Hokkaido
Overview
Explore the serenity of winter in Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island, bursting with stunning scenery when its magnificent landscapes become swathed in a layer of pure white snow. An inspiring variety of winter landscapes – forests, fields, waterfalls, windbreaks, gorges, mountains, seashore, fishing ports, lakes and poetic solitary trees in the snow, makes this a dream destination if you seek to add some elegance to the portfolio. Channel your emotional response to this white world into the creation of images that express your personal vision. In this winter wonderland, we may also have the chance to encounter extraordinary wildlife, including red-crowned cranes, whooper swans, owls, deer and eagles.
Besides the abundance of photographic opportunities, be prepared to experience a melting pot of fascinating traditions, rich culture and delicious cuisine as you explore Japan’s northernmost island. Justin Black will be joined by renowned local photographer Toshiki Nakanishi, who knows Hokkaido intimately, as well as our favorite English-speaking Japanese guide.
Take a video tour of Toshiki Nakanishi’s new book of Hokkaido landscapes, “New Land.”
Together, this team offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise, making this tour remarkably authentic and enormously educational. Due to their deep understanding of the available locations, local conditions, and a carefully designed fine-tuned itinerary with relatively short drive times between locations, your time in the field will be maximized.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Mon, February 24): Sapporo (1 night) You will be met by a driver at Sapporo airport to bring you to our opening meet & greet session at our hotel in Sapporo, followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2 (Tue, February 25): Lake Shikotsu (1 night) Sapporo to Lake Shikotsu. (Drive time: 80min) Lake and trees in the winter landscape.
Day 3 (Wed, February 26): Lake Toya (1 night) Early morning shoot at Lake Shikotsu. Drive to Lake Toya (100min).
Day 4, 5 (Thu & Fri, February 27 & 28): Yoichi (2 nights) Early morning shoot at Lake Toya. Mountain landscapes, Torii gate in the ocean. Drive to Yoichi. (100min)
Day 6, 7, 8 (Sat-Mon, March 1 -3): Biei (3 nights) Drive to Abashiri (4 hours). Minimalist landscape photography for 2.5 days, hills, farmland, mountain peaks.
Day 9 (Tue, March 4): Monbetsu (1 night) Drive to Omu, Monbetsu region. (3 hours) Along the way, photograph exceptionally elegant tree arrangements and drifting sea ice along the shore.
Day 10, 11 (Wed & Thu, March 5 & 6): Abashiri (2 nights) Drift ice, lakes, forest
Day 12 (Fri, March 7): Departure Day. Memanbetsu Airport Fly to Haneda Airport, Tokyo, and home.
Instructors
Justin Black
- JUSTIN BLACK is a photographer, writer, editor, expedition leader, photo workshops instructor, a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Writers (ILCW), a former executive director of the International ...
Toshiki Nakanishi
- Bio of Toshiki ...
Gallery
Pricing
PRICING AND OCCUPANCY
All prices are per person.
This expedition is priced for either single-occupancy, or a pro-rated double occupancy rate for participants traveling together. Participants traveling alone should select the single-occupancy rate, as we are not pairing-up individual travelers.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- 30% deposit is required upon registration
- 30% installment payment is due on July 23, 2024
- 40% final payment due October 23, 2024
Click here to review our payment, cancellation and refund policies; as well as terms and conditions for participation.
All other terms and conditions apply. Please review the terms and conditions even if you have particpated in previous Visionary Wild programs so that you are aware of current policies.
INCLUSIONS
- Attentive and generous expert photographic instruction throughout by Justin Black and Toshiki Nakanishi
- 11-nights lodging at best-available accommodations from the afternoon of February 24 to the morning of March 7, 2025
- Private group ground transportation included from arrival at Sapporo’s Chitose Airport to departure at Memanbetsu Airport.
- All meals and snacks
- All beverages (including adult beverages with dinner)
- Loaner snowshoes
- Services of expert local guide and driver.
EXCLUSIONS
- All travel expenses necessary to arrive at our starting point at the airport in Sapporo, and all ongoing travel expenses following your outbound flight from Momanbetsu airport to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport at the end of our itinerary.
- Cost of necessary personal travel documents (passports, visas, etc.)
- Travel insurance, and travel medical/evacuation insurance (emergency medical and evacuation insurance are required for this expedition)
- Gratuities for local guides and drivers (local currency equivalent to USD$300 per guest is recommended)
- Personal purchases and gear
- Alcoholic beverages not served by your hosts at dinner
Highlights
- A Uniquely Beautiful Landscape: Explore and photograph the unique winter landscapes of Hokkaido, where the meeting of snow and sky in the undulating landscape provides a superb field for studies of elegant subjects, among other possibilities.
- Access to Exclusive Locations: With the expertise of the workshop leaders, participants may have access to exclusive or less-visited locations that offer ideal opportunities for minimalist photography. This could include private access to certain areas or carefully selected viewpoints.
- Excellent Accommodations: Our high-quality accommodations ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all. Well-appointed hotels and traditional Japanese inns (ryokans) offer a blend of modern amenities and cultural immersion.
- Superb Japanese Cuisine: Hokkaido is particularly well known for its seafood, but we will enjoy an array of Japanese specialities on this expedition, with accommodations for vegetarian and other special dietary needs. Note that catering to vegans can be a bit of a challenge as some key Japanese ingredients are fish-based.
- Cultural Expereiences: Enjoy a visit to a local hot spring (onsen) to relax after a day of photography, and take advantage of opportunities to engage with the local community, adding depth and authenticity to the overall journey.
- Personalized Instruction: With a small group of six guests, participants can expect personalized attention and guidance from two experienced master photographers. This allows for in-depth discussions, critiques, and tailored advice to enhance individual skills.
- Advance Your Composition and Technique: On this expedition, we will focus on composition and technique specific to minimalist styles. Our aim is to help you gain insight into how to capture the essence of a scene with simplicity and elegance.
- Post-Processing Sessions: Given the small group size, there will be dedicated hands-on sessions for post-processing instruction. We will help you make your minimalist compositions look their best, editing and refining the final images.
- Small Group Dynamics: Our group size limited to six guests helps foster a sense of camaraderie among participants. The intimate setting allows for meaningful interactions, shared experiences, the potential for collaborative learning, and the building of lasting friendships.
- Image Review & Constructive Critique: In addition to providing feedback along the way, we will conduct at least two formal image review and critique sessions, providing participants with valuable comment and feedback on their work. This helps refine your skills and encourages a deeper understanding of the principles at play.
- Logistical Support: Winter conditions in Hokkaido are not for the uninitiated. Our team helps make it a breeze.
Accommodations
Our accommodations will be in a mix of Japanese-style and western-style hotels and lodges, meeting a high standard of comfort and quality.
- Sapporo: Solaria Nishitesu Hotel Sapporo or similar.
- Lake Shikotsu: Lakeside Villa Suimeikaku or similar.
- Lake Toya: The lake view Toya Nonokaze or similar.
- Yoichi: Yoichi Loop or similar.
- Biei: Biei Hotel or similar.
- Monbetsu: Ohotsuku Onsen Hinode Misaki or similar.
- Abashiri: Hokuten No Oka or similar.
Travel
