Open menu

Hokkaido Winter Wildlife 8 Day Photography Tour 2026

Posted

2026 marked the first year of our Hokkaido Winter Wildlife 8 Day Photography tour, welcoming a small group of guests from around the world to east Hokkaido during February. The goal of this trip was simple - to get great photographs of Hokkaido’s most iconic winter wildlife!

The group was not disappointed - we were lucky in that every species on our guests’ bucket list put in an appearance for us and, as you’ll see from our gallery, guests and guides alike got some fantastic shots.

We hope that you’ll enjoy this selection of pictures from the group (as well as few behind-the-scenes shots). With thanks to our guests for joining us on this maiden voyage and photography guides Hattie and Yuto for leading this tour.

A zoom shot of a Siberian dwarf flying squirrel on a branch in a tree.
Guest Sammy captured this incredible shot of a Siberian Dwarf Flying Squirrel. (© Sammy Six)
A photograph of a whooper swan skimming the surface of the water, its head perfectly reflected.
This wonderful shot from Sammy shows a swan against a perfectly reflective Lake Kussharo. (© Sammy Six)
A group of people smile at the camera and crouch or stand around a sign overlooking Lake Mashu in Hokkaido. The sign, in Japanese, reads "Akan-Mashu National Park: Lake Mashu".
Time for a quick group shot at Lake Mashu before making our way to our next stop!
A portrait of a Steller's sea eagle.
This wonderful portrait of a Steller's Sea Eagle was captured by Sammy. (© Sammy Six)
A portrait of a red-crowned crane preening itself.
Hattie wanted to re-do the crane portrait she took several years ago and that we used as this tour's hero image... here is her attempt! (© Hattie Hirasawa)
A closeup of a Bohemian waxwing on a branch.
While the Long-tailed Tit often steals the thunder of other smaller birds, Hattie was rather captivated by this beautiful Bohemian Waxwing. (© Hattie Hirasawa)

Are you a wildlife photographer dreaming of Hokkaido?

Take a look at our Hokkaido Winter Wildlife 8 Day Photography Tour.

See the tour