Tour Plan

Day 1. Ebisu Rock (Arrival)

Meeting in Sapporo airport. Transfer to Yoichi.

Located off the coast of the Shakotan Peninsula in Hokkaido, Japan, Ebisu Rock and Daikoku Rock are striking sea stacks named after the Japanese gods of fishermen and prosperity, respectively.

These rugged formations rise dramatically from the sea, offering stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset when they are beautifully silhouetted against the colorful sky.

The area is renowned for its natural beauty, with sheer cliffs, clear waters, and abundant marine life. Easily accessible from the town of Shakotan, these rocks hold cultural significance and are popular spots for sightseeing and photography, providing a blend of natural wonder and cultural heritage.

2-3 days. Biei and Shirogane.

Experience the serene and minimalist beauty of Hokkaido’s winter landscapes in Biei and Shirogane. These regions are renowned for their expansive, snow-covered fields, gentle rolling hills, and isolated trees that provide perfect subjects for minimalist photography.

Key Highlights:

Patchwork Road: Capture the vast, undulating fields covered in pristine snow, with lone trees and farmhouses creating simple yet stunning compositions.
Mild Seven Hill: Photograph the iconic solitary trees and gently sloping hills, embodying the serene essence of Hokkaido’s winter scenery.
Blue Pond (Aoiike): Marvel at the ethereal beauty of the frozen pond, surrounded by snow-laden trees, offering a dreamlike, minimalistic scene.
Shirahige Falls: Capture the unique patterns of the waterfall against a snowy backdrop, creating compelling and dramatic images.
Shirogane Onsen: Explore the tranquil, snow-covered landscapes around the hot springs, with steam rising against the snow for unique photo opportunities.
Biei River: Photograph the peaceful river with its snow-covered banks and icy waters, providing striking, minimalist compositions.
Panorama Road: Enjoy wide-open, sweeping views of the snow-blanketed landscape, ideal for capturing the vastness and simplicity of winter.
Shirogane Waterfall: Interpret the dramatic interplay of light, snow, and water at sunset, creating beautiful, minimalist images.

This tour offers a rich tapestry of winter landscapes, perfect for photographers seeking to capture the quiet, minimalist beauty of Hokkaido in winter.

Day 4: Swans in Lake Kosher

Key Highlights:
- Lake Kussharo: We start our tour at Lake Kussharo, a caldera lake famous for its abundant whooper swans. The geothermal activity keeps parts of the lake unfrozen, creating an enchanting setting where swans gather amidst the steam and snow.
- Morning Mist: Photograph swans gliding gracefully on the lake in the early morning, surrounded by mist rising from the warm waters. The soft light and misty atmosphere enhance the ethereal beauty of the scene.
- Swan Interactions: Capture intimate moments of swan behavior, including their elegant swimming, feeding, and social interactions. The serene, snowy backdrop provides excellent conditions for minimalist compositions.
- Scenic Landscapes: Use the surrounding landscapes, including snow-covered shores and forest covered hills, to frame your shots and add depth to your compositions.

Day 5: Eagles in Rausu

Rausu Harbor: we will travel to Rausu and embark on a morning boat tour to photograph Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles. Witness these powerful birds as they soar, fish, and interact against the dramatic backdrop of drifting sea ice and the rugged coastline.
Eagle Action Shots: Capture dynamic images of eagles diving for fish, battling mid-air, and perching on the ice. The combination of the icy landscape and the eagles’ striking plumage offers incredible photographic opportunities.
Close-Up Portraits: Utilize telephoto lenses to take detailed close-ups of the eagles, highlighting their fierce expressions, sharp talons, and intricate feather patterns.
Seascape Backdrop: Try to Incorporate the stunning seascapes and the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk to add dramatic context to your eagle photos, emphasizing the wild and rugged beauty of their habitat.

We will have a remarkable opportunity to photograph two of Hokkaido’s iconic bird species, offering us the chance to capture the serene elegance of whooper swans and the majestic power of Steller’s sea eagles against the breathtaking winter landscapes of Hokkaido.

6-8 Days. Cranes in Winter Hokkaido

Experience the grace and elegance of red-crowned cranes in their natural winter habitat on a two-day photo tour in Hokkaido. These majestic birds are a symbol of longevity and happiness in Japan, and capturing them in the snowy landscape is a unique and rewarding experience for photographers.

Key Highlights:

Tsurui Village: We will visit Tsurui, a renowned sanctuary for red-crowned cranes. Early morning light and mist rising from the rivers provide a magical backdrop for photographing cranes as they perform their elegant dances and interactions.
Akan International Crane Center: Photograph cranes up close in this dedicated conservation area. The center offers opportunities to capture these beautiful birds in flight, feeding, and engaging in social behaviors against the pristine snow.
Otowa Bridge: Capture the iconic sight of cranes roosting in the Setsuri River at dawn. The river’s misty, ethereal atmosphere in the early morning light creates stunning, dramatic images of the cranes as they wake and take flight.
Snow-Covered Fields: Explore the surrounding snow-covered fields where cranes forage and interact. The stark white landscape provides a perfect backdrop for minimalist compositions, highlighting the cranes’ striking black and white plumage.
Sunset Shoots: We will conclude our days with sunset shoots, capturing the warm hues of the setting sun reflecting off the snowy landscape and the cranes silhouetted against the sky.

Days 9-10. Winter Photo Shooting of Snow Monkeys. (Flight from Kushiro to tokyo)

Capture the unique charm and behavior of Japan’s snow monkeys, also known as Japanese macaques, in their natural winter habitat.

Key Highlights:

Jigokudani Monkey Park: Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Jigokudani is famous for its population of wild snow monkeys. The park provides a rare opportunity to see and photograph these macaques up close as they soak in natural hot springs, surrounded by snow-covered landscapes.
Hot Springs Bathing: The sight of snow monkeys relaxing in steaming hot springs is both captivating and unique. Capture intimate shots of their expressions and interactions as they enjoy the warm water, with the steam creating a mystical atmosphere.
Natural Behaviors: Observe and photograph a variety of natural behaviors, including grooming, playing, and foraging in the snow. The monkeys’ social dynamics and interactions provide endless opportunities for compelling wildlife photography.
Close-Up Portraits: Utilize zoom lenses to capture detailed portraits of the monkeys, highlighting their expressive faces and thick, winter coats. The contrast between their warm fur and the snowy surroundings makes for striking images.
Scenic Backdrop: The park’s mountainous terrain, covered in snow, offers a stunning natural backdrop. Use the landscape to frame your shots, adding depth and context to your photographs of the monkeys.
Seasonal Beauty: Winter transforms Jigokudani into a picturesque wonderland. The combination of snow, ice, and the steaming hot springs creates a visually stunning environment that enhances the overall photographic experience.