Menu
  • Workshops
  • Instructors
  • Company
  • Testimonials
  • Questions
  • My Account
  • Contact

Hokkaido

with Michael Frye, Toshiki Nakanishi
February 4 - 17, 2026 Expedition
6 Participants. From $19,275  
Register Now
0
  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Instructors
  • Gallery
  • Pricing
  • Highlights
  • Accommodations
  • Travel

Overview

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.

Itinerary

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)

  • Otaru – Rugged and rocky coast, and a visit to the historic Herring Mansion
  • Yoichi – Ebisu & Daikoku Rocks

Day 3, 4 (Fri & Sat, February 6 & 7): Lake Toya (2 nights)

Yoichi to Lake Toya. (2h)

  • Abandoned pier
  • Prayer rocks and lakeside temple
  • Early morning shoot at Lake Toya
  • Noboribetsu Hell Valley

Day 5 (Sun, February 8): Lake Shikotsu (1 night)

Drive to Lake Shikotsu. (2h)

  • Mount Tarumae (active volcano) with lake
  • Shikotsu Ice Festival

Day 6, 7, 8 (Mon-Wed, February 9-11): Biei (3 nights) Drive to Biei (4h).

  • Minimalist winter landscape photography for 3 days, hills, farmland, and mountain peaks

Day 9 (Thu, February 12): Tsurui (1 night) Drive to Tsurui. (4h)

  • Red-crowned cranes

Day 10 (Fri, February 13): Lake Kussharo (1 night) Drive To Lake Kussharo. (1h)

  • Swan in hot springs
  • Geothermal site with steaming fumaroles

Day 11&12 (Sat & Sun, February 14 & 15): Utoro (2 nights) Drive to Utoro. (2h)

  • Oshin Koshin waterfall
  • Shiretoko Mountain Range

Day 13 (Mon, February 16): Rausu (1 night) Drive to Rausu via Natsuke. (2.5h)

  • Deer in Notsuke

Day 14 (Tue, February 17): Rausu & Fly back to Tokyo

  • Steller’s Sea Eagle cruise in the early morning

Drive To Nakashibetsu Airport. (1h) Take an afternoon flight to Tokyo for connections to flights home, or wherever your travels will take you.

 

Instructors

Expand
 
    • Michael Frye

    • Michael Frye is a professional photographer specializing in landscapes and nature. His photographs and articles about art and technique of photography have appeared in publications around the world, including ...
    • Toshiki Nakanishi

    • Bio of Toshiki ...

Gallery

Pricing

Single Occupancy $20,495

Deposit $6,148.50
Full $20,495
Register

Double Occupancy $19,275

Deposit $5,782.50
Full $19,275
Register

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 4, 2025
  • 40% final payment due October 4, 2025

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 Michael Frye and Toshiki Nakanishi
  • 13-nights lodging at best-available accommodations from the afternoon of February 4 to the morning of February 17, 2026
  • Private group ground transportation included from arrival at Sapporo’s Chitose Airport to departure at Nakashibetsu Airport.
  • One domestic flight from Nakashibetsu Airport to Tokyo Haneda Airport at the end of the itinerary.
  • All meals and snacks
  • All beverages (including adult beverages with dinner)
  • Loaner snowshoes (we haven’t needed these on prior trips, but good to have available)
  • Services of expert local guide, and a qualified 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 Nakashibetsu 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.
  • Wildlife: Excellent close-up access to elegant and wild red-crowned cranes, Steller’s sea eagles, whooper swans, and yezo sika deer.
  • 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 includes private access to certain areas and 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), some with natural hot springs (onsen), 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.
  • Image review and processing: We will be very active and mobile over the course of this itinerary, with no formal classroom time, so your instructors will make themselves available to review and comment on participant images both in the field and during drives between locations. Instructors will be available to provide advice and comment on image processing during drives and down time, as well.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 1 night in Sapporo at Solaria Nishitesu Hotel Sapporo or similar
  • 1 night in Yoichi at Yoichi Loop
  • 2 nights in Lake Toya at the Lake Toya Manseikaku
  • 1 night in Lake Shikotsu at Marukoma Onsen or similar
  • 3 nights in Biei at Biei Parkhills Hotel
  • 1 night in Tsurui at Yume Kobou
  • 1 night in Lake Kussharo at the Kawayu Kanko Hotel
  • 2 nights in Utoro at Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
  • 1 night in Rausu at Rausu Daiichi Hotel

Travel

airplane icon
Fly into Sapporo (CTS) via Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). Your return flight from Nakashibetsu Airport to Tokyo Haneda Airport is included as the group will be dropped off at the end of the trip to catch this flight together, but all other flights are your responsibility.
car icon
A spacious private group van and driver are included, with ample extra elbow room. We will also have the support of a 4WD scouting vehicle.
boat icon
An excursion by boat will seek out Steller's sea eagles.
foot icon
Most locations will be fairly close to vehicles, and physical demands will be relatively easy.
weather icon
Hokkaido experiences serious winter conditions during this time, with temperatures in the range of 32ºF to 15ºF range (0ºC to -10ºC) or so. Be prepared for very cold weather, and ensure you have appropriate clothing to stay warm. A recommended packing list will be provided.

Hokkaido

with Michael Frye, Toshiki Nakanishi
February 4 - 17, 2026 Expedition
6 Participants. From $19,275  
Register Now
0

SIGNUP FOR EMAIL UPDATES

OUR SPONSORS AND THE GEAR WE USE

Expand
 

© 2025 VisionaryWild, LLC, All Rights Reserved
2200 19th St. NW, Ste 806, Washington, DC 20009
E-mail: info@visionarywild.com | Tel: 1-202-558-9596 (9am to 5pm, EST)
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
This website includes some performance cookies, which gather data on how visitors use the website, which pages of the website are visited most often, or error messages on web pages. These cookies monitor only the performance of the site as the user interacts with it to improve the functionality of the site; they do not collect identifiable information.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Cancel