Saiyu Travel Japan

29/11/2023

Winter Hokkaido season is approaching! The Long-tailed tit is one of the star species in Hokkaido. With a white face like a snowball, a small beak, round eyes, and yellow eyelids, the Hokkaido long-tailed t**s are called “snow fairies” because they are so cute in their appearance.

26/11/2023

is traditional doll that have been worshiped as a symbol of good fortune, success for centuries in Japan.

Temple in is well known for its “Winning Daruma”. Here “winning”does not mean defeating others, but rather “facing oneself and overcoming one’s weak mind.” Today, this temple is believed to be “a place that wins in all aspects of life,” including examinations, illness and sports competitions etc.

The Dharma of Katsuo-ji Temple is not a wish-granting entity, but by writing your wish and putting one eye on it, you are signing a self-promise to face yourself and overcome your weak mind. Your wish will come true only if you live each day without regrets and give it your all toward that wish.

23/11/2023

We have opened the booking window for the of Early summer Eastern Hokkaido Wildlife and Landscape photography tour & workshop with Italian photographer Marco Ronconi.

June in eastern Hokkaido is beautiful season with colorful wild flowers. Orcas are coming to Nemuro strait, brown bears in the Shiretoko Peninsula become more active. The scenery of Akan-Mashu National Park will also fascinate visitors.

Marco is the perfect guide for both wildlife and landscape photography. Especially he loves Japan and Hokkaido!

Don’t miss this chance to visit Eastern Hokkaido in early summer, as this is very small size group tour from minimum 3 to maximum 5 people.

18/11/2023

Enjoy a superb time on the mountains of Shinshu. Shinshu where the Japanese Alps are located, is an area where you can take various photogenic pictures. Alpine vistas, sea of clouds, sunrise, sunset and even Mt. Fuji. In addition, take slow shutter shots of the trees and forests on the plateau, ponds, mossy forests, and waterfalls. The landscape changes from moment to moment and day to day, and it is unknown what kind of pictures you will be able to take. Be resourceful and enjoy your photographic journey.

14/11/2023

In Kyoto, the autumn leaves are starting from mountain side. Kuramadera Temple is located on Mt. Kurama in northern Kyoto, known for the legendary creature found in Shinto belief called Tengu. The stone floor in front of the main hall is the “Kongo-Sho,” which is considered the most powerful spot in this temple. It is said that if you stand in the center of it with your arms outstretched and look up to the sky, you will become one with the universe and your wish will come true. Feel spiritual power of Mt. Kurama.

10/11/2023

Located 27 km west off the main island of Hokkaido, Teuri Island is one of the few frontier islands in Japan. West coast of this Island is lined with magnificent cliffs more than 100m and provide a breeding ground for 1 million seabirds including Spectacled guillemot and Rhinoceros Auklet from spring through summer. 1 million sea birds and 250 people live together on this small island. It is a miracle island, one of the rarest in the world.

05/11/2023

This weekend, “Japan Bird Festival 2023“ was held at Teganuma Park in Abiko City, Chiba Prefecture, and Saiyu Travel also set a booth with famous bird photographer Totsuka Gaku. Various booths were set up, including Shiretoko and Teuri Island in Hokkaido, Miyake Island home to the endemic Izu Islands thrush, and Izumi in Kyushu well known for the cranes. There were also many souvenir booths featuring bird motifs items attracting many bird lovers.

03/11/2023

Karasawa is one of the best places for its autumn foliage, and a lot of climbers visit here from late September to mid-October every year. The leaves of the Japanese Rowan turn red, and yellow leaves of Erman’s Birch creating a vibrant color scheme. The area is also home to Japan’s third highest peak, Okuhotaka (3,190m), as well as Kitahotaka (3,106m), Maehotaka (3,091m), and Karasawadake (3,110m), all of which are famous 3,000m class peaks. It is said to be like an amphitheater where visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of the combination of autumn foliage and mountains peaks!

28/10/2023

Scuba Diving in , . Dragon moray is called Tora-Utsubo which means Tiger-moray in Japanese as unique tiger-like pattern all the way even inside of its mouth. Although they always show their sharp teeth and look scary, they just can’t close their mouths. Cute two horns (actually called posterior nostrils) are the most distinctive feature of this sea creatures.

25/10/2023

Madama Beach in Prefecture has been selected as one of the best 100 sunsets point in Japan. At dusk on a clear day, the entire area is dyed with the evening colors. The golden glow of the setting sun reflecting off the shallow mud flats attracts many photographers.

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17/10/2023

Iriomote Island in Yaeyama archipelago is Okinawa's second largest island. Nearly 90 percent of its land covered by dense jungle and one of the best destination for adventure holiday in Japan! A lot of nature activities are waiting you. Jumping into the giant's kettle of narrow canyon, kayaking unique mangrove forests, exploring real unusual underground cave… Enjoy an extraordinary experience in the World Heritage island!

13/10/2023

Paul Whitton with a small group of 3 Saiyu Travel customers from Europe - during their Hokkaido adventures in early October. Great timing for wildlife photography at the start of autumn foliage season. 

All that careful planning and coordination at our head office paid off, to the delight of small group tour participants. 

Maximum comfort and safety for guests, and minimum disturbance to - maximum 4 guests per group.

📸: thanks, Paul!

11/10/2023

, prefecture. White birch trees' reflection in the water in late October in the mountains - yellow and orange hues captivating the attention of photographers around the world.

A photo by one of our most sought-after landscape photography guides of Japan,

05/10/2023

There are two subspecies of the Ryukyu Robin (Akahige in Japanese): Larvivora komadori komadori which inhabits Amami Oshima Island, and Larvivora komadori namiyei which is found on the main island of Okinawa. These are two species that are considered a subspecies at the moment, but I heard that an announcement to make them two separate species will occur in the near future....

There are two subspecies of the Ryukyu Robin : Larvivora komadori komadori which inhabits Amami Oshima and Larvivora komadori namiyei which found in Okinawa

04/10/2023

Today is World Animal Day!

Let's face it, it is a special day to appreciate and pay tribute to the incredible animals we share this planet with. All animals play important roles in our everyday lives. We look forward to a future where every day is World Animal Day🌏

28/09/2023

Sanzen-in is a beautiful temple located in the picturesque village of Ohara, Kyoto and one of five Monzeki Temples Imperial family traditionally served as head priests.
This temple is also famous for its moss garden called Yusei-en (Pure Pleasure Garden). A tranquil atmosphere permeates the garden, and there are a number of amusing stone statues that peek out from the moss. The view is striking beauty especially early summer greenery and Autumn leaves season.

21/09/2023

Observing Hokkaido brown bears in their natural habitat - with all precautions and safety measures in place. Boat trip for a lovely family with child, led by experienced guide.

20/09/2023

Eiheiji, "The Temple of Eternal Peace", is one of the two head temples of Soto Zen. This large temple complex located on a cedar-covered slope in the mountains in Fukui prefecture was founded by Zen Master Dōgen in 1244. This temple is a working monastery. Monks live, eat, sleep, wash and pray here, and you’ll see many of them walking around!

18/09/2023

You might have a chance to encounter the small animals in the parks and shrines while vising the Eastern Hokkaido area. Among them are the chipmunks, which hibernate through the winter. They will use the entire park in the autumn months to collect food for their winter storage. They may carry many kinds of food back to their nests such as yew nuts, walnuts, acorns, and mushrooms....

The Ezo Chipmunk, Tamias sibiricus lineatus, is a subspecies of chipmunk that is distributed throughout Hokkaido and it's surrounding islands.

15/09/2023

The Uradome Coast in Tottori prefecture is a part of San’inkaigan National Park as well as UNESCO Global Geopark! This rocky coast consists of 30-million-year-old granite formed in the era when the Japanese archipelago was part of the continent. Sea kayaking will be the best way to experience this unique nature. Water is so clear! Paddle and explore this dramatic cliffs and caves!

08/09/2023

The Dambulla Cave Temples are said to date back to the first century BC. Buddhist Monks first carved this cave out to create a monastery. Inside this cave is decorated with full of colorful wall paintings along with many Buddhist statues, giving visitors the feeling as if they have entered a Buddhism universe.

07/09/2023

Swimming with humpback whales in Japan! Spending 5 nights 6 days in Amami Oshima island, UNESCO World Heritage site! Four full days charter boat cruise gives you the opportunity to see a wide variety of behavior patterns of humpback whales. You will also have opportunities to dive in the ocean and swim with this fascinating sea creature. The excitement of seeing those big whales in the water will certainly becomes a memory of a lifetime!!

02/09/2023

(2,291m) is the highest peak in and one of the "100 most famous mountains in Japan". It’s located on the northern side of the National Park and home to a rich variety of alpine plants, which reach their peak in late July, colorfully blooming underfoot and creating a paradise that is called "Kamuimintara" (garden where the gods dwell) in Ainu language.

29/08/2023

was one of the five route of the Edo period, connecting Kyoto and Edo (present Tokyo). The entire route was about 540 km long, and 69 post towns were established along the way. It was also called "Hime Kaido" (Princess Road) as it was used for the grand procession of princesses married into the Tokugawa Sh**un family. Among them, , and are precious places that still retain the Japanese townscape of the Edo period. Hike through these post towns just as people did in the past, you will feel like you have taken a step back in time to those age.

25/08/2023

Teuri Island is the only breeding site of the Common Guillemot in Japan. At one time the birds’ population was reduced to 13 birds, but their numbers are now recovering. This year again, Common Guillemots are seen bringing food back to the nest. Bringing food back to the nest means that chicks are born, and the circle of life continues for these species, which is a very comforting thing to know!...

The Common Guillemot population, which was reduced to 13 birds in 2002, has been steadily increasing and now exceeds 100 birds.

24/08/2023

Niyodo River runs through Kochi prefecture in Shikoku island is often referred as the purest river in the country and its crystal clear blue water is well known as "Niyodo blue”. Hidden and remote Yasui valley is definitely the best place to experience the “blue”. Walking along the river, mossy forests and you will feel cleansed by the miraculous scenery. The fresh green leaves in summer enhance the blue of the Niyodo River more as well as red & yellow of the autumn leaves. Definitely one of the best off the beaten path in Japan!

20/08/2023

Saiyu Travel winter wildlife photography adventure in February next year with our star guide Paul Whitton in Eastern Hokkaido has proved to be such a hit that we decided to run the second one the same month.

Feb 24th is the second chance and we still have slot available! Be quick, as we think it will become fully booked before the end of the summer.

18/08/2023

Behold the breathtaking beauty of Happo Pond in Japan! Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Northern Japanese Alps, this tranquil mountain lake reflects nature's splendor in every ripple. Surrounded by vibrant alpine flora and towering summits, a visit to Happo Pond promises an unforgettable escape into serenity and awe-inspiring landscapes.

12/08/2023

Northern Kyoto is often referred to as "Kyoto by the sea". Ine is one of the most picturesque village of Japan and traditional waterfront buildings called "Funaya" literally meaning "boat houses" are remaining along the Bay. these houses contain garages for boats on their first floors and residential space on the upper floors. It is fun to see this traditional village from a boat, and a walk through the village will make you feel like you have stepped back in old days.

12/08/2023

In May 2023, a 'white killer whale' appeared in the Nemuro Strait after two years of absence. White orca / killer whale at Shiretoko, Hokkaiado　白いシャチ The contrasting color of black and white is a characteristic of killer whales. But this orca's entire body is white, so the eyepatch and saddle patch are not visible unless you look closely. After the first observation of two of them separately in the Nemuro Strait in 2019, two white killer whales swimming together made headlines in 2021....

In May 2023, a 'white killer whale' appeared in the Nemuro Strait after two years of absence. he is a "mature male", "at least nearly 50 years old"

29/07/2023

We have summarized the features of three species of birds in the Auk family that are popular amongst birders visiting Teuri Island: Spectacled Guillemot, Common Guillemot and Rhinoceros Auklet! (1) Carrying caught fish with their beaks. The main part of the observation is watching birds bringing fish into their beaks to feed their chicks. This is a common feature of the Auk family, as they are able to swallow fish while swimming in the water and cannot spit out the fish once swallowed to feed the chicks....

We have summarized the features of three species of birds in the Auk family of Teuri Island: Spectacled Guillemot, Common Guillemot and Rhinoceros Auklet!

19/07/2023

Common murre, Common guillemot　Uria aalge Common Murre or Common Guillemot has a distinctive penguin-like appearance due to its legs positioned at the back of its body. In Japan, they breed only in one place, a cliff cave near the red rocks on Teuri Island. The breeding site of the cave can only be observed from the boat, but they can sometimes be seen floating above the sea from the Akaiwa Observatory....

Rhinoceros auklet - there are currently 800,000-1,000,000 birds breeding on Teuri Island, the sight of all returning to their nests at dusk is the one to behold

03/07/2023

Join our small pre-organized group tour departing on September 9th if you want to witness bears catching salmon swimming upstream.
Late summer/ early autumn is a very pleasant season in Eastern Hokkaido, peninsula. Link to tour details is in as count profile.

You would get to stay at simple and small yet sleek hotel has built on the shore facing Nemuro Strait. Both photos are made by employee and hotel manager, now resident of Shiretoko.

Our company DNA is but this is the tour anyone would enjoy even with iPhone and/or with aversion to long hikes and strenuous exercise.

Get close to bears 🐻 catching salmon with us with no compromise of your safety or comfort.

30/06/2023

Why not take a break from the country’s bustling cities and see a new side of Japan?

Don’t miss the chance to visit and hike Kamikochi in the Northern Japan Alps, one of Japan’s beautiful and rewarding outdoor destinations.

05/01/2023

2023, here we come! Happy New Year from all of us at Saiyu Travel team!

If you made a resolution to explore Japan, then start thinking about your BIG adventure and connect with us to get started💪 Cheers!

📸: Did you know that #2023 is the Year of rabbit? Rabbits are one of the 12 zodiac animals of Japanese astrology, which follows a 12 year circle with each year being represented by an animal. Here is the pic of the Hokkaido Crying Rabbit, known as ezo naki usagi. Aren't they adorable?

30/12/2022

Red foxes of northernmost 🇯🇵 are especially fluffy and photogenic in winter. They are always a part of the list of animals to be photographed during our tours in .

A photo by one of our most sought-after wildlife photography guides,

Keep an eye on early summer tours we will be offering to see fox cubs in late May - June in , Hokkaido.

28/12/2022

: light and shadows, meanings and symbols.

Mid-December in #京都 is charming, with last glimpses and - and first ice that appears overnights. First snow is yet to arrive.

26/12/2022

A beautiful moment flying over , Japan's most recognizable symbol. To many the highest mountain of 🇯🇵 is familiar in geometrical shaped of almost perfect cone. Few have seen from the top. In winter months even fewer have courage to climb its treacherous slopes.

#富士山