Hokkaido Photo Tour
16th edition
DATES
Jan. 23th to Feb. 3rd, 2027
PRICE
4.550 €
SINGLE ROOM
1.650€
GROUP
Max 4 pax
START & FINISH
Sapporo
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.
Itinerary of the Hokkaido Photography Tour
Day 1: Arrive at Sapporo Chitose Airport
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.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Day 2: Otaru – Volcanoes and Lakes
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.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Days 3, 4 & 5 Biei & Asahikawa Snowscapes
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 at night.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Day 6: Daisetsuzan National Park
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.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Day 7: Akan International Crane Centre
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.
Accommodation: 4* 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: 4* Hotel
Day 9: Lake Tofutsu
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.
Accommodation: 4* 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 11: Sapporo – Torii Gates and Shrines
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.
Accommodation: 4* 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)
Eduardo Fuster
CEO-Owner / Photographer
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.
Details & Requirements
DATES
Nov. 22th to Dec. 5th, 2026
PRICE
5.950 €
SINGLE ROOM
1.650€
GROUP
Max 4 pax
START & FINISH
Tokyo
What’s Included
- Accommodation in twin rooms, private bathroom and breakfast
- Private luxury van during the tour
- Fees and entrances to National Parks
- Photographer Guide
- Basic travel insurance
What’s Excluded
- Flights to & from Sapporo
- Any Private Expenses, including meals
- Tips
- Visa, check if you need
- Anything not mentioned in “Price includes”
DSLR or mirrorless camera, tripod and remote shutter
Wide angle lens (14-24mm as example)
Standard lens (24-70mm as example)
Telephoto lens (70-200mm as example)
Waterproof boots
Headlight
Google Reviews
Paul K.
PhotoWorkd Tours is the best photo company I have traveled with and is a real pleasure to be part of. Eduardo knows the spots to incorporate the local culture into your photos to take them to the next level. Also how to experience the culture in the travel.
I would recommend this company to anyone. Excellent experience.
Andreu F.
Private trip with complete freedom of movement. Eduardo’s professionalism makes any request easy and any problem insignificant.I would recommend this company to anyone. Excellent experience.
Gintis K.
Big thanks to Eduardo from PhotoWorldTours for an unforgettable photo tour in Japan! Everything was super well organized, full of inspiration and great moments – can’t wait to join another adventure.
Reserve your spot
FAQ
This tour is designed for photographers of all levels, but requires a basic level of physical fitness. No strenuous walks is involved, but please ensure you are capable of carrying your camera gear comfortably.
Weather in unpredictible. According to our itinerary we can do editing lessons at our hotels, review your photos and/or visit other cultural spots.
We prioritize small groups, it helps that you can have support from our photo guides during all days and spots. Max group size is 4, doing a really small groups.
Deposits are not refundable, other payments will be refunded according to our cancellation policy.