Japan [Private tour]: Winter Wildlife Photography

Upon arriving we will get our first sight of the endangered red-crowned cranes as we visit the Akan International Crane Center. After the visit we will head into Kushiro to get checked in and settle down for the evening. (O/N Kushiro)

We are out early to photograph the red-crowned cranes before making the long drive to Beie. Along the way we will stop as the countryside catches our eyes. (O/N Beie)

Arriving in Biei, we explore the rolling landscapes for minimalist landscapes both unique and some that are becoming iconic for the region. We will also visit the Blue Ponds and Shirohige Falls. Both these locations offer beautiful blue waters when the light it right. (O/N Beie)

Leaving the manicured agricultural fields behind, we head for the western coastline. Haboro, a small fishing village, offers a great base to create images of juxtaposition between tetrapods and the waves as well as a beautiful torii gate that stands at the edge of the ocean, surrounded by the waters at high tide. (O/N Haboro)

Here we cross to the northeastern coastline in order to photograph the largest lake in Hokkaido, Saromako. As large as the surface is, it is not very deep and thus freezes over in large swaths setting the scene for more minimalist winter images. (O/N Lake Saroma)

We take a full day to explore the lake and surrounding areas, stopping when things catch our interest. (O/N Lake Saroma)

From the sea and lakes, we drive up into the mountains to Lake Kussharo. This is the largest caldera lake in Japan and there is geothermal activity still to this day as evidenced by warm sandy spots and the hot spring outflows along the shore. Here several hundred whooper swans gather during the winter and we will take this time to photograph them in the evening on this day. (O/N Kussharo)

We will take this morning to again photograph the swans along the lake while keeping an eye out for long-tailed tits and wood nuthatches. After a morning of shooting we will collect our belongings and make the trek off the mountain and towards the northeastern coastline to the small fishing village of Rausu. Located on the UNESCO Natural Heritage site and on the boarder of the Shiretoko National Park, Rausu is a hub of natural wonders. (O/N Rausu)

Depending on the weather conditions, we will either be up very early or just early to catch out boat out onto the Nemuro Strait where we will be able to photograph the vulnerable Steller’s sea eagles and White-tailed sea eagles amongst the drift ice. Out for several hours, we will return to warm up at the hotel. Early afternoon we will head out to explore further looking for the endemic species of fox – the Ezo red fox. Sika deer, short eared owls, and more eagles can potentially be seen as well. (O/N Rausu)

Depending on the weather conditions, we will either be up very early or just early to catch out boat out onto the Nemuro Strait where we will be able to photograph the vulnerable Steller’s sea eagles and White-tailed sea eagles amongst the drift ice. Out for several hours, we will depart Rausu for Nemuro, another port city further south. On the way we stop to look for more wildlife along the coast in several places. (O/N Nemuro)

Each morning, we will gather and head out to the frozen lakes to watch eagles (and maybe fox) come to scavenge the leavings of ice fishermen. Beyond that we will continue to search for fox, swans, owls, and deer. (O/N Nemuro)

We pack up and head to Kushiro for a bit more time with the cranes, having made a complete circuit of this rural and beautiful land. (O/N Kushiro)

Up early we make the drive out into the rural countryside to photograph the red crowned cranes from several locations throughout the morning. Taking a break for lunch, we will have the option to either stay in Kushiro and explore the town or we can photograph the cranes one final time. (O/N Kushiro)

As all good things do, this is when the tour comes to an end. We get up early in order to make the drive to Kushiro airport for flights out of Hokkaido. You will most like want early flights to account for any weather delays between Hokkaido and Tokyo.