Few places on Earth transform as beautifully in winter as Japan. From the snow-covered plains of Hokkaido to the steamy hot springs of Jigokudani, this island nation becomes a living canvas of light, texture, and motion. For photographers, it’s a season of elegance and contrast—where red-crowned cranes dance through falling snow, Steller’s sea eagles soar over drift ice, and snow monkeys soak peacefully in misty pools.

We’re thrilled to announce our newest photography workshop: Japan in Winter—a 10-day adventure designed to capture the quiet power and natural artistry of Japan’s frozen season.

A Winter Wonderland for Photographers

Our journey begins in Hokkaido, Japan’s northern frontier, where vast white landscapes and pristine air set the stage for incredible photography. In the Kushiro region, we’ll witness one of nature’s most graceful performances—the red-crowned cranes of Tsurui. As they dance through the snow, their movements feel like brushstrokes on a white canvas—a living painting that embodies balance, beauty, and tranquility.
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From there, we’ll explore Lake Kussharo, where whooper swans glide through steaming hot springs surrounded by ice. The surreal atmosphere—golden light, mist, and frozen shores—creates dreamlike compositions that define the minimalist aesthetic so central to Japanese art and photography.

Epic Wildlife Encounters in Hokkaido

Next, we travel to Rausu, a rugged fishing village on the Sea of Okhotsk, where the icy shoreline becomes the stage for one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Here, Steller’s sea eagles—massive, powerful, and strikingly beautiful—dive and soar among the drift ice. Shooting from small boats puts us right in the action, capturing dramatic scenes that feel both wild and intimate.
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We’ll also venture into the forests at night, searching for the elusive Blakiston’s fish owl, the largest owl species on Earth. For those who love rare wildlife moments, this region delivers in every way.

The Minimalist Beauty of Biei

From the coast, we’ll head inland to Biei, where snow-covered hills roll endlessly beneath soft winter light. This area is a haven for landscape photographers who love clean lines and simple, balanced compositions. Solitary trees, gentle slopes, and quiet skies create a sense of harmony and stillness that’s both meditative and deeply photographic.
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Each scene offers the chance to explore negative space and subtle tonal contrast—turning simplicity into something profound.

A Perfect Finale: The Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani

Our journey concludes in the mountains of central Honshu, where Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, soak in natural hot springs as snow drifts gently around them. Found nowhere else in the world, this behavior is as captivating as it is photogenic.
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Photographing these expressive primates—steam rising, snowflakes falling—provides a moving and unforgettable finale to our winter adventure through Japan.

All-Inclusive and Expertly Guided

As always, this Backcountry Journeys workshop is all-inclusive, covering accommodations, transportation, internal flights, and most meals. You’ll travel in a small group of just ten photographers with expert guidance every step of the way—so you can focus entirely on creativity and connection in the field.
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From cranes and eagles to snow monkeys and minimalist landscapes, Japan in Winter is a study in natural elegance. Each day brings a new scene, a new subject, and endless opportunities to refine your craft amid one of the world’s most photogenic winter landscapes.

Join us for this extraordinary new adventure and experience Japan at its most serene and beautiful.