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A Hokkaido photo workshop tour offers an experience unlike anywhere else in Japan—this is where passionate photographers, both amateur and professional, journey to capture the wild north in its most breathtaking and untamed form. As a resident of Hokkaido, I am deeply connected to this land and its unique seasons, wildlife, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Every winter, the forests, rivers, and coastlines transform into a pristine landscape that few outside Japan ever witness. While I keep a few of my most secluded sanctuaries private for shinrin yoku (forest bathing) and personal reflection, I am always eager to share my knowledge of world-class locations for wildlife photography with respectful and curious visitors who wish to learn from the land.

And every winter, seasoned photographers and nature enthusiasts from across the globe travel to Rausu and Nemuro—two remote gems on Hokkaido’s eastern coast. Here, they are rewarded with the chance to photograph Steller’s Sea Eagles (Haliaeetus pelagicus), White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla), and Ezo Sika Deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) in their natural element. This remarkable 160-kilometer stretch of coastline is renowned not only for its abundance of raptors but also for its carefully managed feeding stations, drift ice, and the region’s status as one of the premier raptor destinations in all of Japan. The thrilling spectacle of dozens of eagles swooping down to snatch fish from the frozen sea is a memory that stays with every visitor.

For nearly three decades, I have had the privilege of leading private and  group Hokkaido photo workshop tours for international photographers through these wild lands, forging close relationships with local communities—hot spring inn owners, resort owners, resturant staff, seasoned fishermen who know every current, and members of the indigenous Ainu people, whose cultural wisdom informs our respectful approach to nature. During my annual Hokkaido photography workshop tours, my dedicated team and I work tirelessly to provide participants with the highest chance of unforgettable wildlife encounters. Guests regularly photograph Hokkaido’s most iconic creatures, from the elusive and playful Shima Enaga (Aegithalos caudatus japonicus), affectionately called the “snow fairy,” to majestic Steller’s and White-tailed Eagles as they soar and hunt over the drifting pack ice. Each tour is carefully planned to maximize opportunities for rare sightings and unique compositions. Unlike large, impersonal tourist buses that often get stranded in Rausu during snowstorms, my intimate small-group workshops leverage years of local knowledge. I know the hidden backroads, secret forest paths, and little-known vantage points that provide access to wildlife and landscapes that most people never encounter. Even on days when the weather is harsh and visibility is low, my group returns with memory cards brimming with stunning images of raptors, deer, foxes, and Hokkaido’s striking, minimalist winter vistas. In the evenings, we gather in cozy local inns toasting at dinner and enjoying local Hokkaido foods, some freshly caught seafood, and share stories of our day's events and photos over dinner, while less-prepared visitors are left waiting for “better weather tomorrow,” missing the magic that happens in the heart of a snowstorm.

If you’re seeking authentic wildlife encounters, hands-on guidance, and insider access to the very heart of Japan’s wild north, I invite you to join me on a Hokkaido Photography Workshop Tour. Whether you are an experienced photographer or just beginning your journey, you will leave with unforgettable images, new skills, and a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary landscape. Experience the true spirit of Hokkaido for yourself—through the lens and beyond.
Join me in 2027 for a Hokkaido photography adventure!
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