Led by photographer Mark Davis who calls Japan home and has an intimate understanding of the region, this tour strikes a perfect balance between expert guidance and personal creative exploration. Small group sizes ensure ample one-on-one interaction, allowing for personalized attention tailored to your specific needs.

While the focus is on nature's beauty, this tour ample time to encounter Hokkaido's incredible wildlife. Witness the renowned red-crowned cranes gracefully dancing amidst the snowy landscapes and the charming foxes that roam the countryside, adding an element of wildlife photography to your journey.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just beginning your exploration, our Hokkaido Photography Tour offers a unique blend of artistic inspiration, cultural immersion, and natural wonders. Unleash your creativity, refine your technical skills, and create a portfolio of captivating images that forever evoke the spirit and beauty of Hokkaido. Secure your spot now and embark on an extraordinary photographic adventure of a lifetime.

Our lessons include both in-the-field techniques and post-processing of images. In the field, we’ll focus on creating strong compositions, understanding light, and learning to see through visual chaos. You'll also learn how to use the right camera settings and how to adjust them depending on different conditions and subjects.

Post-processing instruction will cover the use of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to help you bring your vision to life.

First off, thank you for taking the time to visit our workshop page. We welcome photographers of all levels—from beginners to advanced—to join us on any of our photography adventures throughout Japan.

I am fully licensed and insured to lead group photography workshops and provide private instruction within Japan. This is an important distinction, as most workshops and tours coming into Japan are NOT operating legally. Together with my spouse, Yumiko, we have worked hard to meet all the legal requirements necessary to operate within Japan. This means our clients can enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is done properly and above board.

There are many options available when choosing a photography workshop or tour in Japan. When planning your next adventure, make sure the organizers are both reputable and legal—we are!

In addition to our legal credentials, I also hold certifications in CPR and Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC / First Aid+), and I routinely train to maintain these qualifications. With 24 years of experience in military planning, I leave no stone unturned when it comes to preparing our workshops. Attention to detail is key, while still keeping the fun and flexibility the number one priority.

We will schedule an individual Skype, Zoom call with each reserved participant to provide a more detailed brief and answer any and all questions regarding gear, travel recommendations, etc.

If you are interested, or have questions regarding this trip and package feel free to contact me at the email listed below.

Arrive New Chitose Airport stay in local hotel. Evening Reception Dinner

Jigokudani Valley—literally “Hell Valley”—is a dramatic geothermal wonder nestled in the mountains of Hokkaido, Japan. Thick steam rises from cracks in the earth, hissing from sulfur vents and bubbling hot springs, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

 Travel to Asahikawa stopping at Biei/Furano photography locations along the route slowly making our way to our hotel for the evening.

More exploring and photographing minimalist scenes around the the magical Biei and Furano.

Lake Kussharo in winter transforms into a serene, icy paradise in the heart of eastern Hokkaido. Japan’s largest caldera lake, it partially freezes over, leaving patches of steaming open water where elegant whooper swans gather—creating breathtaking photo opportunities against a backdrop of snow-draped mountains and frost-covered trees.

The red-crowned crane is designated in Japan as a special natural treasure, and the Kushiro Marsh is very famous as a place where they flock together when winter comes. 

We will depart from the same airport New Chitose Airport.