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Nature & Wildlife Photography Holidays & Tours - All Financially Protected
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Nature & Wildlife Photography Holidays & Tours - All Financially Protected

Winter Wildlife of Japan Photography Tour

7th - 21st Feb. 2026 - Full

One Of The Steller's Sea Eagles Of Hokkaido Takes Flight One Of The Species Featured During Our Japan's Winter Wildlife Photography Holiday

Full

Winter Wildlife of Japan - 7th - 21st Feb. 2026 - Full

Reserve with a deposit of £1600

Make A Booking Enquiry

Embark on an Unforgettable Winter Wildlife Photography Adventure in Japan

Calling all wildlife photography enthusiasts! Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, join Ian & Pui Hang, who have jointly led this tour for 7 years, for an exhilarating 14 night Winter Wildlife of Japan photography tour. Journey through the snow-laden landscapes of Hokkaido & mainland , where breathtaking encounters with iconic species await.

A Trip Perfected Over 12 Years

Since 2014, NaturesLens has been refining this extraordinary tour, crafting an unbeatable itinerary & forging strong partnerships with expert local guides & accommodations. This isn’t just a trip – it’s a meticulously planned adventure designed to deliver unforgettable photographic opportunities.

Capture Japan’s Winter Wonders

From the ethereal beauty of Hokkaido’s frosty wilderness to the enchanting snow monkeys of Yudanaka, this journey is a dream for wildlife photographers. Brace yourself for dramatic landscapes, rare species, & magical winter light – perfect for creating portfolio-worthy images.

Your Photographic Expedition Unfolds …

Prepare for an unforgettable journey through ‘s winter wonderland, where each destination reveals spectacular wildlife encounters & breathtaking photographic opportunities:

Tsurui-mura, Hokkaido

Begin in the picturesque village of Tsurui-mura, where the elegant Red-crowned Crane performs its mesmerising courtship dances against a backdrop of pristine snow.

Lake Kussharo

Venture to this stunning caldera lake, home to graceful Whooper Swans gliding through steaming thermal waters. Keep your lens ready for opportunistic Ezo Red Foxes, often spotted prowling the icy shores.

Rausu, Shiretoko Peninsula

Here, the adventure truly ignites. Board boats to navigate the drift ice, where mighty Steller’s Sea Eagles & White-tailed Eagles swoop down in thrilling displays. With three days on the ice, you’ll have ample chances to capture these majestic raptors in action – no two days are ever the same!

South-East Hokkaido

A two-day stay rounds off your Hokkaido experience with even more wildlife encounters.

Mainland Japan – Snow Monkeys & Mount Fuji

Travel to Yudanaka to photograph the famous snow monkeys soaking in hot springs – a truly iconic scene. Finally, conclude your journey with a spectacular finale: Whooper Swans gliding across a serene lake, framed by the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji.

A True Adventure Experience in Rural Japan

This is a true adventure experience in rural Japan – participants should be prepared for authentic cultural immersion. The cuisine is predominantly Japanese with strong emphasis on seafood, & Western alternatives may be limited. Some accommodations feature traditional tatami mat rooms with futon bedding, particularly in Hokkaido where we embrace the region’s rustic character. While comfortable, these rural locations may lack certain Western amenities – think of it as part of the adventure! Those with specific dietary requirements or mobility concerns should contact us in advance.

More Than Just the Classics

While this trip focuses on Japan’s most sought-after winter species, we also seek out hidden gems like the elusive Ural Owl, ensuring your portfolio stands out from the rest.

Wildlife Photography at Its Best

Throughout the tour, expect unparalleled opportunities to photograph Black-eared Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Hokkaido Sika Deer, Japanese Macaque, Red-crowned Crane, Steller’s Sea Eagle, Ural Owl, Whooper Swan, Ezo Red Fox & Ezo Sika Deer & other remarkable creatures in their winter habitats. With expert guidance & prime locations, you’ll return with not just images, but stories to tell for a lifetime.

Ready for the adventure?

Pack your warmest gear, charge your batteries, & prepare for a winter wildlife photography experience like no other.

Spaces are limited – secure your spot today!

One Of The Whooper Swans Rests On The Frozen Lake With A Fantastic Snowy Backdrop One Of The Species Featured During Our Japan's Winter Wildlife Photography Holiday

Winter Wildlife of Japan Photography Holiday Itinerary

The following is the proposed itinerary for this photography holiday, it should be considered provisional & subject to change.

  • Day 1 - Assemble Haneda - transfer to local hotel, optional evening meal in hotel with group - overnight in Haneda
  • Day 2 - Transfer to Hokkaido, sunset Crane photography - overnight in Tsurui-mura
  • Day 3 - Dawn photography at Otowa Bridge, Crane photography at Tsurumidai & Tsurui Ito - overnight in Tsurui-mura
  • Day 4 - Dawn photography at Otowa Bridge & Crane photography at Akan Crane Centre - transfer to Teshikaga
  • Day 5 - Early morning Swan photography, photography of Bihoro Pass, sunset photography - overnight in Teshikaga
  • Day 6 - Early morning Swan photography - transfer to Rausu - overnight in Rausu
  • Day 7 - Early & mid-morning Steller's Sea Eagle photography, Notsuke Peninsula photography - overnight in Rausu
  • Day 8 - Early & mid-morning Steller's Sea Eagle photography - overnight in Rausu
  • Day 9 - Early & mid-morning Steller's Sea Eagle photography - transfer to South-eastern Hokkaido
  • Day 10 - Morning Sea Eagle photography, Notsuke Peninsula photography - overnight in South-eastern Hokkaido
  • Day 11 - Morning Sea Eagle photography - transfer to Tokyo - overnight in Tokyo
  • Day 12 - transfer to Yudanaka - overnight in Yudanaka
  • Day 13 - Snow Monkey photography - overnight in Yudanaka
  • Day 14 - Snow Monkey photography, Transfer to Five-Lakes area, sunset photography of Mt. Fuji - overnight Five-Lakes Area
  • Day 15 - Sunrise photography of Mt. Fuji - transfer to Tokyo
One Of The White Tailed Eagles Of Hokkaido In A Dive One Of The Species Featured During Our Japan's Winter Wildlife Photography Holiday

Winter Wildlife of Japan Photography Holiday Highlights

We have taken care to refine the itinerary for this wildlife photography holiday; as such, we consider the following to be amongst the highlights of this tour.

  • Capture images of the 'dancing' red-crowned cranes
  • Capture images of the iconic snow monkeys at their thermal spa
  • Capture images of the native Ural Owls
  • Capture images of whooper swans on a lake with mount fuji as the backdrop
  • Six boat trips to photograph the Steller's & White-Tailed Sea Eagles
  • Spend two mornings photographing Black-eared Kites, Steller's & White-Tailed Sea Eagles fighting on a frozen lake
  • Great guide to client ratio of no more than 1:4
  • Guided by Ian & Pui Hangrts for NaturesLens
  • Stay for 14 nights on a half board, non-shared basis
  • Single occupancy accommodation is provided at no extra cost to you
A Trio Of Japanese Sika Deer On A Snow Covered Penninsula One Of The Species Featured During Our Japan's Winter Wildlife Photography Holiday.jpg

What Do You Need To Bring With You?

The items listed below are intended as guidance rather than requirements. They outline optional and recommended clothing & camera equipment to help you prepare for the conditions and photographic opportunities you may encounter.

Clothing We Recommend

Clothing suggestions for the conditions expected.

  • Clothing suitable for very cold conditions
  • Warm layers for early mornings & evenings
  • Windproof & waterproof outer layers
  • Footwear for very cold conditions
  • Warm hat & gloves
  • Sunglasses

Camera Equipment We Recommend

Suggested camera equipment for the opportunities expected.

  • DSLR or mirrorless camera body
  • Spare camera body
  • Spare batteries, charger & memory cards
  • Wide-angle lens (e.g. 14–24mm, 16–35mm)
  • Standard zoom lens (e.g. 24–70mm, 24–105mm)
  • Telephoto zoom lens (e.g. 70–200mm, 100–400mm, 200–600mm)
  • Super-telephoto lens (e.g. 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, 800mm)
  • Tripod or Monopod
  • Camera rain cover or waterproof protection
  • Lens cleaning kit
  • Camera backpack or suitable carry-on bag
  • Laptop or storage device for image backup
A Trio Of The Japanese Red Crowned Cranes In Flight One Of The Species Featured During Our Japan's Winter Wildlife Photography Holiday
One Of The Snow Monkeys Or Japanese Macaques Of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Leaps Across A Stream One Of The Species Featured During Our Japan's Winter Wildlife Photography Holiday

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance – it is a requirement when booking on any wildlife photography holiday scheduled by NaturesLens that you have adequate travel insurance, we suggest a policy from TrailFinders or Campbell Irvine.

One Of The Black Eared Kites In Flight Over A Frozen Lake One Of The Species Featured During Our Japan's Winter Wildlife Photography Holiday

Several of the photos shown on this page are chosen from those contributed by Ian Roberts; Ian co-guides a number of trips & leads our Skomer workshops, our Winter Wildlife of Japan Photography Holiday is, for 2026, being led by Ian & Pui Hang.

What's Included & What's Not Included On The Winter Wildlife of Japan Photography Holiday

Before booking the Winter Wildlife of Japan Photography Holiday, we recommend reviewing what is included in the trip price, along with any items that are not. This helps ensure you have a clear understanding of what is covered, allowing you to focus fully on the photographic experience.

Included In The Trip Price

Most services & experiences are included in the trip price.

  • Guidance from our experienced team members
  • Accommodation
  • Internal transfers
  • Park fees
  • Boat trips
  • Permits
  • Meals on a half board basis

Not Included In The Trip Price

Some items & services are not included in the trip price.

  • International flights
  • Internal flights
  • Camera equipment
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • All drinks

Additional Information

NaturesLens photography holidays do not include flights unless it is explicitly stated on the event page. When it is time to book your flights, we will send you the details in plenty of time to allow for bookings at the best available price.

The photography holiday itinerary is subject to change & is to be considered provisional.

NaturesLens photography holidays require a minimum number of participants in order to be viable. If this minimum number is not met, the photography holiday may not go ahead.

In the event that the minimum number for a photography holiday to go ahead is not reached, NaturesLens reserves the right to cancel any given photography holiday. In that event 100% of monies received will be returned. However, NaturesLens is not responsible for expenses incurred by its customers.

Not all mentioned wildlife can be observed & photographed at all times of the year, thus some activities may be considered seasonal & not available.

Please note the cuisine on many of the NaturesLens photography holidays is authentic & typical of the region in which you are travelling. International or western cuisine is often NOT available. If you have any concerns over the food arrangements or have any special dietary requirements, please contact us prior to making a booking.

All personal luggage are the responsibility of the owner & we request that photography holiday participants limit their luggage to the equivalent of one suitcase, one flight bag, one camera bag & tripod. We do not wish to appear dictatorial in this matter & the request is made to ensure space & comfort for everyone in our vehicles.

NaturesLens & its agents act only as agents for the passenger in all matters relating to travel arrangements, & as such, do not assume responsibility for injury, accident, damage, loss, delay or irregularity which may occur via defect of transportation or any other cause.

NaturesLens reserves the right to substitute hotels, & other previously outlined arrangements as necessary, to either improve or equal the travel experience.

NaturesLens reserves the right to pass on to photography holiday participants any additional & unplanned expenditure incurred during a photography holiday, via events beyond the control of NaturesLens. NaturesLens reserves the right to accept or decline any person as a member of any photography holiday.

Payment of a deposit by photography holiday participants or their representative constitutes their acceptance of all conditions contained herein.

All bookings are made subject to our terms & conditions.

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