Hokkaido: Japan’s Northern Paradise
Workshop Information Packet

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Contents:

I. General Information

II. To Do Checklist

III. Daily Itinerary

IV. FAQs

Hokkaido: Japan’s Northern Paradise
General Information

 

Welcome!
Thanks again for joining our 2027 Hokkaido: Japan’s Northern Paradise Photography Adventure! We know you’re as excited us to begin our adventure! But first, a bit of planning is needed to make sure everything goes smoothly. This document contains important information to help you prepare for our journey. Please take the time to read it carefully.

Workshop Dates: February 24–March 5, 2027

Workshop Overview
The workshop begins any time before 4pm when we meet you upon your arrival at our Tokyo Hotel (Shinagawa Prince Hotel) in Tokyo, Japan on February 24, 2027 (or earlier). From there, we begin our journey north to explore the wintry landscapes and extraordinary wildlife of Japan’s northernmost island. The workshop concludes when we drop you off at Haneda Airport on March 5, 2027, in time for your international flight home.

In between, we will explore and photograph the snow-covered wilderness of Hokkaido, capturing iconic species such as Red-crowned Cranes, Stellar’s Sea Eagles, Ezo Red Foxes, and the elusive Blakiston’s Fish Owl. Along the way, we’ll also experience traditional Japanese culture, cuisine, and the warmth of local hospitality, all set against a dramatic winter backdrop of mountains, forests, and frozen lakes.

Take a look at the Daily Itinerary in this packet or on the workshop page of our website for more details about the locations we will visit and the things we can expect to see and photograph throughout our journey.

Balance of Fees
The balance of your workshop fees is due as follows:

  • Payment #2: $3000 due June 24, 2026

  • Remaining balance: due by October 24, 2026 - the exact amount depends on options selected such as single lodging and extra hotel nights.

You will receive an invoice by email after registration that contains all charges, payments and due dates related to this workshop. Click the link in the invoice to access your Customer Portal where you can make payments, view or download statements, receipts and more at your convenience. 

Health/Medical

Immunizations – there are no specific immunization requirements to enter Japan, but you should consult with your doctor or travel clinic about any recommended vaccinations. The U.S. CDC website also contains general information which may be useful.

Prescription Medications – pack an adequate supply of any prescription medications (and supplements) you take, as they may not be available in Japan. I also always carry a course of antibiotics when traveling, just in case. You can request a prescription for ‘traveler’s diarrhea’ from your health provider or travel clinic. 

Allergies – please let us know about any allergies you have AND the severity of your reactions. It is your responsibility to carry appropriate medications (e.g. Epi Pen) in case of accidental exposure.

Travel Logistics & Documents

International Flights –

Inbound – Book your flights to arrive at Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo by 1pm on February 24. Hotels in Tokyo are easily accessible from Haneda Airport by train or taxi.

Outbound – Schedule your departing international flight from Haneda (HND) for 8:00 PM or later on March 5, to allow ample time for your domestic connection from Hokkaido.

Extra hotel nights – if you are arriving in Tokyo before February 24, just let us know your itinerary specifics and we will book the additional hotel nights for you as needed (~$165/night including breakfast).

Passport – now is the time to double-check the expiration date of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months past the date you will depart Japan.

Visas/ETA’s

American citizens – U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to visit Japan for tourism stays of 90 days or less.
No Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required currently.

Other Nationalities– Please check here to determine if a visa is required

Travel Insurance – a policy which includes coverage for medical evacuation is mandatory for workshop participants. Please forward us a copy of your travel insurance policy (summary page is fine). The primary purpose of this requirement is in case of medical emergency, cost should not be a consideration in getting you quality medical care. Policies that cover medical evacuation as well as other things like trip cancellation, travel delays, lost luggage, theft/loss, etc. are widely available and reasonably priced.

Notify Banks & Credit Cards – notify your financial institutions about your travel plans to prevent problems using credit cards or ATM’s while traveling.

Phone Carrier – look into your phone carrier’s international roaming policies and rates BEFORE leaving home or you may return to an extremely expensive bill. You may want to pre-purchase a data plan from your carrier.

WhatsApp – is a free communications app that is used widely outside of the US. We will be using this for inter group communications. Please download & install WhatsApp and create an account before arriving in Japan. You may want to also want to have your loved ones at home install this app also.

What to Pack
February and early March are peak winter in Hokkaido, bringing cold temperatures, snowfall, and often clear, crisp light—ideal for wildlife photography. Snow-covered landscapes and icy lakes provide dramatic backdrops for the species we’ll encounter. Be prepared for windy conditions and extended time outdoors.

Layered, insulated, and waterproof clothing is essential to stay warm and comfortable during our photography sessions, especially in the early morning and evening.

Historical averages for our dates in Hokkaido:

Daytime Highs: 23°F – 32°F
Overnight Lows: 10°F – 20°F

Clothing & Personal Items – as always, layering is the key to staying warm, dry and comfortable as conditions and activity levels change. The following are general recommendations for the essentials and not intended to be a complete packing list.

  • Base layers (top & bottom) – A good set of merino wool or synthetic base layers will help preserve body heat, especially during times we are standing in one spot for an extended time (e.g. night photography).

  • Mid Layers – down jackets/vests, wool sweaters, soft shell or fleece are good options for your mid-layers. Lined pants made for cold weather or heavyweight corduroy on top of your base layer are the best option to keep your legs warm. Jeans are NOT a good choice.

  • Outer Layers – a well-insulated parka and ski pants/bib (or similar). Rain is possible so waterproof materials or a separate rain jacket are recommended.

  • Warm socks – merino wool again or synthetic.  A very thin pair next to the skin with a thicker second pair on top work best.

  • Snow boots –We will be walking in snowy/ icy terrain at times.

  • Crampons- We will be walking in snowy/ icy terrain at times; crampons will be helpful if conditions are icy.

  • Gloves - a pair of thin gloves that will let you work camera controls without removing them should be enough but those whose hands get cold easily may want a pair of mittens as well. There are also several options photography-specific gloves/mittens also, but we don’t have any particular recommendations. Ask our friends Google and Amazon and do your research

  • Heated clothing (optional) –there are many options now for heated jackets, vests, and gloves powered by rechargeable batteries. Most work quite well but may not last an entire day and you must recharge batteries nightly. Make sure to pack the batteries in your carry-on luggage, as they are not allowed in checked baggage.

  • Warm hat or beanie

  • Balaclava, scarf or buff – to protect your face and neck

  • Polarized Sunglasses

  • Hand & Toe warmers – optional but handy especially if your extremities get cold easily.

Photo Gear – it’s tempting to bring everything you own, but that usually works against you. If you decide to bring the kitchen sink, we strongly recommend bringing a smaller camera bag/backpack that you are comfortable carrying all day as well.  We’re happy to give more specific brand/model recommendations for specific items. Just ask.

  • Camera Body – 1 or 2 camera bodies. Mirrorless cameras, especially models that have animal eye-tracking are truly game changers for wildlife photography – highly recommended. Bring a paper or electronic copy of your camera’s operating manual. Your smartphone is also a great camera – don’t forget it.

  • Lenses:

    • Your longest lens(es) will be the workhorse of this trip. It should reach at least 400mm, preferably 500mm+ before adding teleconverters. Even with large animals you simply cannot have too much ‘reach’.

    • A medium telephoto like a 70-200mm zoom will also be useful for isolating landscape details and creating compression.

    • Wide-angle(s) (24mm or less, 15mm ideal) will likely be your workhorse for this trip as we will be shooting a lot of landscapes and night photography

  • Filters – a polarizer and ND filter can be nice to have with varying lighting situations.

  • Extra Batteries and Memory cards – you will be shooting a lot, maybe more than you ever have. Bring PLENTY of memory cards and batteries. You should NOT erase/overwrite any memory cards until you get home, even if you have downloaded the images to your laptop or hard drive.

  • Tripod – sturdy, but light with a ballhead is ideal. Your tripod should be tall enough WITHOUT the center column extended that you don’t have to bend over uncomfortably. Hand holding extreme telephoto lenses is not ideal for best results

  • Small Camera bag/daypack – you don’t always need all your gear. A small bag for personal items and a few phot essential is very handy and a back-saver.

  • Headlamp – MUCH better than a flashlight because it leaves both hands free. Make sure yours has a red-light option for night photography

  • Remote release (optional)

  • Cleaning Kit – nothing fancy, a lens cloth, cleaning fluid and a small brush/toothbrush are all you need

  • Accessories – make sure to pack critical accessories like your camera battery charger, memory card reader, data cables and tripod quick-release plates!

Other Gear

  • Laptop or tablet –highly recommended. Your photography will improve if you review your images daily. Doing preliminary selects and ratings also makes the mountain of images more manageable when you get home. We will also have several sessions on post processing and image management in Adobe Lightroom.

  • Portable hard drive - ideal for image storage/backup. If you are purchasing one, look for a solid-state (SSD) type that is  “bus powered” – a drive that gets its power from the computer and does not require a separate power cord (most SSD’s are bus powered).  1TB capacity minimum, 2TB is better.

  • Power adapters – Japan uses 100-volt electricity with Type A and Type B outlets (same as in the U.S. and Canada), though the voltage is lower than in most other countries.

  • Most U.S. devices will not need an adapter or converter.

  • If your plug has only two flat prongs (Type A), it will fit directly. If it has a third-round prong (grounded Type B), make sure the outlet accepts it—or bring a 2-prong plug adapter just in case.

  • Universal adapters can also be used, especially if you’re coming from Europe or other regions.

  • A small travel-rated power strip is handy for charging multiple devices at once (just make sure it supports 100V).

  • Voltage converters are not needed for most devices like phones, tablets, laptops, camera battery chargers, and other low-wattage electronics—they handle 100–240V automatically.

  • For high-wattage items like hair dryers or curling irons, check the voltage rating. If your device only works at 220–240V, it will not function properly in Japan without a converter.

  • Here’s a helpful article on travel adapters and voltage if you want more details.

  • Chargers and cables for your mobile phone and other electronics

  • Power bank – extremely handy when traveling. You can even use it to charge a camera battery in a pinch (USB battery charger required)

  • Phone Leash  - optional

MISC

  • Gratuities – Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and is generally not expected. Exceptional service is considered standard

  • Credit/debit cards are accepted almost everywhere but you may want to convert some cash to Japanese Yen for small purchases and tips.

If there’s anything we’ve missed or you have questions, please contact us via email, text/WhatsApp or phone.

Leighton looks forward to meeting you in Japan!

Ken Lee
+1 949-282-9660 mobile/WhatsApp
ken@artofseeing.com

Leighton Lum
+1 808-398-7689 mobile/WhatsApp
Leighton@artofseeing.com

 

Hokkaido: Japan’s Northern Paradise
To Do Checklist

 

___     Book Inbound/Outbound flights and forward a copy of your flight itinerary to us.

___     Let us know if you need any extra hotel nights

___     Purchase Travel Insurance and forward copy of your policy

___     Notify Banks & Credit Cards of your travel plans

___     Check mobile phone carrier’s international roaming policies and plans

___     Make personal packing checklist (click here for a downloadable Photo Trip Packing List template you can customize to your own needs)

 

 

Hokkaido: Japan’s Northern Paradise
Daily Itinerary

Day Date Itinerary Overnight Meals Included
1 Feb 24 Arrival Tokyo - Welcome to Japan! Leighton will meet you upon your arrival at Haneda (HND) airport, escort you to our Tokyo hotel and help you check in. Relax and rest after your long journey until 4pm when we’ll gather for a Workshop Overview meeting followed by a group dinner. Tokyo Hotel –
2 Feb 25 Tokyo–Nagano - Today we travel from Tokyo to Nagano aboard one of Japan’s iconic bullet trains. After getting settled at our hotel, Leighton will host a session on wildlife photography fundamentals along with his favorite tips for the conditions you’ll encounter on this trip. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to relax, explore and prep your camera gear for our upcoming adventures. Nagano Hotel –
3 Feb 26 Nagano - After breakfast we’ll visit the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. After a short 30-minute hike, you’ll have the chance to photograph the Japanese macaques, who’ve mastered the art of using natural onsens to stay warm during the winter months. Afterward, we’ll return to Tokyo via train. Tokyo Hotel –
4 Feb 27 Tokyo–Kushiro – After breakfast, we head to the airport to catch our flight to Kushiro where we’ll meet our local guide. We’ll check in at our hotel and then head out to photograph the famous Red-crowned Cranes in their natural habitat, capturing their graceful beauty in the stunning winter landscape. Kushiro Hotel B
5 Feb 28 Kushiro–Nemuro – We’ll have another opportunity to capture stunning shots of the Red-crowned Cranes during an early morning photo session before starting our drive to Nemuro, searching for wildlife along the way. We’ll likely encounter the Ezo Red Fox, Sika Deer, and if we're lucky, the elusive Ural Owl. Nemuro Hotel B-D
6 Mar 1 Nemuro – This morning we head out to photograph the majestic Stellar’s and White-Tailed Eagles soaring over frozen Lake Furen. Afterward, we’ll explore the Nemuro Peninsula in search of wildlife, including the Ezo Red Fox, Sika Deer, and various small birds. Nemuro Hotel B-D
7 Mar 2 Nemuro–Rausu – We return to Lake Furen this morning for another opportunity to photograph eagles before continuing our exploration of the Nemuro Peninsula. In the evening, we'll travel to Rausu for a night session to photograph the rare and elusive Blakiston's Fish Owl in its natural habitat. Rausu Hotel B-D
8 Mar 3 Rausu – We’ll begin the morning with a sunrise boat session to photograph the Stellar’s Sea Eagles and White-tailed Eagles perched on the sea ice. After a break to warm up and eat lunch, we’ll head out on another boat ride for more eagle photography. In the evening, we’ll have another Fish Owl session. Rausu Hotel B-D
9 Mar 4 Rausu–Kawayu – Like the previous day, we head out early on boats to photograph eagles. Later we’ll begin our drive to Kawayu, searching for wildlife along the way. We’ll make a sunset stop depending on the wildlife and scenery we encounter along the way. Kawayu Hotel B-D
10 Mar 5 Kawayu–Tokyo - This morning, we’ll capture the elegance of Whooper Swans on a frozen lake during a beautiful sunrise shoot. Afterward, our guide will drop us off at Nakashibesu Airport for our flight back to Haneda. The workshop concludes upon our arrival at Haneda airport. Book your homeward flight to depart HAN after 8pm (most US bound flights depart late evening). – B

Hokkaido: Japan’s Northern Paradise
FAQs

 

 Q: What are the physical fitness requirements?
A: You should be able to walk at least a mile. The paths are well-maintained, but please note they may be snowy and potentially icy in February.

Q: What is the food like?
A: The food will be authentic Japanese cuisine, including raw fish, cooked fish, a variety of seafood and vegetables, served with rice and typically miso soup. Meals are usually served as set menus, so there may not be many options to choose from. Please inform us of any allergies in advance, and we will check for possible substitutes.

Q: How cold will it be?
A: On average, temperatures will be in the 20s°F, with possible windy and snowy conditions. Be sure to pack warm, layered clothing to stay comfortable in these winter conditions.

Q: What if I want to arrive early or stay after the workshop dates?
A: No problem at all! Just let us know your arrival and departure details, and we will book the additional hotel nights for you (additional cost).

Q: Is there an extra fee for a private room?
A: Yes, prices are based on double occupancy. If you don't have a travel partner, we will pair you with a same-gender roommate (if a roommate is unavailable, you will be charged the single lodging rate).

If you prefer a private room, single lodging is available for an additional $1200.

Q: Can my non-photographer friend/partner attend?
A: Absolutely! Travel partners who may not share your passion for photography are very welcome to join. Just make sure they’re comfortable being part of a group that focuses primarily on photography, including meals, rest, and discussions about photography. However, due to limited space, we are unable to offer a discount for non-photographer partners.

 

            Something we missed?

Send us an email or schedule a phone call. We’re happy to address any questions.