In Winter, Amami's Night Forest Comes Alive
Amami's wildlife doesn't hibernate.
In winter, when wildlife on mainland Japan settles in to sleep, the breeding season for frogs and newts begins in Amami's night forest. Each frog species shifts its timing a little, gathering at its own kind of water — puddles, ponds, and streams. And the snakes come too, hunting them. There's a side of the night forest you can only see in winter.
Warm Nights and Cold Nights
On warm nights, frogs and newts are on the move, and it's a chance to meet the snakes that hunt them, too.
On cold nights, you can observe Blue Glassy Tigers gathering together to overwinter. A mass of overwintering butterflies is quite a sight.
We'll take you to the places with the most to see, depending on that day's temperature.
Highlights by Water Spot
Puddles (from around December)
Amami Brown Frogs start gathering to breed. Amami Sword-tailed Newts begin to gather too, and Okinawa Pit Vipers appear, hunting the frogs.
Ponds (from around mid-January, on warm days)
Amami Green Tree Frogs start to gather. Okinawa Pit Vipers, Pryer's Keelbacks, and Akamata Snakes come to hunt them.
Streams (from around December)
You'll start to hear the calls of Amami Ishikawa's Frogs.
Amami Spiny Newt (mid-December to early May)
On warm days, Amami Spiny Newts wander about to breed. It's a popular winter creature — many guests come especially to see it.
Blue Glassy Tigers Overwintering Together (February, on days below 15°C)
On chilly nights, you can see Blue Glassy Tigers gathering together to get through the winter.
And More
In winter, we can also take you to observe Japanese Seashore Pseudoscorpions.
About Winter Tours
- We meet at around 7 PM. We'll let you know the exact time when you book.
- Winter nights get cold. Please come in warm clothing that blocks the wind, such as rain gear.
- We'll prepare rubber boots for you, so please tell us your shoe size when you book. We may not have very small sizes. In that case, please wear comfortable sneakers.
Enjoy Winter Wildlife Through Photos
Let's enjoy Amami's wildlife through photographs. Some creatures, including the Amami Spiny Newt, are protected by laws or local ordinances that prohibit catching or collecting them. Our tours do not offer guiding for the purpose of collecting.