*This itinerary is currently under construction. We are expected to have a new Japan Photo Tour intinerary for 2026

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Trip Considerations

PACE: Relaxed. Being winter, the sun generally only comes up at around 7 a.m. and has set by 4:30 p.m. So we have plenty of downtime after dark. However, because the days are short and the sun never really gets too harsh we have plenty of shooting to do during the middle of the day. We will normally have breakfast around 6 a.m., although earlier starts may be required on certain days, and packed breakfasts or snacks will be taken for those. Often we are located right near our shooting localities and we will not need to travel far most mornings. We will tend to take lunch in the field, or using the incredibly convenient Japanese convenience stores that have a host of choices (including hot meals) for lunch time. This saves time, which can be crucial on days with not much light. On day 2, the drive from Tsuru to Rausu will take 3-4 hours, and we may make some stops en-route if there are opportunistic birds to photograph. Days 6 and 8 are long travel days, Day 6 requires a flight to Tokyo (90 minutes) and then drive into the Japanese Alps (3-4 hours). Day 8 will involve a similar amount of travel to get to Kyushu. Dinner will be taken in typical Japanese style, fun and leisurely. 

 

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate. Most of the photography will be on flat areas close to our vehicles, and there will not be a lot of walking required. The only exception is the walk to the Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani, this will require a walk of around 500 yards (800m) to and from the hot baths that the monkeys swim in. The track is often covered with snow and ice, and so while the distance is not far, this requires you to carry your kit this distance. The good news is that the Snow Monkeys DO NOT REQUIRE a long lens, and smaller zoom, or wide-angle lens are really all you need for the walk. So you wont be slogging down the track with your tripod and 800mm! The track is well laid out, but the ice can make it tricky. Crampons are a very good tool for negotiating any ice. The elevation is below 1500 m (5000 ft) and mostly at sea-level the entire tour. 

 

CLIMATE: Cold in Hokkaido (mostly 17° to 40°F; -8° to 4°C) and Honshu, milder of Kyushu (mostly 41° to 43°F; 5° to 12°C), but snowstorms, wind or cold snaps can make it feel considerably colder. Some snow, sleet, and rain can be expected.

 

ACCOMMODATION: Very good to excellent, hotels all have private, en-suite bathrooms. For three nights (Rausu & Nemuro) we will be staying in traditional Japanese Minshukus. These are essentially home stays and are often the highlight of most people’s trips, but the style of living is very different from what most westerners are used to. Beds are futon type and on the floor, the living is in large communal rooms; women and men sleep in different rooms (please ask our office for more info if this arrangement concerns you). At the Minshukus there are large communal (males separate from female) bathing facilities. All accommodations in Japan have full-time hot water, and 24h electricity, most have internet.

 

PHOTO PHILOSOPHY: Although most of the photography is done outside of vehicles it is done from feeders, or setups at feeding stations, and so tripod based photography is very possible on this tour. A long lens is required for some of the crane photography, but there are also occasions when cranes and eagles are close and a smaller 200 or 300 mm lens would be a better bet. At the Snow Monkeys, a shorter lens and wide angle offer some interesting alternative photography opportunities. There are very few mammals available in Japan in winter but birds are commonplace and there is some stunning scenic, people and temple photography.

 

GEAR: A 500 or 600 mm lens would be the largest you would want to bring. The most efficient lens may be a 400 or 300 mm prime lens. A smaller versatile 100-400 and some landscape or wide angle lenses would be well used. A tripod makes sense in Japan.

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Other Information

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Tourist visas are currently not required for citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and all European countries. Visas are required by most nationalities not listed above. Travel requirements are subject to change; if you are unsure, please check with the nearest embassy or consulate, or ask our office staff for help.

 

WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Tips to drivers and lodge staff; accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night day 11; meals from dinner on day 1 (unless you arrive too late for dinner service) to breakfast on day 11; safe drinking water and/or juice and tea/coffee during meals; Tropical Birding photo tour leader from day 1 to the afternoon of day 11; one arrival and one departure airport transfer per person on the given arrival and departure days (transfers may be shared with other participants of the same tour if they are on the same flight, if arriving early or departing late there may be a supplemental cost levied if you choose to take a transfer); ground transport for the group to all sites in the itinerary from day 1 to day 11 in a suitable vehicle; entrance fees to all photography sites mentioned in the itinerary; 2-3 hour boat trip from Rausu on morning of Day 3; four domestic flights (Tokyo-Kushiro; Kushiro-Tokyo; Tokyo-Kagoshima & Kagoshima-Tokyo).

 

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Optional tips to the tour leader; international flights; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included.