Japanese Winter Landscapes
Photo Adventure

Day 1 – Arrival and Welcome in Memanbetsu

Arrive at Memanbetsu Airport (MMB), where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your accommodations on the shores of Lake Saroma. After settling in, we’ll come together for a welcome dinner and introductions. This first evening sets the stage for our journey, offering time to connect with fellow travelers, review the days ahead, and enjoy a first look at northern Japan’s winter beauty. The stillness of the lake and the crisp air provide the perfect backdrop to begin our photographic adventure.

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Day 2/3 – Lake Saroma and the Northern Coast

We dedicate two full days to exploring the Saromako and Memanbetsu region, where frozen lake edges, drifting sea ice, and quiet fishing ports invite us to slow down and look deeper. Along the shores of Lake Saroma, minimalist compositions emerge from the interplay of snow, ice, and sky—ideal for experimenting with negative space and tonal contrast. In the surrounding forests, delicate snow-laden branches and soft winter light provide opportunities for more intimate, abstract scenes.

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Weather permitting, we’ll also work along the northern coast, where the Sea of Japan pushes against the land in a display of raw energy. Here, the challenge is to balance motion and stillness—waves crashing against dark rock, boats anchored in icy harbors, and nets dusted with snow. Throughout, we’ll discuss techniques for simplifying busy scenes, seeking clean lines, and transforming utilitarian details into fine art. These days offer flexibility, ensuring we make the most of shifting conditions and the best available light.

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Day 4 – Crossing the Mountains to Haboro

Leaving Lake Saroma, we journey westward, trading frozen lakeshores for snow-laden mountain passes and winding roads that reveal Hokkaido’s varied winter beauty. By afternoon, the land opens to the rugged coastline of the Sea of Japan, where cultural and natural elements intertwine. We’ll photograph the sculptural geometry of concrete tetrapods standing guard against the waves, and the striking sight of a torii gate rising from the sea, its base submerged at high tide.

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That evening we settle into a traditional seaside onsen resort, where the warmth of natural hot springs offers welcome comfort after a day in the crisp winter air. This region is also known for its exceptionally dark skies, providing a rare chance to experiment with night photography—capturing stars over the sea or the soft glow of a coastal village—before resting in classic Japanese accommodations.

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Day 5 – Journey to Biei​

We begin before dawn, returning to the seaside torii gate to capture it at sunrise, when the first light paints sea and sky in delicate hues. This is a study in patience and timing—waiting for the right wave, the cleanest reflection, or the brief moment when color and composition align perfectly.

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After breakfast, we turn inland, crossing mountains once more to reach the pastoral countryside of Biei. Here, the landscape shifts again: open fields roll into snow-covered hills, punctuated by solitary trees and farmhouses. By late afternoon, we’ll begin our first explorations of this region, where minimalism takes center stage and every change in light reshapes the scene. Evening settles us into our accommodations in Biei, perfectly positioned for the days ahead.

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Day 6 /7 – The Winter Landscapes of Biei

Over two full days, we immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of Biei, often called the heart of Hokkaido’s winter landscapes. Traveling the quiet rural roads, we’ll photograph both iconic viewpoints and hidden gems discovered along the way. The region’s snow-covered hills create endless opportunities to explore composition, from sweeping panoramas to intimate studies of line, shape, and shadow.

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Each shift in light—whether a pastel sunrise, moody midday glow, or golden sunset—reveals new possibilities. We’ll practice using negative space, leading lines, and contrast to create minimalist images that feel powerful in their simplicity. The freedom of two days allows us to slow down, revisit locations under different conditions, and encourage each participant to develop a personal vision of this extraordinary landscape.

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Day 8 – Farewell from Biei

Our journey concludes with one final morning session in the fields and forests of Biei. After breakfast, transfers will be arranged to Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) for late morning or early afternoon departures. For those leaving today, it’s a bittersweet farewell filled with new skills, striking images, and a deeper appreciation of Japan’s winter landscapes.

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For participants continuing onward, the adventure extends into the Japan Winter Wildlife Tour, offering a seamless transition from landscapes to the incredible wildlife spectacles of Hokkaido’s east.

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*Locations are weather dependent and daily itinerary may be adjusted as needed for best results and group safety.

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