Japanese Wildlife in Winter Photography Tour
Last Place
Reserve with a deposit of £1600
No payment is taken at enquiry stage. We confirm availability first, then send booking forms and deposit payment details. Please read our booking conditions and financial protection information before paying a deposit.
Japanese Wildlife in Winter - 6th - 20th Feb 2027 - Was: £8499 Now: £6499 - Single occupancy
No payment is taken at enquiry stage. We confirm availability first, then send booking forms and deposit payment details. Please read our booking conditions and financial protection information before paying a deposit.
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 David & Ian, 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 Japan, where breathtaking encounters with iconic species await. Explore all of our wildlife photography holidays in Japan.
A Trip Perfected Over 13 Years
Since 2013, 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 Images of the Japanese Wildlife in Winter
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 Japan‘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
Photographic opportunities, at the locations found on this trip, should provide opportunities for capturing images of various species, including Black-eared Kite, Ezo Flying Squirrel, Ezo Red Fox, Ezo Red Squirrel, Ezo Sika Deer, Hokkaido Sika Deer, Japanese Macaque, Long-tailed Tit, Red-crowned Crane, Steller's Sea Eagle, Ural Owl, White-tailed Eagle & Whooper Swan.
& other remarkable creatures in their winter habitats. With experienced 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!
This holiday’s species selection contributes to the NaturesLens winter photography portfolio, aligning with the seasonal wildlife behaviour & visual character that define our winter journeys. See how this departure connects with others by visiting our winter wildlife photography tours.
This trip is one of our wildlife photography holidays in Japan & part of our programme of Asian wildlife photography holidays.
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
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 David & Ianrts for NaturesLens
- Stay for 14 nights on a half board, non-shared basis
- Single occupancy accommodation is provided at no extra cost to you
What Do You Need To Bring With You?
The items listed below are intended as guidance rather than requirements. They outline optional & recommended clothing & camera equipment to help you prepare for the conditions & photographic opportunities you may encounter.
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
Suggested camera equipment for the opportunities expected.
- DSLR or mirrorless camera body
- Spare camera body
- Spare batteries, charger & memory cards
- Super-telephoto lens (e.g. 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, 800mm)
- Camera rain cover or waterproof protection
- Lens cleaning kit
- Camera backpack or suitable carry-on bag
- Laptop or storage device for image backup
- Tripod, monopod or bean bag
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.
What's Included & What's Not Included On The Japanese Wildlife in Winter Photography Holiday
Before booking the Japanese Wildlife in Winter 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.
Most services & experiences are included in the trip price.
- Guidance from our experienced team members
- Accommodation on a Single occupancy basis
- Internal transfers
- Park fees
- Boat trips
- Permits
- Meals on a half board basis
Some items & services are not included in the trip price.
- International flights
- Internal flights
- Camera equipment
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- All drinks
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.
Travel with us for an amazing winter wildlife photography holiday, to photograph the Japanese Wildlife in Winter, focused on Swans, Cranes, snow monkeys & sea eagles.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the questions we are most commonly asked about this photography tour, covering everything from accommodation, transport & group size through to photography opportunities, fitness requirements & what to expect in the field. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re always happy to discuss any aspect of the trip before you book.