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We have just completed a herpetological tour of southern Japan, spending an additional five days in Okinawa. This tour was truly life-enriching and [tour leader] Richard’s knowledge and love of all things herpetological was inspiring. Having spent time living close to their habitat, Richard demonstrated to us his unsurpassed experience in finding and recording the rare giant salamander, as well as other rare reptiles and amphibians. As if this wasn’t enough, Richard had invited two eminent academic specialists in snakes and salamanders to spend time with us in the field. During a busy tour Richard also found opportunities to share with us his wide knowledge of Japanese culture, history and architecture. Thank you Richard, for an unforgettable two weeks.
J.N, London, May '24
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Japan - Quest for the 'River Dragon'!
Tour Code: JPN02A pioneering 14-day holiday to Japan in search of the 'River Dragon' – the 1-metre-long Japanese Giant Salamander – and a host of other exciting wildlife!
£8,795 (Inc flights)
£7,895
Highlights
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Summary
Travelling to the deepest corners of the country, join our Japan-based guides on this 14-day holiday to travel through some of the country's most fascinating and varied locations.
A certain highlight will be our quest for the ‘River Dragon’, the Japanese Giant Salamander! This holiday will support the conservationists of a Non-Profit Organization who are working to protect this magnificent animal, a rare species designated as a Special Natural Monument and Treasure of Japan. This remarkable species of amphibian can reach lengths of up to 5 feet (1.5 metres) and can weigh up to 23 kilograms!
It is impossible to visit Japan without immersing oneself in its unique culture and traditions, and throughout our time here we will have the opportunity to experience many of these first hand – by visiting historic shrines, temples and other sacred sites that maintain a strong connection to nature. This holiday also includes a multi-night stay in an idyllic beach location on Okinawa, the perfect base for ventures into the sub-tropical forests of Yambaru National Park. At the end of the tour our minds will be filled with memories of river dragons, delightfully-coloured frogs, zen temples, rich culture and cuisine, and stunning scenery … the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ is sure to have left its mark!
This tour is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays.
- An excellent chance of seeing Japanese Giant Salamanders in the wild and to learn about the efforts to conserve them
- A chance to see rare and endangered species in Okinawa including Anderson’s Crocodile Newt, Ryuku Black-breasted Leaf Turtle and Okinawa Rail
- Explore the ancient former capital and cultural centre Kyoto
- Fascinating insight into Japanese culture
- Excellent photographic opportunities with expert guides
Grading
On a typical day on our herpetology tours we’ll begin searching in the field after breakfast, when the sun begins warming the substrates and landscapes, often getting into the vehicles at 9am and, after stopping for approximately one hour for lunch (which is often a continental-style picnic eaten in situ), we’ll continue into early-evening when we will stop for a rest and dinner. Most evenings it will be possible to do excursions in search of nocturnal species, which will on average be for three hours after dinner. With an equal percentage of the target reptile and amphibian species likely to be nocturnal, these night searches are an important part of the tour but are optional, with some participants preferring to rest on some of the days. On average, 5-8 miles are walked per day. On this holiday we will of course often be walking on rocky and wet terrain with some occasional ascents required.
We’ll focus our time in the field on building an enviable list of reptile and amphibian species seen. Whilst searching, there is no doubt we’ll come across a huge variety of amazing fauna and flora, which we’ll also take time to enjoy, but reptiles and amphibians will strongly remain our focus. Sensitively checking under stones, logs and other refugia is an effective way of finding many species. Some of the target reptile or amphibian species may require longer field hours to locate and therefore this tour is suitable, and most enjoyable, for naturalists who, aside from wishing to see the region’s rarely-seen reptiles and amphibians, relish being in the field searching for and identifying the vast array of birds, mammals, butterflies, invertebrates, and other wildlife which can be found sharing the wonderful habitats that we’ll explore on the tour.
In summary, Naturetrek herpetology holidays are suitable, and offer tremendous value, for those who spend most of their holiday time in wildlife habitats and for whom seeing some of the world’s superb reptiles and amphibians is the focus of their time away.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
4-star and 3-star en suite accommodation throughout
- Food:
All meals are included in the tour cost starting with dinner on Day 2 and ending with breakfast on Day 14
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2025
Tour Leader: Richard Pearce
Richard has been obsessed with animals since he was a small child growing up in the beautiful Cotswolds area of England. His initial wanderlust took him to Africa several times with experiences including conducting forest research in Tanzania and Madagascar before qualifying as a Safari Guide in South Africa. However, having moved to the rural prefecture of Tottori in Japan by chance in 2006, Richard felt a special connection with the sacred mountains of Daisen and Mitoku and he decided to make Japan his home. He has been working as a nature and adventure tourism guide throughout Asia since 2013, with a particular focus on Japan and Bhutan.
Richard has been leading Japanese Giant Salamander conservation experiences since 2018, after being asked by the Japanese Ministry of Environment to assist in creating an eco-tour to further their conservation efforts. Having grown aware of the increasing need to protect the Japanese Giant Salamander within the Mount Daisen area, the idea of creating an Non-Profit Organization to help protect all aspects of the natural environment was discussed and "Sustainable Daisen NPO" was born with Richard as its leader.
Richard looks forward to sharing the many wonders of Japan with Naturetrek clients.
2026
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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Tour Reports
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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