More than 220 species of birds have been spotted on Notsuke Peninsula, making it one of the best bird watching spots in Japan. Thanks to the birds that appear each season from spring to winter, bird watching can be enjoyed all year round.
Spring is the season for migratory birds. Ducks such as greater scaup, black ducks, and wigeons gather in Notsuke Bay, sometimes exceeding 40,000 birds in numbers. The rare redshank can also be seen, and Notsuke Peninsula is one of its breeding grounds in Japan. In summer, summer birds such as stonechat, scarlet finch, and Japanese bush warbler breed in the fields, filling the air with their song. In autumn, shorebirds stop by the tidal flats, followed by brent geese, whooper swans, and ducks, who gather in Notsuke Bay for the winter.Birds of prey such as peregrine falcons and goshawks also fly in to catch the birds. Winter is the quietest season for bird watching. Whooper swans and northern pintails remain on the frozen bay, and snow buntings and bush grosbeaks can be seen on the snowy fields. In particular, about one-third of the Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles that migrate to Japan spend the winter in this area, with some years seeing more than 300 birds. If you time it right, you might even be able to spot rare birds such as gyrfalcons and snowy owls.
To avoid impacting wild birds and the natural environment, please observe the following guidelines:
Following these rules is the first step toward preserving the rich natural environment of the Notsuke Peninsula.
Curious about Notsuke Peninsula? Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, we're happy to answer any questions you may have. Let us help you plan a meaningful experience.
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