Birdwatching in Tokyo

Tokyo is a busy city and may seem an unlikely place to enjoy some birdwatching. Suprisingly, its inner-city parks and the port area, are home to a variety of birds.

Meiji Jingu Shrine (and Yogogi Park)

About: Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park offer a peaceful escape from downtown Shibuya (a popular shopping district). The shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, is surrounded by a vast forest of 120,000+ trees. The surrounding Yoyogi Park attracts a variety of birdlife, including songbirds that flit through the foliage and owls perched high in the pines.

Location: maps.app.goo.gl/5jnzoqX22ysdYH2T6

eBird list: ebird.org/hotspot/L923741

Cafe: Noa Cafe Harajuku - maps.app.goo.gl/RF2Y8uFFsHqnt4Z26

Mizumoto Park

About: Mizumoto Park is Tokyo's largest park and offers habitat for birdlife within the city. This expansive green space includes wetlands, ponds, and forests, attracting a wide variety of avian species. Keep an eye out for ducks, herons, kingfishers and other cool birds as you explore the park pathways and hidden corners.

Location: maps.app.goo.gl/fkmbwJjXqpVSnrvE6

eBird list: ebird.org/hotspot/L1966910

Cafe: Cafe Hatakekko - maps.app.goo.gl/7x53ZnJw5QjM43ti9

Kasai Rinkai Park / Kasai Kaihin Park

About: Kasai Rinkai Park is a vast waterfront park in Tokyo offering diverse attractions including the Tokyo Sea Life Park aquarium. The area also features a renowned bird sanctuary that provides crucial habitat for migratory birds. Check out the observation deck and different ponds - you might just see herons, stilts, rails, cormorans and the occasional sparrowhawk.

Location: maps.app.goo.gl/wxax8aSzwSaxZoN4A

eBird list: ebird.org/hotspot/L1896754

Cafe: Crystal Cafe - maps.app.goo.gl/3FbhCeskgnfqTvzq5

Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park

About: Amongst the industrial vibe of the Tokyo Port sits the Wild Bird Park. This 24-hectare are features ponds, marshes, and woodlands, which attract about 200 bird species a year. With observation hides and a dedicated nature center, the park provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, making it a worthwhile destination especially in Summer when the shorebirds are around. Note that there is a small entry fee.

Website: wildbirdpark.jp/en/

Location: maps.app.goo.gl/ZpeWvbSEEJZRPUvm7

eBird list: ebird.org/hotspot/L927941

Cafe: Cafe Slow Season - maps.app.goo.gl/D4RGBxhYyNwHn72C9

Other recommendations

You might like to take a ferry out to Miyake Island, a day train to Kamakura or visit another ebird hotspot.