Japan Bird Festival 2025 – A Must-Visit Birdwatching Event in Abiko, Chiba

The Japan Bird Festival 2025 (JBF) is one of the largest bird-themed festivals in Japan, held annually in Abiko City, Chiba Prefecture. Taking place around the scenic Lake Teganuma, this two-day event draws thousands of nature lovers, bird photographers, researchers, and families from across Japan and abroad.

It combines bird-related exhibitions, photo contests, cultural activities, and hands-on field experiences — making it an ideal experience for international birdwatchers looking to discover Japan’s rich birdlife and nature culture.

Event Dates, Times and Venues

• Saturday, November 1, 2025 — 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

• Sunday, November 2, 2025 — 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM

The festival takes place across several key venues around Lake Teganuma:

• Avista (Abiko City Lifelong Learning Center)

• Teganuma Waterfront Plaza (Ooban Square)

• Water Museum

• Bird Museum (Abiko City Museum of Birds)

• Yamashina Institute for Ornithology

As a special bonus, admission to the Bird Museum and the Water Museum Planetarium is free during the festival days.

Festival Highlights and Activities

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions, from art and science to guided nature activities:

• All Japan Bird Photo Contest Exhibition
  Showcasing award-winning bird photography from across the country.
  Location: Avista 2F Mini Hall

• All Japan Bird Carving Competition
  Featuring beautifully hand-carved bird sculptures by expert artists.
  Location: Avista 2F Classrooms 1 and 2

• Ornithology Lecture
  The “35th Ornithology Lecture: Latest Dinosaur Studies @JBF” by renowned scientist Makoto Manabe.
  Date/Time: Saturday, November 1, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM at Avista 1F Hall

• Birdwatching Boat Cruises (First-Come Basis)
  Guided birdwatching tours on Lake Teganuma, departing from Teganuma Park Pier.
  Three trips each on Saturday and Sunday

• BINGO Stamp Rally
  Explore the venues using the official festival guide or the Abiko Tour app. Completing your card enters you into a prize draw.

• Exhibitor Booths
  Dozens of stalls with bird-related goods, optics and cameras, as well as gourmet food from local vendors.

Notable Birds Around Lake Teganuma

The wetlands and woodlands around Lake Teganuma are an important stopover and wintering area for many species. During the festival, visitors often see:

• Eastern Marsh Harrier — Large raptor gliding over reedbeds

• Northern Pintail — Elegant migratory duck in flocks

• Eurasian Wigeon — Chestnut-headed dabbling duck

• Great Egret — Tall white heron seen fishing along the shore

• Little Grebe — Tiny diving waterbird near the shore

• White-cheeked Starling — Noisy flocks feeding near the waterfront

• Daurian Redstart — Colourful winter visitor on low branches

• Japanese Tit — Small, bold woodland bird

• Bull-headed Shrike — Perches on fences and reed stems

• Common Kingfisher — Brilliant blue-orange bird darting over canals

Birdwatching Map of Lake Teganuma

Below is a simple map showing where some of these species are commonly seen around the lake during the festival season:

How to Get There from Tokyo

Abiko City is about 40 minutes from central Tokyo and easy to reach by train:

• From Tokyo Station or Ueno Station, take the JR Joban Line (local or rapid) to Abiko Station.

• The journey takes about 40–50 minutes.

• From Abiko Station, it is about 15–20 minutes on foot or a short taxi/bus ride to the venues.

Where to Stay Nearby

If you are visiting from overseas, staying near the Joban Line can make your visit much easier:

• Kashiwa — Just two stops from Abiko with a variety of hotels and shopping.

• Matsudo — Around 20 minutes from Abiko, also with many hotel options.

• Narita — Near Narita International Airport and about 50 minutes from Abiko by train.

Accommodation typically ranges from ¥6,000–¥10,000 per night (USD 40–65).

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you are attending the Japan Bird Festival from overseas, here are some helpful tips:

• Weather: Early November in Chiba Prefecture is cool and pleasant, averaging 12–18°C (54–64°F). Mornings can be chilly near the lake, so wear layers.

• Clothing: Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring a light jacket, hat, and a compact umbrella as light rain is common.

• Photography Gear: A zoom lens (300mm or longer) is ideal for waterbirds. A monopod or light tripod is useful but not essential, as there are boardwalks and flat paths.

• Language: Most signs are in Japanese, but staff and volunteers are friendly. It’s helpful to have a translation app, such as Google Translate, installed.

• Food and Drinks: Local food stalls operate on-site, but carrying bottled water and light snacks is recommended if you plan to explore all venues.

• Cash vs Cards: Some small stalls may only accept cash (yen), so keep small bills and coins handy.

For official details and updates, visit:
• Japan Bird Festival Official Website
• For more birding news, guides and festival updates across Asia and the world, visit Birdwatching Asia.

Conclusion

The Japan Bird Festival 2025 is an unmissable event for birdwatchers visiting Japan. It combines hands-on birdwatching, photography, conservation education, and local culture in a welcoming setting just outside Tokyo.

For international travellers, it offers a unique chance to meet local birders, enjoy Japanese hospitality, and experience the rich biodiversity of Lake Teganuma. If you are planning birding trips to Asia, make sure to include this festival in your itinerary.