For species with wider activity ranges, such as owls, searching by car is a more efficient method. From December to February, it is easier to spot owls on forest roads. Additionally, the Okinawa Rail is highly territorial, with only 1 to 2 individuals within a specific range. Therefore, driving is necessary to cover a larger search area and increase the likelihood of finding them. Ryukyu tree rats and Japanese Woodcock are more commonly seen in winter.
2-Hour Tour
- 【April to September】: 20:00-22:00
- 【October to March】: 19:30-21:30
- High School Students and Adults: 5,000 yen/person
- Junior High and Elementary Students: 3,500 yen/person
- Not recommended for preschool children
3.5-Hour Tour
- 【April to September】: 20:00-23:30
- 【October to March】: 19:30-23:00
- High School Students and Adults: 8,000 yen/person
- Junior High and Elementary Students: 5,500 yen/person
- Not recommended for preschool children
Number of Participants
- 2-8 people
What to Bring
- Flashlight
- Mosquito repellent or long-sleeved clothing
- Sneakers or rain boots
- Drinking water
Booking and Payment
- Please contact the guide via FB / Line / WhatsApp or email to arrange a date.
- Payment: Cash on-site or online card payment (Please inform in advance if you need a receipt).
Notes
- Important: Kunigami Village currently has restrictions on nighttime access to forest roads. The guide has a permit for access, so natural observation by car is possible. Ordinary vehicles may be recorded as suspicious.
- According to Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Regulation No. 359, ecological guides can provide tours that include transportation.（Reference for regulations）
- For groups of 4 or more, additional rental car fees apply.
- This tour will visit forest roads where observation is easier depending on the season. If you agree, the tour can also include walking observation spots, such as 1 hour at Yanbaru Discovery Forest plus 2 hours of driving, at no additional cost.
- If you need to borrow a flashlight or rain boots, please contact in advance and provide your shoe size (cm).
- In case of rain, if the precipitation is below 3mm, the activity will continue as rain makes it easier to observe amphibians and reptiles. Activities will be canceled in case of typhoons or heavy rain. Please bring rain gear.
- We cannot guarantee sightings of specific species. Especially for the Okinawa Rail, which is rarely seen in trees at night during the breeding season (April-July) and winter (December-February), a very large search area is required to find them.
Meeting Point
- The guide can meet you at your accommodation; please confirm the details with the guide.