Japan Winter Wildlife Photography Tour II

Itinerary

Saturday, February 14

Depart the US/Canada

Sunday, February 15 (D)

Arrive in Tokyo at any time of the day via Haneda Airport (airport code HND).

Transfer to the Villa Fontaine Premier Haneda Airport using their complimentary airport shuttle, or you can walk directly to the hotel from Terminal 3.

Tonight, we’ll gather for a group welcome dinner. Overnight at Villa Fontaine Premier Haneda Airport

Monday, February 16 (B, D)

After a good night’s sleep, we’ll travel to the town of Yamanouchi in northeastern Nagano. Get settled in at the Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku (or similar), our home for the next three nights.

You’ll find Japanese life seems to move at a much slower pace in Yamanouchi, which is nestled in a valley between two rivers in the Japanese Alps. This is a delightful place to explore on foot. Meander through the historic hot spring villages within, among Nagano’s oldest, set among traditional ryokans and charming shops. There are many public bathhouses here, and it’s common to see locals and visitors alike roaming the quaint, narrow streets in their yukata (light kimonos) and geta (wooden) sandals, traveling from one public onsen to the next. Wandering around, you will surely encounter unique scenes that provide excellent opportunities for photography.

This area is also home to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen National Park (Snow Monkey Park). The name Jigokudani translates to “Hell’s Valley” and describes its eerie atmosphere of steam and boiling water bubbling from the frozen ground. The ominous cliffs and wild forest add to the mystery and magic that the snow monkeys call home during the winter months. The snow monkeys, or Japanese macaques, are the only monkeys in the world to live so far north.

Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18 (2B, 2D)

Each morning, we will take daily walks (about 30 minutes) along a forest trail into the nearby Jigokudani Yaen-Koen National Park to photograph the approximately 160 snow monkeys residing there. 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, and other monkey antics. You can get very close to the monkeys as they walk around and sit in the trees or the steamy hot springs. This park is between hills, so you’re walking in a very natural environment through the valley.

Overnight at Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku (or similar)

Thursday, February 19 (B, D)

Today, we drive back to Tokyo and fly to Kushiro, located on the northernmost island of the Japanese archipelago, Hokkaido.

Upon arrival, we have a short transfer to the ANA Crowne Plaza Kushiro (or similar). Adjacent to Kushiro’s Fisherman’s Wharf, our stay at the Crowne Plaza promises to be a memorable experience of high-quality service and elegance. Every room has spectacular views of the harbor and its natural surroundings.

Friday, February 20 (B, D)

Today, we will explore Tsurui village and also make our way to the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary (Tsurui-mura Reserve) to photograph various birds. We’re sure to be entertained by the leaping, pirouetting, and trumpeting Japanese (red-crowned) cranes as they carry out their mating rituals. This infectious behavior often spreads through the flock in waves, leading to a thrilling display. We can expect to see flocks of 100 or more of these birds at ranges of 30 feet or less.

The red-crowned crane is one of the largest birds in Japan. Because of their red heads, their Japanese name is Tancho (“tan”= red, “cho” = top). These magnificent birds are 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. The Ural owl also inhabits the forests of Tsurui, so we’ll watch for this striking bird and listen for its haunting call.

We’ll spend another night at the ANA Crowne Plaza Kushiro (or similar).

Saturday, February 21 (B, D)

Today, we’ll board our private charter bus and head toward Lake Akan.

Along the way, we’ll make a stop to photograph the whooper swans of Lake Kussharo. 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 freezes in winter, it’s fed by hot spring water, which keeps temperatures warm. The winter white color of snow and ice makes for an excellent backdrop for photographs of these migrating birds.

We’ll spend three nights at Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga (or similar). The hotel is renowned for its beautiful views, world-class hospitality, elegant interiors, luxurious spa, and exceptional hot spring facilities.

Sunday, February 22 and Monday, February 23 (2B, 2D)

Consider Lake Akan as a “take a breather” location. You’ll have free time to shop, relax in the hotel’s spa and hot spring facilities, or explore this beautiful, photogenic village. The main street is lined on both sides with folk art stores and restaurants.

This area is home to the Ainu native people. Watch Ainu dances and listen to the traditional Ainu harp, known as the mukkuri, at the Onne Chise in the center of the village.

We’ll meet up for a Lake Mashu photo shoot. Lake Mashu is a stunning caldera lake known for its vibrant blue waters and exceptional clarity. It is often referred to as the “clearest lake in the world.” Elevated at about 2,000 feet above sea level, Lake Mashu is often shrouded in mist, adding to its mystical allure. During winter, the lake is surrounded by a pristine blanket of snow and offers breathtaking views from several observation points.

We overnight at Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga (or similar).

Tuesday, February 24 (B, D)

Today, we’ll pack up and head to the easternmost portion of Hokkaido island, the Shiretoko Peninsula, where we’ll base ourselves in 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 here each winter. We are drawn to the peninsula to capture images of the immense Steller’s sea eagle. These majestic birds have wingspans of over six feet and are one of the heaviest birds in the world, weighing in at 11 to 20 pounds.

The Notsuke Peninsula, a great place to find sea eagles, red foxes, and deer, is also nearby, and we’ll explore this area during our time in Rausu.

Overnight at Shiretoko Serai (or similar)

Wednesday, February 25 (B, D)

We are getting up early (5:00 am!) for an icebreaker boat ride to the edge of the ice pack.

We’ll depart from the port in Rausu, followed by a 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 Steller’s sea eagles and smaller white-tailed eagles eager for their morning fish breakfast.

We’ll be out on the water for approximately 2.5 hours before heading back to port (the boat ride is weather-dependent, and ice conditions can vary).

The afternoon is dedicated to photographing Notsuke and the surrounding Rausu area.

We spend a second night at the Shiretoko Serai (or similar)

Thursday, February 26 (B, D)

For those who can’t get enough of birds on ice, take an optional (extra fee) 5:00 am icebreaker boat ride back out to the ice pack for more eagle photography. We’ll be back at the port in time for breakfast and to pack up our things. We’ll slowly make our way back to the city of Kushiro, stopping to photograph birds and other wildlife along the way.

We spend the night at the ANA Crowne Plaza Kushiro (or similar), adjacent to Kushiro’s Fisherman’s Wharf.

Friday, February 27 (B, D)

We’ll fly back to Haneda Airport in Tokyo this morning.

For those interested, we’ll take a train ride into the heart of Tokyo to experience the vibrant energy of an iconic shopping district. The streets are lined with trendy boutiques, neon lights, massive department stores, and towering camera shops offering everything from the latest digital cameras to lenses and accessories.

At a farewell group dinner, we’ll reminisce over an amazing trip filled with wildlife, hot springs, and good company.

We will overnight at the Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu.

Saturday, February 28 (B)

Today, we bid goodbye and fly home. Check-out time from the hotel is at 11:oo am. The hotel will provide a complimentary shuttle transfer to Haneda Airport.

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