limit of their range on the Pacific Ocean side, and about 90 percent of geese that fly to Japan overwinter in the Izunuma area.
The relatively narrow wetland area between the rice paddy fields and the water's edge allows visitors to see the feathered beauties at close range. The experience of being surrounded by a flock of birds rushing toward you from the surface of the lake is unforgettable.
After a long day of exploring, enjoy a dinner featuring delicious pork raised in Miyagi Prefecture and local vegetables. A breakfast of local dishes is also included so that you can fully enjoy the climate with all your senses.
The tour runs from late October to mid-December to ensure visitors can see the greatest number of species.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station (approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes). At Ichinoseki Station, switch to the Tohoku Main Line and ride to Nitta Station (about 30 minutes). Izunuma is a 5-minute walk from Nitta Station.
149-7 Aza Maenuma, Nitta, Hasama-cho, Tome-shi, Miyagi-ken
