Birdwatching in Japan offers the chance to observe an extraordinary diversity of resident, migratory and endemic species, and Tsuruoka is one of the best places in northern Japan to experience it. Nestled between the Ramsar-listed wetlands of Kamiike and Shimoike and the forested slopes of Mt. Takadate, the Oyama area provides excellent birdwatching opportunities throughout the year. Kamiike and Shimoike were designated Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance thanks to their crucial role as stopover and wintering grounds for migratory waterfowl along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.

From elegant Mandarin Ducks and Ospreys to colourful Japanese Paradise Flycatchers and Ruddy Kingfishers, more than 40 species can be observed in and around these rich natural habitats.

Within a radius of only a few kilometres, birdwatchers can explore wetlands, reed beds, satoyama woodland, coastal forest and low mountain habitats.

The area is also home to Oura Aichokan, Tsuruoka’s Bird Lover Center, where visitors can learn more about local wildlife before heading out into the field. Early morning is the best time to explore the lakes and surrounding forests, particularly during the migration season.

Oyama can be reached by train via the JR Uetsu Line (Uzen Oyama Station) or by bus bound for Yunohama Onsen via Zenpoji. The nearest bus stop to Hotoria and Oura Aichokan is Oyamaumamachi.

Rare but precious sights

Japanese Paradise Flycatcher サンコウチョウ

Spotted 4 times around the Hotoria center on June 10th according to Hotoria’s blog.

Blue-and-white Flycatcher オオルリ

Spotted twice around the Hotoria center on June 10th according to Hotoria’s blog.

Narcissus Flycatcher キビタキ

Spotted three times around the Hotoria center on June 10th according to Hotoria’s blog.

White-backed Woodpecker オオアカゲラ & Japanese Green Woodpecker アオゲラ

Both spotted once around the Hotoria center on June 10th according to Hotoria’s blog.

Mandarin duck オシドリ – (DD Data Deficient)

Spotted three times on the Kamiike and Shimoike on June 10th morning according to Hotoria’s blog.

Ruddy Kingfisher アカショウビン

Spotted once around the Hotoria center on June 10th according to Hotoria’s blog.

Osprey (Misago) – Near Threatened (NT)

Spotted twice on June 10th’s morning around Hotoria, between 5:30 to 10am.

Recurrent sights

Great Crested Grebe カンムリカイツブリ

Spotted 14 times around Oyama’s Ramsar wetlands on June 10th according to Hotoria’s blog.

Little grebe カイツブリ

Spotted 10 times around Oyama’s Ramsar wetlands on June 10th according to Hotoria’s blog.

Eurasian Coot オオバン

Spotted 8 times around Oyama’s Ramsar wetlands on June 10th according to Hotoria’s blog.

Grey heron アオサギ

Very present all across Tsuruoka during or after rice planting season. Was spotted 6 times on June 10th’s morning according to Hotoria’s blog.

Eurasian Jay カケス

Was spotted 3 times by Hotoria’s team on June 10th.

Long-tailed Tit　エナガ

Was spotted 5 times on June 10th by Hotoria’s team.

Varied tit ヤマガラ

Was spotted 4 times on June 10th by Hotoria’s team.

Japanese White Eye メジロ

Was spotted 6 times on June 10th by Hotoria’s team.

Japanese Grosbeak イカル

Was spotted 4 times on June 10th morning by Hotoria’s team.

Best Places for bird watching in Tsuruoka

Mount Takadate and the Ramsar Wetlands of Oyama　 (viewpoint here)

Oyama is one of the few places in northern Japan where visitors can observe both wetland birds and forest birds within walking distance of each other. In a single morning, birdwatchers may encounter Ospreys hunting above the Ramsar wetlands, Japanese Paradise Flycatchers singing in the forest and Mandarin Ducks hidden among the lakeside vegetation.

• Oura Bird Lover center (Oura Aichokan) & Hotoria Visitor Center　 (viewpoint here)

These facilities provide excellent opportunities to observe birds

For other things to do & see in Oyama suburb, please read our article here.

Hotoria’s official website in Japanese