Japan Winter Wildlife Photography Tour II
Photograph and be entertained by the charismatic “hot tubbing” Snow Monkeys (Japanese Macaques) in central Honshu.
About this expedition
Photograph and be entertained by the charismatic “hot tubbing” Snow Monkeys (Japanese Macaques) in central Honshu. These fun-loving monkeys are curious and human-like, playing, chasing and even throwing snow balls at each other like little children in a snowball fight. We’ll travel north to the island of Hokkaido where bird life dominates the winter landscapes. The elegant Japanese Crane will dance in and out of our lens while one of the world’s largest raptors, the Steller’s Sea Eagle, preforms in the sky above us.
Soak in the onsen next to a playful Snow Monkey, photographing a pirouetting crane or just simply have tea at one of the many traditional charming ryokans. Japan will be a unforgettable experience, join us in 2014!
Itinerary
Saturday, February 8
Depart US/Canada for Tokyo
Sunday, February 9 (D)
Arrive in Tokyo any time of day. Hotel shuttle. We’ll rendezvous in the lobby for a Japanese welcome dinner and briefing. Overnight Crowne Plaza Narita located near airport.
Monday, February 10 (B, D)
After a good night’s sleep, we’ll travel five hours via private coach to Jigokudani Spa (Snow Monkey Park). The name Jigokundani, translated to “Hell’s Valley”, is named such for its eerie atmosphere of steam and boiling water that bubbles from the frozen ground. The ominous steep cliffs and wild forest add to the mystery and magic these Snow Monkeys call home during the winter months. Overnight Korakukan Inn
Tuesday, February 11 – Wednesday, February 12 (B, D)
Our accommodation lies within the closest proximity (10-15 minute walk) to the beautiful Jigokudani Yaen National Park in the mountains of the Yudanaka Onsen. Daily we’ll walk and photograph the Snow Monkeys. Approximately 160 monkeys reside in this park. These intriguing primates love to put on a show for their human admirers. You’ll no doubt witness snowball fights among siblings, territory disputes among the males, babies clinging to their mothers along with other monkey antics. You can get very close to the monkeys as they walk around and sit in the trees or steamy hot springs. This park is between hills so you are walking in a very natural environment through the valley.
For those interested, there will be an option to visit the small historical Japanese spa town of Shibu Onsen (2.5 km away). Many ryokan hotels have a history of over 400 years old. Maybe try a traditional hot spring bath, visit a Temple, Sake brewery or Origami Shop. Overnight Korakukan Inn
Thursday, February 13 (B, D)
Enjoy one last visit to Jigokudani observing and photographing the fascinating Snow Monkeys. This afternoon we’ll drive back to Tokyo and then fly to Kushiro, located on the northernmost island of the Japanese archipelago, Hokkaido. Upon arrival we have a short transfer to our accommodation for the next two nights. Overnight Minshuku Taito
Friday, February 14 (B, D)
Today is dedicated to spending time photographing the various birds in the Tsurui-mura. We’re sure to be entertained by the leaping, pirouetting and trumpeting Japanese (Red-Crowned) Cranes as they carry out their mating rituals. These magnificent birds are often considered a symbol of luck and longevity. Other feathered friends we’re sure to encounter include White-naped cranes, White-tailed Eagles and Black-eared Kites. Overnight Minshuku Taito
Saturday, February 15 – Monday,, February 17 1 (B, D)
Another morning of observing the Japanese Cranes before heading out after lunch for a land transfer to Kawayu Onsen. Each year hundreds of Whooper Swans winter in eastern Hokkaido, principally on Lake Kussharo, after migrating from Siberia and northern Mongolia. Although much of the lake is frozen in winter, it’s fed by onsen water, creating warm temperatures and several natural rotemburo (outdoor onsens) around its edge. The winter white colors of snow and ice make for an excellent backdrop for photographs of these migrating birds. Overnight Pension Papilio or similar
Tuesday, February 18 (B, D)
Today we pack up and head to the easternmost portion of Hokkaido island, the Shiretoko Peninsula, where we’ll base ourselves out of the town of Rausu for the next two nights.
The Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO world heritage site, and surrounding waters offer a prime example of the interaction of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Many migratory and threatened seabirds make their home on the ice pack each winter. We are drawn to the peninsula to capture images of the immense Stellar’s Sea Eagle with wing spans of over two meters! Overnight Pension Rausukur
Wednesday, February 19 (B, D)
Early rise and shine for a 5:00am icebreaker boat ride to the edge of the ice pack. We depart from the port in Rausu followed by playful trail of various gulls and head out as the sun works its way up over the Northern Territories occupied by Russia. Once at the ice pack we’ll be greeted by numerous Stellar’s Sea Eagles and smaller White-tailed Eagles eager for their morning fish breakfast. Watch these magnificent birds quarrel and fight in the air over above you. We’ll be out on the water for approximately 2.5 hours before heading back to port. The afternoon is spent photographing the surrounding Rausu area. Overnight Pension Rausukur
Thursday, February 20 (B, D)
Early 5:00am icebreaker boat ride back out to the ice pack for more eagle photography. We’ll be back at port in time for breakfast and to pack up our things and slowly make our way back to the city of Kushiro. En route we’ll stop at Akan National Park for views of its crystal clear lakes, namely the large caldera Lake Mashu and natural hot springs. Overnight ANA Kushiro Hotel
Friday, February 21 (B, D)
Today we fly back to Tokyo. The afternoon is free to explore this bustling city. Tonight we’ll go out by private vehicle to photograph the city lights, life and markets. Overnight The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo
Saturday, February 22 (B)
Fly home any time of day
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