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Best birdwatching destinations in Asia

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Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
9.3
Wild and quiet, this northern Japanese island has wide wetlands and snowy forests. Red crowned cranes gather near Tsurui in winter and perform their dances in the snow. Whooper swans rest on Lake Kussharo, where hot springs keep parts of the shore from freezing. Bring warm clothes and a long lens.
Highlights:
  • ๐Ÿšค Explore historic Otaru Canal and its shops
  • ๐Ÿ‚ Ski or snowboard in world-famous Niseko resorts
  • ๐Ÿ’ง Visit the spectacular Shirogane Blue Pond
Shiretoko National Park
Brown bears and drift ice in Hokkaido
8.3
Remote and wild, this peninsula in northeastern Hokkaido is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where sea and forest meet. Steller's sea eagles and white tailed eagles perch on drift ice in winter. Boat trips from Rausu go out to see them. Blakiston's fish owl, a huge owl, lives along the rivers.
Highlights:
  • โ™จ๏ธ Hike to Kamuiwakka Hot Falls and soak feet
  • ๐Ÿ›ฅ๏ธ Take a wildlife boat cruise to see bears
  • ๐ŸŒฒ Walk the scenic Shiretoko Five Lakes boardwalk
Sri Lanka
Ancient cities, tea hills and surf beaches
7.3
Though about the size of West Virginia, this island has 34 bird species found nowhere else. Sinharaja rain forest is a UNESCO site with many of these endemic birds. The Sri Lanka junglefowl, the national bird, is easy to see at Yala. Forest, wetlands and hills are all within a day's drive.
Highlights:
  • ๐Ÿš‚ Take a scenic train ride through the tea plantations to Ella
  • ๐Ÿ˜ Spot elephants on safari in Minneriya National Park
  • ๐Ÿชจ Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and admire its ancient frescoes
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