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.

Spring brings large concentrations of migratory waterfowl to the Ramsar-listed wetlands of Kamiike and Shimoike. Visitors may encounter hundreds of Eurasian Teal and Mallards, alongside Northern Pintail, Falcated Duck, Mandarin Duck and Northern Shoveler. The surrounding Mt. Takadate’s forests host iconic Japanese species such as Japanese Green Woodpecker, Varied Tit, Japanese Grosbeak and Green Pheasant.

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.

Precious sights

Asian Brown Flycatcher コサメビタキ

Spotted twice around the Hotoria center on April 20th.

Falcated Duck ヨシガモ

Spotted 17 times on April 3rd and 12 times on April 20th in 2026.

Mandarin duck オシドリ – (DD Data Deficient)

Spotted 26 times on the Kamiike and Shimoike on April 3rd and 12 times on April 20th. Aim early April to see big groups.

Brown-eared Bulbul ヒヨドリ

Spotted 65(!!!) times on April 20th (and only twice on April 3rd) in 2026. Aim for the sakura season to see many specimens.

Daurian Redstart ジョウビタキ

Spotted 4 times on April 3rd in 2026.

Asian Brown Flycatcher コサメビタキ

Spotted twice on April 20th in 2026

Japanese Green Woodpecker アオゲラ & Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker コゲラ

Both spotted once around the Hotoria center on April 3d & 20th in 2026.

Ruddy Kingfisher アカショウビン

Spotted 16 times on April 3rd in 2026.

Osprey (Misago) – Near Threatened (NT)

Spotted twice both on April 3rd and 20th in 2026.

Spectacular group sights

Eurasian Teal コガモ

Spotted 292(!!!) times around Oyama’s Ramsar wetlands on April 3rd and 126 times on the 20th in 2026.

Mallard マガモ

Spotted 230(!!!) times around Oyama’s Ramsar wetlands on April 3rd and only 7 times on the 20th in 2026. Aim for early April to get beautiful group sightings.

Northern shoveler ハシビロガモ

Spotted 41 times on April 3rd and 89 times on the 20th in 2026.

Other happy encounters

Long-tailed Rosefinch ベニマシコ

Was spotted 3 times by Hotoria’s team on April 3rd, 2026.

Eurasian Jay カケス

Was spotted 3 times by Hotoria’s team both on April 3rd & 20th in 2026

Eurasian Wren ミソサザイ

Was spotted once on both April 3rd & 20th in 2026.

Varied tit ヤマガラ

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

Brambling アトリ

Was spotted 3 times on April 20th in 2026. Aim for the cherry blossom season to spot more specimens.

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