Wild Weekends in Okinawa with seawildearth tend not to take place in some seedy bar in the throbbing metropolis of the the southern regions of the island. In fact, far from it. Moving forward to expand services offered by the brand are experience weekends for up to six people staying at a rustic local homestay, or 'minshuku', in the northern village of Oku. Given this quaint corner of the island is also home to some of the most densely populated areas for local wildlife species this is the perfect place to be. Imagine an immersive experience where a seasoned guide will lead you along jungle paths pointing out iconic wildlife species in the small hours of the night. At times when you'd normally be sleeping you will be staring a wide variety of species in the face, recording photographs and gaining an understanding about the fragility of their environment.

Yes, there will be snakes.

"Yes, there will be snakes". To answer the first question that invariably gets asked when discussing the wildlife of Okinawa. But while some species, notably any of the three species of Habu pit vipers that inhabit the island, may have a dubious reputation this opportunity is the perfect vehicle to see, first hand, that these much misunderstood creatures are simply looking to get on with their lives away from the presence of man. Other than the Habu there are some six other snake species known to inhabit the island, Coral Snake, Ryukyu Odd Toothed Snake, Ryukyu Odd Scale Snake, the Taiwan Beauty Snake, the Ryukyu Green Snake, and the diminutive Brahmi's Blind Snake. This listing doesn't take into consideration the various species of Sea Snakes also found in Okinawa waters.

You will see first hand that all species of snake simply want to be left to their own devices, to get on with their own agenda and have nothing more to do with humans. Additionally we will come into contact with lots of different Frog species, and possibly even the species that is often called 'Japan's most beautiful frog' the Ishikawa's Frog. Whether in its traditional Green coloration or more rarely it's blue coloration, due to it's lacking of yellow pigment, this frog is truly a stunning frog to encounter. Both of these colorations of this species have been seen in the surrounding area of the accommodation.

One aspect of your wild weekend in Okinawa will also focus on trying to encounter one of the rarest birds in the World that also happens to be endemic to Okinawa, insofar that it is found nowhere else on Earth. Often quite active at sundown the flightless Okinawa Rail, known locally as the 'Yambaru Kuina', can be encountered in patches of forest mainly in the Northern sectors of the island. Preferring to stay hidden by day in deep jungle and roosting by night this is the best time of day, as well as at the crack of dawn, to encounter them. Adhering to a slow speed in cars during displacement at these times is crucial. Current population estimates of the Okinawan Rail hover around 1,800 individuals. Immediately recognizable due to their prominent red beak and legs as well as their unmistakable white striped breast plumage, they can often be seen bolting across jungle roads or even taking baths in shallow water puddles and even in mangrove shorelines. They really are a stunning and special bird to encounter.

The unmistakable plumage of the flightless Okinawa Rail or 'Yambaru Kuina'.

These immersive tours are designed to instill an understanding of the fragility of this unique location whilst at the same time hoping to introduce you, safely, to as many of the local wildlife residents as possible. From diminutive yet stunningly photogenic ground geckos to frogs that are often perceived to be amongst the most beautiful of all in Japan. And then there are the species that are heralded with lofty titles of National Monuments or Prefectural Treasures. Many of the species found within this green beating heart of Okinawa tend to be either endemic, endangered, or sadly, both. A totally unique experience within a stunning location and surrounded by incredible diversity of wildlife.

Wild weekends in Okinawa are an experience that runs with a minimum pax count of just two people. This means, young couples as well as families can embark on this truly unique adventure far from the madding crowds. Our maximum pax count for this tour is six. To find out more details and a rough itinerary of what to expect you can head on over to this page that outlines the tour in much greater detail.

The one thing we do ask of everyone joining in on one of these tours is to ensure that any subsequent posting of imagery to social media be done in good faith and with ensuring that all uploads do not have any geo-tagging options turned on. Sadly many of the species found within the jungles of Okinawa are also targeted by those with more nefarious intent. The illegal collection of species is very much alive and well in Okinawa. By ensuring we do not geotag our photographs enables us to share our encounters while also keeping the areas of those encounters hidden from the eyes of those with no shred of appreciation of these natural gems.

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart"

Confucius - Chinese Philosopher