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

Day 1 (Arrival Day)

Arrive to Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan and independently check in at our selected airport hotel. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 (B,D)

Meet at 8 AM for a trip orientation and group breakfast. Afterwards, we'll fly from Tokyo to Kushiro, then transfer to Tsurui.

Tsurui is renowned for its stunning photo opportunities, especially in the winter season. This village is particularly famous for its resident Red-Crowned Cranes, known for their elegant beauty and striking red crowns. These magnificent birds provide captivating subjects for photography enthusiasts.

The evening offers a magical spectacle as the cranes return to the river at dusk, creating an awe-inspiring scene for spectacular photo sessions. You'll spend the night in a local inn in Tsurui, experiencing authentic Japanese hospitality.

Day 3  (B,L,D)

We'll start with early morning birding at Otowa Bridge, a renowned spot for observing the elegant Red-crowned Cranes. This location offers a remarkable opportunity to photograph these majestic birds, especially during sunrise when they are most active.

In the afternoon, your visit to the Tsurui Ito Tancho Sanctuary will enhance this experience. The sanctuary, established by the Wild Bird Society of Japan, is a significant feeding ground for the cranes and becomes a popular photo spot during the feeding season from November to March. Here, photographers line up to capture the beautiful scenes of cranes feeding and taking flight. In February, the cranes begin their famous mating ritutal, get your camera ready!

Day 4 (B,L,D)

We'll visit Lake Mashu, known for its crystal-clear waters and often regarded as Japan's most beautiful lake. This caldera lake in Akan Mashu National Park is celebrated for its stunning blue water and is surrounded by heavy fog, adding a mystical ambiance. Observation decks offer panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding caldera.

Then, we'll proceed to Lake Kussharo, the park's largest lake, famous for its swans and ducks attracted by hot springs that melt areas of the ice, creating a unique and captivating sight for photography. The natural beauty of these lakes offers endless possibilities for capturing the serene winter landscapes of Hokkaido.

Days 5-6 (B,L,D)

We dedicate two days to Lake Kussharo, where we'll have the opportunity to photograph the stunning winter landscape and the wildlife that inhabits the area. Lake Kussharo, a part of Akan Mashu National Park, is especially famous for the Whooper Swans that migrate here during the winter months, offering a breathtaking sight against the snow-covered backdrop. The lake's surface freezes in the middle, but its shores, warmed by thermal springs, provide a haven for these swans. This setting, combined with the presence of other bird species like the White-tailed Eagles and scenic views of the surrounding landscape, makes Lake Kussharo an ideal spot for winter photography.

Day 7 (B,L,D)

We'll explore the wildlife-rich Notsuke Peninsula, renowned for its diverse bird species, including short-eared owls, and the Ural owl, as well as Ezo sika deer and playful Ezo red foxes. In the evening, your visit to Rausu will be highlighted by a session observing Blakiston's Fish Owl, the world's largest owl species, along the Chitorai River. This rare and critically endangered species is a captivating subject for wildlife photography. The diversity of birdlife, including the majestic Steller’s sea eagles, and other wildlife, makes this day a highlight for nature photographers and enthusiasts.

Day 8 (B,L,D)

We'll embark on an early morning boat cruise from Rausu, providing a spectacular opportunity to view and photograph a range of sea birds, including the iconic Steller’s Sea Eagle. This area, especially during winter, is a haven for these magnificent birds due to the drift ice bringing in fish.

After the cruise, we'll transfer to Nemuro, a prime birding location, for another boat cruise. Here, you can expect to see a variety of bird species in diverse habitats, enriching your photography and bird-watching experience. The scenic beauty of the Nemuro Peninsula and the variety of wildlife it offers make this day a highlight of the tour

Day 9 (B,L,D)

Prepare to experience the rich birdlife of Lake Furen, a renowned feeding site for Steller's and White-tailed Eagles. This area is abundant with wildlife, especially in winter, making it a prime spot for eagle watching.

Following Lake Furen, we'll explore Cape Kiritappu and its wetlands, known for diverse bird species, offering unique photography opportunities. The Cape's dramatic landscape, along with the wildlife at Lake Furen, will provide a fulfilling day.

Day 10 (B,D)

Our journey takes us from Kushiro to Tokyo via an internal flight, followed by a trip to Yudanaka Onsen. Yudanaka Onsen is a historic hot spring resort town, offering a tranquil retreat with numerous traditional ryokans and onsens. The town provides a peaceful and rejuvenating experience, where you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of natural hot springs. It's a perfect place to relax after exploring the wildlife of Hokkaido, allowing you to soak in the warm waters while reflecting on the adventures of the past days.

The town's atmosphere becomes more traditional as you move upwards from the station, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich onsen culture. Another special resident resides here, which will be our focus for the next two days - the Japanese macaque (also known as the snow monkey)!

Days 11-12 (B,L,D)

We'll be visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to the famous anow monkeys. These Japanese macaques bathe in the park's natural hot springs, providing unique and captivating photo opportunities. The park, set in the monkey's natural habitat within the forests of the Jigokudani Valley, allows you to observe these monkeys from a close distance.

They are accustomed to humans and can be seen engaging in various social interactions. The park is especially photogenic during winter when the area is covered in snow. Our visits to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, combined with the tranquil atmosphere of Yudanaka Onsen, promises a memorable photographic experience.

Day 13 (B,L,D)

We'll have a final photography session with the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park. This last opportunity allows you to capture any missed moments and bid farewell to these unique subjects. After this memorable session, we'll transfer back to Tokyo, marking the conclusion of an incredible photographic journey through the winter landscapes and wildlife of Japan!

Day 14 (B)

After breakfast, airport transfers are provided to either Toyko airport. Flights home can be booked at any time.