Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Today you'll arrive in Tokyo, the gateway to our winter photography adventure through Hokkaido and beyond. Tomorrow, we’ll leave the city behind and fly north to the wild, snow-covered landscapes of Japan’s northern frontier.

Day 2: Arrival in Kushiro – Red-Crowned Cranes (B,L,D)
We’ll meet at Haneda Airport for our flight to Kushiro on the island of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost and most dramatic region. Upon arrival, we’ll head straight into the field for our first shoot: the elegant red-crowned cranes of Tsurui. These birds, symbols of longevity and good fortune, perform graceful dances in the snow that look like living brushstrokes on a white canvas. After photographing until sunset, we’ll settle into our lodge in Tsurui, enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner, and relax in a rejuvenating onsen—perfect after a full day in the cold.

Day 3: Tsurui & Lake Kussharo – Cranes, Swans, and Minimalist Landscapes (B,L,D)
This morning begins at a misty river bridge where cranes gather in the golden light of dawn—a truly ethereal scene. We’ll spend the morning photographing the cranes’ elegant movements and perhaps even spot a few shy Ural owls or the fluffy, round Shima-enaga, Japan’s famous “snowball bird.” In the afternoon, we’ll move toward Lake Kussharo, where whooper swans glide through steaming hot springs surrounded by frozen shores. The mix of snow, steam, and golden sunset light creates a painterly atmosphere that perfectly defines winter in Hokkaido.

Day 4: Rausu – Steller’s Sea Eagles and Northern Wildlife (B,L,D)
We’ll travel to the remote fishing town of Rausu, perched on the northeastern tip of Hokkaido overlooking the Kuril Islands. This rugged coastline is home to one of Japan’s most powerful avian predators: the Steller’s sea eagle. We’ll head out on a sea excursion to photograph these massive eagles as they swoop down over the icy waters in search of fish. Later, we’ll visit Notsuke Peninsula—an otherworldly, windswept landscape where sika deer and red foxes roam freely. After dark, we’ll try our luck at photographing the elusive Blakiston’s fish owl, the largest owl species on Earth.

Day 5: Drift Ice Cruise & Journey to Biei (B,L,D)
At sunrise, we’ll embark on a second sea cruise to photograph eagles among the sea ice—a truly bucket-list experience for wildlife photographers. As the eagles land and take off just meters away, you’ll capture the raw beauty and power of Hokkaido’s winter coast. After the cruise, we’ll journey inland, passing through snow-covered forests and mountain valleys on our way to Biei, a region known for its minimalist winter landscapes and pristine stillness.

Day 6: Biei – Trees and Minimalism in the Snow (B,L,D)
Biei is a dreamscape for landscape photographers. Here, single trees stand in vast snowfields, each one a perfect study in balance, composition, and simplicity. We’ll explore the region’s most iconic spots—the famous “Christmas Tree,” the “Seven Stars Tree,” and many lesser-known gems—each offering endless opportunities to play with negative space and subtle tonal variations. This is pure photographic minimalism at its finest.

Day 7: Biei to Sapporo – Torii Gates and Coastal Scenes (B,L,D)
We’ll capture one last sunrise at the “Christmas Tree” before heading south toward Sapporo. Along the way, we’ll stop to photograph dramatic coastal scenes, including torii gates perched on rocky outcrops surrounded by surf. Long exposures work beautifully here, transforming the crashing waves into smooth, ethereal motion—an elegant contrast to the clean lines and geometry of the gates themselves.

Day 8: Yudanaka – Journey to the Snow Monkeys (B,L,D)
Today we’ll fly back to Tokyo and continue by train to Yudanaka, nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture. This area is home to the famous Japanese macaques, known as “snow monkeys,” who spend their winters soaking in natural hot springs. Our traditional ryokan inn here features its own onsen, offering the perfect place to unwind after a travel day surrounded by snow-covered scenery.

Day 9: Jigokudani Snow Monkeys (B,L,D)
We’ll spend the day photographing the snow monkeys of Jigokudani, an experience unlike any other in wildlife photography. These expressive primates lounge in steaming pools surrounded by snowdrifts, their fur glistening with frost. It’s both serene and surreal—nature adapting to winter in its most photogenic form. We’ll arrive early to enjoy quiet, undisturbed shooting before the crowds, then return in the afternoon for golden-hour light as steam rises from the springs.

Day 10: Departure (B,L)
After one final morning with the snow monkeys, we’ll head back to Tokyo by train, arriving by late afternoon. It’s been an extraordinary journey through Japan’s winter wilderness—from dancing cranes to eagles, swans, and snow monkeys. This trip offers the full spectrum of Japan’s natural beauty, combining wildlife encounters, minimalist landscapes, and pristine winter light into one unforgettable photographic expedition.