Bird-Watching
Bird-Watching on Tobishima Island
An island paradise for bird watchers
The small island of Tobishima off the coast of Yamagata is a haven for migratory birds. You can reach the island by ferry from Sakata. The island is peaceful, with lush forests for easy trekking, quiet beaches and mysterious sea caves to explore. In spring and fall, the island becomes a magnet for bird watchers, as around 300 species of birds visit the island on their migratory paths, including the vivid blue oruri (blue-and-white flycatcher) and the Japanese bush warbler. The rocky outcrops off the island are a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls, whose raucous calls can be heard before you see them.
When to go: April through May and September through October
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Tobishima – the Bird-watching Paradise
