Hokkaido 2027
Japan’s Northern Paradise • Feb 24 – Mar 5, 2027Winter Wildlife in Focus
Photograph Japan’s most iconic species—including Japanese macaques (aka snow monkeys), Red-crowned Cranes, Stellar’s Sea Eagles, Ezo Red Foxes, Sika Deer, and the elusive Blakiston’s Fish Owl—set against the snow-covered landscapes of Hokkaido.
Photography Focused Adventure
Every aspect of this trip is designed for passionate photographers by passionate photographers. From sunrise boat excursions on frozen lakes to evening owl shoots, our itinerary is designed to maximize the potential to capture wall-worthy images
Small Group, Seamless Logistics
With a maximum of six participants, this workshop ensures access, flexibility, and individual attention. Domestic flights, transportation, and accommodations are fully arranged for a smooth, photography-focused experience.
At a Glance
- Starts / Ends
- Tokyo, Japan
- Dates
- Feb 24 – Mar 5, 2027
- Fitness Level
- Easy
- Cost
- $9,250 USD Double occupancy
Single Lodging +$1,200 - Deposit
- $2,000
- Instructors
- Leighton Lum
- Max Group Size
- 6 Participants
- Included
- Lodging, Meals per itinerary, Transportation including internal flights, Local Guides & Photography Instruction
- Not Included
- International Airfare, Travel Insurance, Personal Expenses, Meals Not Stated In Itinerary, Gratuities. Anything not specifically listed as included
Experience Highlights
Winter Wildlife
Photograph Japan’s iconic species including Japanese macaques (aka snow monkeys), Red-crowned Cranes, Stellar’s Sea Eagles, Ezo Red Foxes, and the rare Blakiston’s Fish Owl all in a winter backdrop.
Cinematic Conditions
Snow-covered landscapes and soft winter light set the stage for striking wildlife and scenic photography.
Culture Alongside Nature
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine, hospitality, and traditional onsens (hot springs) as part of your journey.
Small Group Instruction
Leighton will always be close by to answer questions and offer in-the-field guidance on shooting techniques and practical ways to expand your creative vision.
Images From Past Trips
Day by Day Itinerary
Hokkaido 2027 · Feb 24 – Mar 5
| Day | Date | Itinerary | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Your Instructor
Leighton Lum — Hawaii native Leighton Lum’s jaw-dropping images simply speak for themselves. Led by his creative eye and passion for adventure, Leighton has traveled the globe to destinations like Africa, South America, Iceland, Indonesia, and Antarctica, leading photography workshops and making his own award-winning photographs. Leighton hopes his photography inspires others and raises awareness about conservation to ensure future generations can enjoy the natural world he cherishes. Read more about Leighton and see a selection of his images.
Cancellation, Refunds & Travel Insurance
We understand life happens and plans may change. If you need to cancel your reservation, the following applies:
Deposits are not refundable. If you cancel more than 120 days before the workshop start date, your deposit is transferrable to another Art of Seeing workshop for up to 24 months from the date you cancel. If you cancel inside 120 days, your deposit is forfeit.
If we fill your spot*, you receive a refund of all other fees paid, less a $150 processing fee. This applies no matter when you cancel.
If we do not fill your spot, your refund depends on when you cancel:
- More than 120 days before the start date: 100% refund of fees paid, less your deposit and a $150 processing fee. Deposit transferrable for up to 24 months.
- 90 to 120 days before the start date: 50% refund of fees paid, less your deposit and a $150 processing fee. Deposit forfeit.
- Less than 90 days before the start date: No refund. Deposit forfeit.
*Your spot counts as filled only after the workshop reaches full capacity and another participant signs up. Someone who signs up while we still have open spots has not filled your spot.
All cancellations must be made in writing. We pay refunds by the same method you used to pay.
If we cancel or substantially change this workshop before it begins and you cannot accommodate the change, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us, including your deposit. If we change the schedule or itinerary during the workshop for reasons outside our control, such as weather, wildlife, logistics, road conditions, the availability of guides and vehicles or mechanical failure, no refund or compensation is due.
Travel Insurance
Highly recommended, but not required for this workshop. Policies that cover medical evacuation as well as many other things like trip delay/cancellation, lost luggage, theft/loss, etc. are widely available at reasonable cost.
Click here to read our complete Terms & Conditions
Alumni Discounts
If you’ve traveled with us before, thank you! You’re the reason our passion is our profession, and we are deeply grateful for this blessing.
To express our appreciation, we’ve launched our Alumni Rewards Program which gives our ‘frequent flyers’ discounts on future Art of Seeing Photography Adventures. Click here for full details
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the physical fitness requirements?
You should be able to walk at least a mile on level ground. The paths are well-maintained, but please note they may be snowy and potentially icy in February.
What is the food like?
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.
How cold will it be?
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.
What if I want to arrive early or stay after the workshop dates?
No problem, just let us know your arrival and departure details and we will book the additional hotel nights for you as required (additional cost).
Is there an extra fee for a private room?
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 fee is $1200.
Can my non-photographer friend/partner attend?
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.
More Photography Adventures
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