Originally I wasn't going to do a thread on my trip to see the avian wonders of Japan in winter, but better later than never. Rather than a blow by blow account I'll just give a few words and lots of photos.
This was the first Japan in Winter trip run by one of the leading tour companies and was a resounding success. It was absolutely magnificent - one of the best trips I've ever done.
We began by flying to Kagoshima on the southern island of Kyushu. We spent 3 nights in Izumi - close to the crane reserve at Arasaki. This holds almost the entire wintering population of hooded cranes and a significant proportion of the white-naped cranes.
Rob
and some more from our first day at Arasaki.
Rob
Last lot
Rob