Jungle adventures in Okinawa abound, all you need to do is take a peek at my YouTube Channel to find numerous videos recounting my wildlife and landscape imaging exploits throughout the islands. For me, the green and expansive hills of the Yambaru are an enticing treasure trove that hold numerous secrets and adds to the hypnotic magic of wild Okinawa. Many of the other islands also lay claim to numerous wildlife species encounters. Although amazing in themselves, there are very few places that can hold a candle to the topography and species diversity within the rolling green hills of the Yambaru National Park in Northern Okinawa. I'm now looking to offer a glimpse into this stunning location for those who appreciate seeking out wildlife on terms dictated by the jungle itself.

The stunning green morph of Ishikawa's Frog. Often described as Japan's most beautiful frog, it can only be found in small pockets of jungle in both Okinawa main island and neighboring Amami Oshima island.

Hills of the Yambaru encased in an early morning glow.

Many of the species found within the predominantly jungled confines of northern Okinawa tend to be endemic to the region, that is they are found nowhere else on earth. There is a palpable density shift between species diversity and prevalence between the northern and southern confines of the island. That said, a few locations in the south allow for incredible interactions with several iconic wildlife species on the island which are not encountered in the northern areas of the island.

My favorite species to encounter is undoubtedly borne more from its aesthetic and photogenic appeal. Diminutive in appearance Kuroiwa's Ground Gecko is endemic to the island of Okinawa. Given its scarcity, currently listed as endangered, this species is sadly the focus of those looking to collect endangered species. Poaching is a real threat faced by this and numerous other species in Okinawa. Habitat destruction for development is also an issue facing the territory and range of this species. With equal scarcity is Ishikawa's Frog, often touted as Japan's most beautiful of all amphibians. Normally encountered in its green morph state the holy grail for any photographer is to happen on a specimen of the blue morph, individuals that lack yellow pigments in their coloring, the stuff of legends!

The diminutive Terminator looking glare of Kuroiwa's Ground Gecko

No editorial about jungle adventures in Okinawa and the wild encounters they bring would be complete without a mention of the infamous Habu Pit Vipers. Throughout the main island of Okinawa, three main species of Habu or Pit Vipers reside. They can be very venomous and are distributed throughout all corners of the island, certain species are more prevalent in the South and others in the North. For the main part, the most often encountered of the Habu species is the Hime or 'Princess' Habu. Reaching a length of some 80cm, it can, at times, attain quite the girth. With a camouflage that blends perfectly with the small pebbles and stones of its preferred hunting environment of creek and riverbank, it is pretty common to step within inches of them and be totally oblivious to their presence.

On the other hand, or foot, is the Okinawa Habu. This less tolerant species can attain a length of up to nine feet, 3m, but is more common to encounter individuals measuring between 4ft and 6ft. As opposed to the incredible camouflage of its smaller relative, the Hime Habu, the Okinawa Habu tends to vary between a muted to vibrant variation of Yellow with black markings. Given this tends to be a species with a greater willingness to strike at those who venture too close, it has no real requirement for camouflage. Steer clear at all costs!

A third species of Habu is not endemic to the island but is more of an introduced species and one that is currently facing a nationally implemented eradication program. Given away by its name, the Taiwan Habu is a species that was probably introduced by being mixed into shipping freight of vegetables from Taiwan. This species if found predominantly in the more southern confines of the island, given it it widely thought to have entered the island via the busy ports around the southern city of Naha.

Clearly identifiable, the Okinawa Habu can be found in drainage ditches along farmland, in rivers and creeks, in jungles, and pretty much anywhere else where frogs may be prevalent. Watch out though, as they strike fast and without warning.

Jungle adventures in Okinawa are not limited to the ground-dwelling species. Looking skyward we shift our focus to more avian fare. Bird watching in Okinawa is highly rewarding. Again, the presence of endemic species is a welcoming aspect for any avid ornithologist, whether based on or visiting the islands. From Buzzards to fishing birds of prey such as the seasonal Osprey to the smaller, and highly prized, Pryers Woodpecker. From flightless species such as the Okinawa Rail, known locally as the 'Yambaru Kuina', to Japanese paradise flycatchers, wading, and shorebirds to winter visitors such as black-faced spoonbills. Okinawa has a varied and thoroughly mixed bag regarding avian diversity.

A typical scene under the green canopy of the Yambaru. Liquid veins keep the island green.

In all of my dealings with wildlife species on Okinawa, I never divulge locations given the potential for poaching. Most often are the times I don't publish my encounters with the more enigmatic species I happen across. Some species on Okinawa have never been filmed before, yet through a dogged determination, I have managed to film, species that have seldom been encountered that I have found myself surrounded by at times. It is all a matter of having an in-depth and highly respectful demeanor. I require that anyone I may lead into the jungle also abide by the habit of not divulging locations or subsequent geotagging any imagery from trips they may make into that green wonderland.

As with all things wild, everything revolves around a cycle of life. Seasonal variations in temperatures etc, determine the prevalence of one species over another. For the species that form the lower rungs of the food cycle, everything depends on their ebb and flow in population. This is determined by seasons. Thus from Spring through November, I tend to favor imaging adventures that focus on the wilder side of life. Often finding myself deep in the green jungles of Okinawa, either solo or by introducing those with a true appreciation for wildlife to the awesome nature of the island.

In all instances, I request those accompanying me to ensure the geotags of locations they have photographed are not shared publicly especially on social media. Not just mine but I'm sure all posts that outline and celebrate the wildlife of Okinawa are enjoyed by many, even those with more nefarious intent. Poaching is a big problem in Okinawa. We can all do our part to ensure we don't facilitate that by not posting geotags on imagery.

Your Four Day Adventure Starts Here!

Whether you're a solo traveling wildlife photographer or filmmaker, simply a wildlife loving small family, or a group of dedicated herping friends looking for the ultimate immersive experience in Okinawa, this is for you. With airport collection and drop off I offer four day treks around the best locations for diverse wildlife encounters in Okinawa. This is not about luxury accommodations or simple strolls in the forest. This is for those who really want to peek under the stunning green veil of this unique location. It could mean hours sat waiting for a certain species to appear. It could mean getting skunked on certain species for the duration given factors such as adverse weather conditions to that species. It does rain quite a bit in Okinawa, it keeps the island green! That said one shouldn't discount that as a negative. With so many reptiles and amphibians what we see as inclement weather actually improves our chances of seeing them. Damp or light rain conditions are a bonus.

Any individuals, or groups, looking to embark on this adventure are requested to initially reach out to discuss options and timetables. Once that is done I can then look to piece together your very specific tour based on your requests should they be based around specific species encounters etc. This would also allow those with imaging needs to discuss all options that cater to any specific equipment necessities they may have. Fill out the contact form here to get the ball rolling on your jungle adventures in Okinawa.

This immersive experience can also include photographic tutoring should the need arrive. As I am also sponsored by KANI Filters in Japan I also like to shoot moody coastal long exposures when the weather allows. I always carry additional photographic filter kits from KANI for those looking to understand how to better shoot long exposure imagery of the Ocean and the dynamic coastlines available in Northern Okinawa.

Jungle Adventures in Okinawa. An Incomplete Who's Who of Okinawa Wildlife

While below is a comprehensive overview of jungle fare, I have yet to attain photographic records of several species to a standard I would be happy enough to display. The hunt for interactions and their resulting imagery, continues.