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

Falcated Duck ヨシガモ

Spotted 7 times on May 6th in 2026 around Hotoria.

Japanese Green Pigeon アオバト

Spotted once on May 25th in 2026 around Hotoria.

Blue-and-white Flycatcher オオルリ

Spotted once on May 6th and once on the 25th in 2026.

Narcissus Flycatcher キビタキ

Spotted twice around the Hotoria center on May 6th and 3 times on the 25th in 2026.

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

Both spotted once around the Hotoria center on May 25th, 2026.

Green pheasant キジ

Spotted once on both May 6th and 25th.

Ruddy Kingfisher アカショウビン

Spotted twice around the Hotoria center on May 25th in 2026.

Osprey (Misago) – Near Threatened (NT)

Spotted twice on May 25th and once on May 6th in 2026.

Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker コゲラ

Spotted twice on both May 6th and 25th in 2026.

Recurrent sights

Great Crested Grebe カンムリカイツブリ

Spotted 12 times around Oyama’s Ramsar wetlands on both May 6th and 25th, 2026.

Japanese Thrush クロツグミ

Spotted twice around Oyama’s Ramsar wetlands both on May 6th and 25th in 2026.

Eurasian Teal コガモ

Spotted 96(!!!) times on May 6th and 4 times on May 25th. Aim early may to get sightings of big groups.

Eurasian Wigeon ヒドリガモ

Spotted 18 times on May 6th, 2026.

Varied tit ヤマガラ

Was spotted 6 times on May 6th and 4 times on May 25th in 2026

Japanese White Eye メジロ

Was spotted 5 times on May 6th and 3 times on the 25th in 2026.

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