Come with us on a one-of-a-kind Hokkaido Photography Tour, traveling through this unspoiled and remote part of northern Japan to the minimalist wilderness landscapes and endemic wildlife. We will spend 12 days photographing one of the snowiest cities on Earth in that time—Sapporo, which is actually next to Japan’s second-snowiest city by world standards (after only Aomori). Hokkaido is famous in summer, where the fields of lavender burst with vibrancy and colors to hues unimaginable. Cross the border into winter though; it becomes a Japan Winter Photography heaven! After 2 days, we transfer to the Biei and Asahikawa region where we will have opportunities for some typical snowscapes and isolated trees.
We also guide one of the best Wildlife Photography in Hokkaido tours, which highlights iconic species like red-crowned cranes and whooper swans. In addition, we’ll search to photograph the Blakiston’s fish owl, Eurasian red squirrel, Steller’s sea eagles, white-tailed eagle, sika deer, and Ezo red fox. Let nature have its way with you—this is really a wildlife photography heaven.
Want to see Japan during another season? Then take a look at our other photography tours. Join any of our Japan Photo Tours, all year round. Each of these workshops is small—only 4 participants, led by one of our professional tour leaders.
Arrive at New Chitose Airport. Your photo tour begins when you land on the largest island that makes up Japan. 📍Sapporo / With the day free to acclimatize and look around Sapporo, there will be some time here. Then, leave for the (Evening) Snow Festival. We will spend the night at a hotel in downtown.
If you would like to further discover southern Hokkaido with our guides, we offer an additional 3-day tour before the main itinerary. You can read more in detail at the bottom of the itinerary.
Otaru. Today, we will be exploring the volcanoes and lakes in Shikotsu Toya National Park, which includes Mt. Yotei and Lake Toya. Next, we will stop by the one-of-a-kind Ebisu Iwa Torii gate, which can be found resting on a rock from shore to sea. As for today, the night will be spent in Otaru, and we will capture both the canal and some of the classical-style architecture of the city parallel with it. You will want to have your camera handy, as we may see some Hokkaido sika deer and Ezo red foxes along the way.
Three days of touring through the heartland area, our trip will visit symbolic snowscapes and trees. Albums of temples, including the Chion-in Temple from the day before; Shirohige (White Beard) Falls, and a number of snow scenes taken on our travels up towards Biei & Asahikawa. Have a full day of perfect photography and sleep in the night.
From the Nukabira Lakeshore, we take a scenic route through the Ioro Mountains in an eastern direction to visit some beautiful waterfall cascades and landscapes along the way. Disembark in the evening and arrive at Kushiro’s Lake Akan, where you’ll be staying overnight after dinner in a traditional ryokan.
On this Wildlife Photography Hokkaido day, we concentrate on photographing the red-crowned cranes at Akan International Crane Centre. Then it is on to Lake Kussharo, which serves as our headquarters for the next couple of days.
Optional activity: Boating to photograph Steller’s Sea Eagle & White-Tailed Eagle at Shiretoko Peninsula. This day will also feature some landscape and waterfall photos and the large, secretive Blakiston’s fish owl. After lunch, we will photograph whooper swans on a lake nearby, and the day ends with post-processing lessons.
Ducks and magical dawn fog on wintering swan lake. This day is best for atmospheric scenes of wildlife and snowy landscapes where horses are grazing.
Hokkaido Torii gate from the road where we stop to take a photo as our journey still continues along the coast. Another peaceful night at our hotel near the village to finish out another day.
We return to the Torii gate for some sunrise pics, and make our way back to Sapporo early in the morning. After this is Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine, where we are going to spend our afternoon on the last day of Hokkaido, just in time for us to capture its stunning evening line-up.
Our Japan Winter Photography Tour ends at Sapporo Chitose Airport. I trust you will never forget your passage through time with the photography.
For those looking to experience more, we can also add on extra days for some special photography opportunities covering:
Eduardo Fuster
Spanish photographer & teacher, diplomate in Art & specialized in Video & Photography. His photos were published in magazines such as National Geographic, Vogue, El Pais, Washington Post … Also worked in Real Estate photography for large luxury companies in the USA. He has also been working for the last 20 years in video design, collaborating on ads campaigns for Nike, Carrefour, Nivea, Hiberdrola, Tourism of Spain… His photographs were recognized in different international conquests. As an example the 1st place in Sunrises & Sunsets 35 awards 2019. Also get honorable mentions in the fine art photography awards 2018,2017,2016, Monochrome visions, 35 Awards 2018 & 2017 as an example.
Sapporo Chitose Airport, Japan
Price
The price of this Hokkaido Photo Tour is based on the participation of a minimum of 4 participants. In case there are not enough participants, the possibility of making the trip will be offered with an increase proportional to the price, or a 100% refund of the total paid.
The last time of exchange rate calculation was January 1st, 2021, the final price can be modified up to 30 days before the tour start.
Accommodation
The accommodations offered are shared double rooms at Hotels with private bathrooms and one night in shared rooms in a Ryokan with dinner and breakfast included.
You can book an individual room during the process of the book your place for the photo tour or writing us at [email protected]
Meals
Meals are not included with the exception of the dinner and breakfast at the Ryokan.
Insurance
Our tours include basic insurance, we suggest contracting full cover insurance. Contact us to expand your insurance coverage.
Transports
Our tours include all internal transports (cars, vans, trains, or flights). We don’t include international flights, but we will guide you at the moment of your booking the best options to arrive to the destiny from your home.
Itinerary
The itinerary mentioned can be changed due to a force major reasons like weather conditions or accidents for example.
Payment & Refunds
To book your place you need to pay 25% of the total cost. The total payment must be made 45 days before the trip.
This tour is done by ¨Photography Tours PhotoWorldTours SLU¨, due to illness or other reasons the trip may be made by another guide.
If the tour doesnt have enough people, refund of the deposit will be done 45 days before the trip starts.
Cancellations
If the client cancel the trip will lose the deposit paid (25%), but refund other payments due this cancellation policy:
– More than 45 days but less than 60 days to the start of the tour: 50% of the total cost of the trip will be refunded.
– Less than 45 days before the trip start: There will be no refund.
Other considerations
Please, check the section “This tour include” and “This tour not include” to know more details about meals, guides or other services include.
You can enjoy Hokkaido all year. In Winter you can enjoy minimalistic landscapes and winter festivals, so for photographers is the perfect moment. But also doing a tour in Spring during the Cherry Blossom, Summer with the lavender fields, or a tour with the fall colors during Autumn is also worth it.
Hokkaido is the name of the Island and the Prefecture, while Sapporo is the capital. The city is located on the west side, and the New Chitose Airport has located around 50km from the center.
Talking about costs of living, restaurants, or other amusements Hokkaido is cheaper. But of course, fly to Sapporo is more expensive than to Tokyo. Our packages already show that, with a difference of around $500 dollars.
Andreu Ferrer
Private trip with wide freedom of movement. Eduardo’s professionalism turns any request into something easy and any problem into a trifle.
