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May 11, 2026 - May 17, 2026

Japan Ryukyu Islands (Nansei Shoto) Pre-Trip Extension

Join us for the pre-trip extension to Japan: Land of the Rising Sun, to the Ryukyu Islands!

The Ryukyu Islands are a subtropical chain of islands that stretch from the island of Kyushu to the southwest towards Taiwan. The Ryukyu Kingdom unified these islands during their rule from the 15th to 19th centuries, playing an important role in maritime trade. The Islands are more laid back than the main Japanese Islands and have their own dialect (and regional languages) and take on Japanese food. The Ryukyu maritime climate is subtropical with white sand beaches and palm trees and the larger islands are volcanic in origin. We’ll visit the majestic, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shuri Castle, in Okinawa that has been utilized since the 14th century (construction date unknown). 

We will visit the two largest islands in the chain, Okinawa and Amami, where we may see up to 11 endemic species of birds. We will search for these much-sought after endemics as well as migrating birds and local specialties. On Amami, our focus will be on four endemics: Lidth’s (Amami) Jay, Amami Woodcock, Amami Thrush, and White-backed (Amami) Woodpecker, as well as the Ryukyu Scops-Owl and an endemic mammal, the Amami Black Rabbit.

We will explore Okinawa in search of three more endemics, the Okinawa Woodpecker, Okinawa Rail, and Okinawa Robin. Both islands will give the opportunity to track down Japanese Paradise-Flycatcher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Whistling (Ryukyu) Green-Pigeon (endemic), Ryukyu Minivet (endemic), and Ryukyu Robin (endemic) as well as Black-faced and Eurasian Spoonbills.

Join us for a pre-trip extension to Japan, to the Ryukyu Islands!

The Ryukyu Islands are a subtropical chain of islands that stretch from the island of Kyushu to the southwest towards Taiwan. The Islands are more laid back than the main Japanese Islands and have their own dialect (and regional languages) and take on Japanese food. The Ryukyu maritime climate is subtropical with white sand beaches and palm trees and the larger islands are volcanic in origin. We’ll visit the majestic, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shuri Castle, and hope to see 11 species only found here, and more!

Register!

Pre-Trip Extension Details

  • Trip leaders: Dan van den Broek and Kirk Hardie, and local guides
  • Dates: May 11-17, 2026 (6 nights)
  • Fee: $3,395 members / $3,795 non-members
  • Deposit: $1,695
  • Single supplement: $1,200
  • Group size: Limited to 10 participants
  • Tour Start and End Location – Tokyo, Japan

*Trip fees include all ground transportation, three internal flights, double-occupancy lodging, all meals, non-alcoholic beverages/snacks, tips for meals/drivers/porters/local guides, trip materials, entrance fees, excursions, and the services of your skilled leader(s).

*Trip fees do not include initial airfare to Tokyo and alcoholic beverages.

Tentative Itinerary & Policies

Details

Start:
May 11, 2026
End:
May 17, 2026
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