CLIENT TESTIMONIAL (2025 Hokkaido Workshop with Michael Frye)
I am glad to be here to experience this beautiful land. Toshiki is excellent in his ability to adapt and find alternative locations when needed. He is very sharing of the images he envisions at each location, and is a wonderful local guide and photographer; thank you for choosing him and Michael to lead the workshop. Our guide Rika has also been great guiding us throughout the tour. It has been a great trip! –Ron S.
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 – mountains, seashore, fishing ports, lakes, forests, fields, waterfalls, windbreaks, gorges, and poetic solitary trees in the snow, makes this a dream destination if you seek to add some elegance to your portfolio. Channel your emotional response to this white world into the creation of images that express your personal vision. In addition to the landscape, we have also made arrangements to photograph red-crowned cranes, Steller’s sea eagles, whooper swans, and yezu sika deer along the way.
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. Master landscape photographer Michael Frye 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.”
Building on our experience operating two Hokkaido itineraries in early 2025, this team offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise, making this tour remarkably authentic, enormously educational, and optimized to maximize the quality of the overall experience. 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, you’ll be able to maximize time in the field.
Day 1 (Wed, February 4): Sapporo (1 night)
Greet & Meet at the hotel in Sapporo. Followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2 (Thu, February 5): Yoichi (1 night)
Sapporo to Yoichi via Otaru. (1.5h)
Day 3, 4 (Fri & Sat, February 6 & 7): Lake Toya (2 nights)
Yoichi to Lake Toya. (2h)
Day 5 (Sun, February 8): Lake Shikotsu (1 night)
Drive to Lake Shikotsu. (2h)
Day 6, 7, 8 (Mon-Wed, February 9-11): Biei (3 nights) Drive to Biei (4h).
Day 9 (Thu, February 12): Tsurui (1 night) Drive to Tsurui. (4h)
Day 10 (Fri, February 13): Lake Kussharo (1 night) Drive To Lake Kussharo. (1h)
Day 11&12 (Sat & Sun, February 14 & 15): Utoro (2 nights) Drive to Utoro. (2h)
Day 13 (Mon, February 16): Rausu (1 night) Drive to Rausu via Natsuke. (2.5h)
Day 14 (Tue, February 17): Rausu & Fly back to Tokyo
Drive To Nakashibetsu Airport. (1h) Take an afternoon flight to Tokyo for connections to flights home, or wherever your travels will take you.
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
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
EXCLUSIONS
Our accommodations will be in a mix of Japanese-style and western-style hotels and lodges, meeting a high standard of comfort and quality.
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