Hokkaido Photo Tour

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 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 tours in Hokkaido, 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 eagle, 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.

Day 1:  Arrive at Sapporo Chitose Airport

Day 2: Hill of the Buddha – Cape Kamui – Ebisu Rock

Days 3, 4 & 5 Biei & Asahikawa Snowscapes

Three days based in Asahikawa to explore the heart of Hokkaido. We photograph the rolling hills and iconic lone trees of Biei, the Shirohige (White Beard) Falls and the frozen landscapes of the area — the most minimalist side of the island. Every day we choose the locations according to the light and the weather, with time for sunrise, sunset and, when the sky allows, night photography.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel

Day 6: Biei – Tsurui: Red-crowned Cranes

Today we head straight to Tsurui to photograph the red-crowned cranes. On the way we can stop in Biei to take our last photos of its iconic trees in the snow, but the plan is to arrive in time for the afternoon session at Otowa Bridge and the nearby shrine.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel

Day 7: Cranes – Lake Kussharo – Shari

After another morning photographing the red-crowned cranes, we will drive to Lake Kussharo to photograph the whooper swans, the frozen lake and its iconic tree. In the afternoon we will arrive at our hotel in Shari.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Day 8: Lake Kussharo – SEA Eagles

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.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Day 9: Okhotsk Coast – Lake Abashiri – Cape Notoro

Today we photograph the Okhotsk coast and Lake Abashiri, where local fishermen work on the frozen lake. We will also visit Cape Notoro, with its lighthouse on the cliffs facing the Sea of Okhotsk, where drift ice arrives in winter.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Day 10: Haboro

Today we will drive back to the West of Hokkaido. On the road, we will stop in a few spots to photograph the most unknown landscapes of the island. For sunset, we will arrive at a frozen Torii gate. Another peaceful night at our hotel near the village to finish out another day.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Day 12: SAPPORO – End of the trip

Our Japan Winter Photography Tour ends at Sapporo Chitose Airport. I trust you will never forget your passage through time with the photography.

Professional Photographer Guide(s)

Details & Requirements

To provide you with the best experience, please provide the following information:

• Photography Profile: Experience level, primary camera gear, and main objectives.
• Fitness Level: Specify any physical limitations or requirements.
• Companions: If booking for others, include their full name, phone, and email below.
• Group Requests: If traveling with friends, provide their names for rooming coordination.
• Requirements: A passion for photography is mandatory. Non-photographers are welcome.

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