japan snow monkey photo tour

Japan Snow Monkeys . Red-Crowned Cranes . Sea Eagles Japan Wildlife Photography Tour Nagano Hokkaido Photo Tour.

Nagano . hokkaido . japan, small groups max 8 people per tour., photography is an adventure with no boundaries. ….start  your wildlife adventure here in japan..

DISCOVER HOKKAIDO

The amazing Japan Hokkaido wildlife photography workshop and photo tour !!

Come join us on an amazing photo tour of the very best of Wild Winter Japan.

Our tours are tailed to provide maximum photographic returns, we run small groups ( max 6 - 8 guests ),  these small groups afford  a higher degree of flexibility with plan changes during the Photo Tour,  when possible we are able to  spend as much time as deemed  required  per location if something captures our interest.

we travel through truly breathtaking scenery to some of the most amazing wildlife locations in Japan, giving you the opportunity to witness the  drama of Japan winter wildlife  and capture  stunning images.

Witness the amazing love dance of the majestic Red-Crowned Cranes,  graceful Whooper Swans, the aerodynamics display of the Seller’s Sea and White Tailed Eagles,  kleptomaniac Ravens and to top it all serendipitous encounters with Ezo Deer and Northern Red Foxes.

Come see Japanese macaques  ( Snow Monkeys ) as they enjoy  the warmth of a geo thermal pool high up in the mountains  of Jigokudani, Nagano.

Be amazed at their uncanny human like features  as they  brave  the cold elements and huddle together for warmth.

Amazing  Wildlife  !

Eagles,  hawks, foxes,  deer,  red crowned cranes , swans and more, the majestic red-crowned cranes , witness and capture the  amazing "love dance", the snow monkeys  , 12 day photo adventure - japan snow monkeys & wild winter hokkaido, dates: tba., planning your arrival..

To ensure we are all on the ground and ready for Day 1, the hotel room for the night before the start of the tour in your package. Participants to make their own way to the designated hotel. This hotel room is included in the tour price. ( Excluding meals and beverages )

During the evening we take time to meet and greet all participants and discuss various aspects of the tour.

Very early start out to Nagano by chartered bus.

Full day photography of the Snow Monkeys. This is the start of the Nagano leg of the wild winter tour. (BD)

Half day photography of Snow Monkeys. Mid afternoon Tokyo return and overnight stay in Tokyo. (BD)

Early domestic flight to the northern part of Japan, where we meet our driver and head out to Akan and thus the start of our 10 day Hokkaido leg of the tour . We spend this day and the following two days photographing the Red-Crowned Cranes in locations around Akan and Kushiro, if we are lucky we will also encounter Black Kites , White Tailed Eagles, Foxes and Ezo Deer.

If the roads are not blocked due to heavy snow fall, we will also try to make at least one visit to the Kushiro-shitsugen National Park. (BD)

Photographing the Red-Crowned Cranes in and around Akan and Kushiro. After an amazing three days in Kushiro / Akan area on the evening of the 5th day, we head out to Lake Kussharo where we spend the next two days photographing the graceful Whooper swans. (BD)

Full day photographing the Whooper swans, conditions permitting we shall visit several locations which have truly breathing taking landscape back drops. (BD)

We spend the early morning photographing the swans on Lake Kussharo, by mid morning we make our way over to the Shiretoko Peninsula and the quaint fishing town of Rausu. Time and weather permitting we may have a short walk around the local fishing port seeking various ducks and perhaps the first sighting of eagles. If we are lucky we get to photograph ravens and seagulls fighting for fish scraps !! (BD)

we spend two days going out on the "Sunrise" boat cruise photographing the magnificent Steller’s Sea Eagles and White Tailed Eagles amidst an amazing ice world.

Another opportunity on the early morning boat cruise with the Steller’s Sea Eagles and White Tailed Eagles. In the afternoon, we make our way over to Nemuro, stopping along the way for various opportunities.(BD)

We spend the early morning photography various Sea Eagles in various locations in Nemuro, this is an excellent opportunity to capture these amazing birds in flight and with some very good chances of aerial and on the ice combat. (BD)

Morning session with the Sea Eagles photography, by mid morning we make our way over to the Airport for our afternoon flight back to Tokyo. (B)

The Tour ends at Haneda Airport.

We say our farewells and then depart for our respective transfers to Narita / Haneda International Airports.

Price Information: TBA Single occupancy for the entire tour period !! - No room sharing required.

Double room occupancy available upon request difficulty level: moderate. - several very early starts. some walking required. climate: very cold to freezing cold., registration now open..

Ade is a wildlife photographer based in Japan, specialised in winter wildlife photography,

His work has been published in wildlife magazines, books and newspapers.

When not knee deep in snow, he runs photo tours to big cat locations in India and Sri Lanka

Favourite Winter Wildlife Locations: Hokkaido and South Georgia

Scheduling Your Arrival:

It is imperative you ensure your flight arrives in tokyo  at least a day before the start of the  tour..

We are able to assist with pre and post tour accommodation bookings  if required.

What Do You Need  For These Tours ?

• love to travel and a passion for wildlife photography - all level welcome - newbies to guru , • at bare minimum a camera ( film or digital ) and a  telephoto lens ..

Note:: A  long range 300 - 600mm telephoto lens  is ideal for this tour.

• Thermal clothes , Gloves, and Thermal  boots - It will be very cold .. Trust me !

During the tour , the average temperature in Hokkaido will be  in the single low digits  and sometime  well below freezing , while Nagano will be in the mid  10's range .

>>It is imperative you wear appropriate clothing<<

The early morning and evening  being the coldest time of the day.

• Anti-slip Ice Cleats Boot Grips ( Not a must , but  will come in handy in Nagano )

• a relatively good level of fitness ( a degrees of walking and standing is required ).

NOTE: Full details on what you need bring along  and how to fully  prepare for your adventure will be sent  along with your confirmed booking details

Payment  Method:

Bank wire transfer instructions will be sent upon completion  of  the online booking form., please see the booking information and cancellation fees, what is included:, • all accommodation and meals ( bld - see schedule ) during your tou r..

Meals as indicated  (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

• Flights from Tokyo Haneda airport to Hokkaido and back.

•  internal bus ( chartered ) transfers within hokkaido and nagano for the entire trip . ample space for all  , • all location admission fees / cruise boat fees., what is not included:, • your flight / transportation cost to / from narita international airport., • your flight / transportation cost to / from  haneda airport., • hotels costs while traveling prior to the start or after the photo tour., • costs  of meals / beverages on arrival  day 0 ., • you are advised to schedule your arrival a day before the start of the photo tour, this not only reduces the impact of any international flight delays, but also enables international guests to sleep off any jet lag - assistance with this additional booking is available , please make this know at the time of your tour  booking., • your travel and medical insurance, • visa fees ( if applicable ), • laundry , phone calls, internet use (most places will have free wifi ), • any kind of drinks (alcoholic, non-alcoholic ,mineral, aerated), • snacks, souvenirs , tips, accommodatio n:, • comfortable traditional japanese hotels / inns and some western style hotels, • single  room accommodation for the entire tour. you do not need to share your room at any location ., • double / twin rooms are available upon reques t., ( additional expense will be confirmed at booking ), • please make any dietary needs known when you fill in the online book ing form, you are  advised to  take  out comprehensive insurance to cover your entire time on the tour, your insurance should cover  but not limited too the following  -  medical , travel , camera equipment , in addition to any other areas you deem required., personal care information:, please seek  professional medical  advice from your doctor/gp/physician on your intention to travel  to an  area of extreme cold  . vaccination might be required prior to travel will we be  traveling in rural japan , where  little medical facilities  will be available, please ensure you bring any needed medication along., • participants with any form of  breathing difficult or health issues in environments with extreme cold are advised to seek medical advice before booking a place on this tour  ., >> small groups - max  8 people depending on the  photo tour. couples are welcome <<, click   >> here <<  for  the booking form , if you have any questions on the tour or reserving  a place , please  contact us by email.

For a limited time, book your 2020, 2021 & 2022 group tour packages with no deposit required!!!

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Snow Monkeys     View Tours

Snow Monkeys

Snow Monkeys in Japan are also known as Japanese Macaque. These types of primates live in areas where for months on end are covered in snow. The Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture is the place where you can see Snow Monkeys bathing in a natural hot spring. The park is within the natural habitat for the Japanese Macaque, which is Jigokudani Valley in Yamanouchi. It is close to the onsen towns of Shibu and Yudanaka. To give better access to people wanting to see the snow monkeys they built a man made onsen (hot spring) for the primates to enjoy. Snow monkeys are known to have thick coats of fur for the cold weather. The color of their fur is of a brown-grey variety and their faces are red. They have short tails and as species they are referred to as Nihonzaru. Jigokudani Monkey Park was first established in 1964 near the Yokoyu River. Jigokudani translates to Hell Valley and it is called that because of the steam coming from the natural hot springs resembles mythological description of it. Back before the park opened the snow monkeys would sneak into onsens at hotels, hostels, and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) to stay warm during the winter. The Japanese Macaques can be found in different parts of Japan, but in the Jigokudani Monkey Park their unusual love for the onsen can be seen. Thousands of visitors go to the area to take photos the snow monkeys relaxing in the heated water. Please see below for tours that include Snow Monkeys:

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Kyoto Aoi Festival   (9)

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Snow Monkeys   (52)

Shirakawago   (85)

Gion Summer Festival   (4)

Awa Odori Dance Festival   (4)

Sapporo Snow Festival   (5)

Otaru Snow Light Path   (1)

Ice Breaker Cruise   (5)

Wakasagi Smelt Fishing   (5)

Shiretoko Nature Cruise   (8)

Blue Pond   (14)

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Miho Museum   (109)

Ise Grand Shrine   (4)

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Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people..

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people. (smaller group departure available).

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our budget tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget..

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation..

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Group Tour | Deluxe           Book Now & Save $100

Group Tour | Deluxe     Book Now & Save $100

5 Days 4 Nights | from US $1898.00

Kawazu / Mt Fuji / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Obuse / Nagano

Take an exclusive 5-day trip beyond tokyo to experience the blooming of japan's earliest cherry blossoms at the kawazu cherry blossom festival and a trip to see the adorable snow monkeys.

Nikko / Takasaki / Karuizawa / Yudanaka / Matsumoto

Join our beyond tokyo summer tour and explore nikko, karuizawa, yudanaka, and other must-see regions outside tokyo and its immediate area..

Discover what lies Beyond Tokyo in an itinerary that includes visits to destinations in Nikko, Karuizawa, and Nagano, all during the stunning autumn season.

6 Days 5 Nights | from US $2498.00

Tokyo / Takasaki / Karuizawa / Yudanaka / Matsumoto / Takayama / Shirakawago / Kanazawa / Osaka

Explore the best destinations between tokyo and osaka, including takasaki, yudanaka onsen, karuizawa, takayama, shirakawa-go, and kanazawa, on this 6-day journey during the lush spring season..

Explore the best destinations Between Tokyo and Osaka, including Takasaki, Yudanaka Onsen, Karuizawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa, during the delightful summer season.

Explore the best destinations Between Tokyo and Osaka, including Takasaki, Yudanaka Onsen, Karuizawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa, on this 6-day journey during the autumn season.

6 Days 5 Nights | from US $2598.00

Explore the best destinations Between Tokyo and Osaka, including Takasaki, Yudanaka Onsen, Karuizawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa, during the lovely cherry blossom season.

Explore the best destinations Between Tokyo and Osaka, including Takasaki, Yudanaka Onsen, Karuizawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa, on this 6-day journey during the captivating autumn leaves season.

5 Days 4 Nights | from US $2898.00 (Limit to 10 guests)

Mt Fuji - Matsumoto - Obuse - Yudanaka Onsen

Go beyond tokyo for a 5-day journey to mount fuji, matsumoto, obuse, and nagano prefecture, and photograph japan's natural splendor including the adorable snow monkeys of yudanaka..

8 Days 7 Nights | from US $3198.00

Tokyo / Lake Kawaguchi / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka

The must see sights of tokyo, takayama & kyoto... plus the snow monkeys..

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Walking Tour

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Cherry Blossoms

Takayama Spring Festival

Kyoto Aoi Festival

Shibazakura Festivals

Baby Blue Eyes Flowers

Lavenders in Hokkaido

Gion Summer Festival

Tohoku 3 Great Summer Festivals

Awa Odori Dance Festival

Autumn Leaves

Takayama Autumn Festival

Sapporo Snow Festival

Ice Breaker Cruise

Wakasagi Smelt Fishing

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Things Not to Miss

Shirakawago

Miho Museum

Naoshima Island

Himeji Castle

Shiretoko Nature Cruise

Sushi-Making Experience

Kyoto Cuisine with Maiko

Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko

Ise Grand Shrine

Most Beautiful Places in Japan

Otaru Snow Light Path

Tottori Sand Dunes

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Miyajima Island

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine

Adachi Museum of Art

Shimanami Kaido

Takeda Castle Ruin

Kurashiki Canal Area

Takachiho Gorge

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Japan Snow Monkeys & Winter Wildlife Tours

12 days winter photography & cultural adventure, get intimate with some of the worlds most spectacular wildlife, winter wonderland photography tour & workshop, 12 photography days, tour #1 – jan 28 (sun) – feb 9 (fri) & tour #2 – feb 18 (sun) – mar 1 (fri), 2024, an exceptional photo journey.

MBP Japan Wildlife Tour was truly an exceptional experience. From the country & culture to the camaraderie of the cohort, this trip was the best. Martin provided the most organized & varied photo opportunities – Not to be missed!

This tour truly delivers a Hokkaido Winter Wonderland Workshop!

From the moment we all met at Haneda Airport, the trip was ‘flawless”. The organization and execution of the entire trip was meticulous and well thought out, the hotel accommodation plush, and the local cuisine exquisite.

Martin’s eloquent skill in the Japanese language, and having excellent mastery of the local environment meant he was able to deliver the very best of Hokkaido for both wildlife and landscape photo opportunities.

I had always struggled with the intricacy of exposure and I never shot in full manual mode, Martin’s insight on these topics is ingenious, suffice to say, after the trip, I now only ever shoot in full manual mode. Martin’s tutoring meant I came away from the Hokkaido tour with many 1st class photos of Japanese Red-Crowned Cranes, Eagles, Ezo Deer and a sound understanding of photography. This tour truly delivers a Hokkaido Winter Wonderland Workshop

We improved our ability to capture birds in flight!

We particularly wanted to improve our ability to capture birds in flight during this trip, and we have certainly achieved that. Using back button focusing helped us to improve, as did a clearer understanding of our cameras’ auto focus features. Thank you Martin. Photographing the eagles taking fish from the water was an experience we will never forget, and just one of many highlights.

Martin’s passion and enthusiasm for running the trip was clear!

Many thanks for organising and running such a good trip – I have now been on many wildlife photographic trips, and this rates as one of the very best. Martin’s passion for the subject and clear enthusiasm for running the trip was clear to everyone. And Martin’s technical knowledge of photography is second to none. Many, many thanks.

Everything ran so smoothly even when things weren’t going to plan!

Your organisation and contact before the tour was unlike any other and very impressive, and continued throughout the tour. Everything ran so smoothly (even when things weren’t going to plan!) The variety in wildlife and landscape was also brilliant and having the chance to go back to the same places over a couple of days and in different conditions really gave me the chance to improve on my skills. Your workshops were also really helpful and I have definitely noticed an improvement in my images over the two weeks – some of the images I’ve taken are unlike anything I thought I was capable of before the trip!

Martin organizes and runs a great tour!

Martin organizes and runs a great tour. I attended the 2016 Winter Wildlife Tour. I love going on tours that offer the chance to photograph a variety of subjects. This tour provided non-stop photo opportunities. The highlight for me was watching and photographing the White-Tailed and Steller Sea Eagles. Martin also exposes his guests to Japanese culture which was a great experience.

Exceeded my expectations on all levels!

The Snow Monkeys & Hokkaido Tour and Workshop exceeded my expectations on all levels. The wildlife was amazing, the Japanese winter wonderland was beautiful and on top of that we got a glimpse into japanese culture. The whole tour was perfectly organized by Martin and his wonderful crew which relieved us from all the tedious bits and pieces that come along with such a journey. The icing on the cake is Martin’s way to share knowledge and to give lessons on how to photograph in snow and the existing weather conditions. The tour is quite demanding and certainly no vacation but it is worth every effort.

Your commitment to helping your clients is without equal!

Truly, Martin, I have been participating in workshops for many years with some of the world’s best, but your commitment to helping your clients realize their full potential as artists — in preparation, image capture, and post-capture interpretation — is without equal.

Martin is an excellent teacher. Very patient, and with a wonderful sense of humour!

Martin is an excellent teacher. Very patient, and with a wonderful sense of humour. He knows Japan, particularly Hokkaido, because he’s lived here for over 26 years, and has chosen excellent locations, none of which disappointed – no small feat considering how reliant on weather we were. He’s well-organized and if anything didn’t go according to plan I certainly didn’t notice a glitch in the matrix. But for a guy who’s so easy-going he can really march his troops, and we were up at some lunatic hours, one morning my alarm went as early as 4:00am. Thank God you can get coffee in the vending machines. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, this isn’t it, though the food, sake, and abundant hot springs took the sting out of the early mornings and long hours.

Very professionally planned, organized and executed!

I was so impressed with the 2014 Hokkaido winter wildlife tour that I also joined the 2015 Hokkaido Winter Landscape tour. Both tours were truly outstanding. On the wildlife tour, the quantity of cranes, eagles, snow monkeys, etc., far exceeded expectations. The weather presented us with some challenges but plans were quickly adjusted to provide an extremely productive and rewarding photo tour. The tour/workshop was very professionally planned, organized and executed.

Similarly, during the Landscape tour, all efforts were made to provide us with interesting locations that would be appropriate for the existing lighting and snow conditions.  Such planning and execution would not be possible without Martin’s in depth experience in Japan and particularly in Hokkaido. As MB photography podcast listeners would agree, Martin is extremely knowledgeable on the technical and artistic aspects of photography and he is always eager to educate and provide assistance to all participants, regardless of skill levels.  It should also be mentioned that the Japan tour operator support, transportation, lodging, meals, onsen, etc., all contributed to a unique, enjoyable, Hokkaido photographic experience —Highly recommended!

Martin maximises photographic opportunities for participants

I have taken photography workshops in Australia, France, USA, the Falkland Islands, the Subantarctic and Japan and Martin Bailey is the best tour leader I have encountered. The organisation of his tour was second to none and Martin makes sure that he maximises the photographic opportunities available to his tour participants.

Not only did we visit the best photographic locations, I also learned new camera and post-processing techniques resulting in images which have won in photography competitions and been included in the Photographic Society of America’s PID Interclub Best of the Best for 2016. I would highly recommend Martin as a tour leader.

You made us feel more like family than clients

Liz and I wanted to once again say thanks for a terrific tour with the snow monkeys and the wildlife of Hokkaido. We enjoyed all aspects of our time with our special group (the very early mornings somewhat less) and especially your instruction and mentoring all along the way. The tour conductor’s constant oversight ensured an effortless trip for us and made us feel more like family than clients. As a business owner, I know how much work and effort goes into setting up the logistics for a trip such as this, as well as the effort required to make the field work come together seamlessly. I commend you for your tireless efforts throughout our journey in Japan.

Martin’s organization was meticulous and his Japanese language skills were key!

I highly recommend Martin Bailey’s Hokkaido tour, in particular, because Martin is not only a responsible, knowledgeable, forthcoming and nice guy, but also a superb photographer himself, who knows all the right places.

Martin’s organization was meticulous and his Japanese language skills were key, from getting us from Tokyo to Hokkaido (and back) as well as to the different photo shoots and hotels (via bus), everything went smoothly and without a hitch. The hotels were very nice and the food plentiful and good to excellent.

Martin answers questions regarding choice and use of equipment, photography in general, and provides advice on the challenges of photographing the different locations etc. At the moment I can’t think of anything else – besides the 2010 tour and the challenge of selecting my favorites from 2009. 🙂

The teacher we know from the podcasts is even better in person!

My time at your snow monkey workshop in Jigokudani was so much fun! Thank you for all you taught me – exposure, composition, color management, Lightroom processing, workflow and more. The teacher we know from the podcasts is even better in person!

You developed a terrific itinerary!

I want to thank you for a wonderful trip to Japan. You developed a terrific itinerary that included traditional lodging and food, fantastic opportunities to take pictures of snow monkeys, Japanese Red-crowned cranes, Sea Eagles and much more. I would also like to commend you on what I consider your natural ability to teach. I learned so much on this trip.

Martin was always available to answer photographic and cultural questions

I have been on many photographic tours and workshops in recent years and would rank MBP Snow Monkeys and Hokkaido Tour and Workshop as one of the very best. The trip organization was excellent with very good pre-trip information and help throughout the trip. Martin knows exactly where to be and when to be there to get the best shots. He was always available to answer photographic as well as cultural questions.

I think photographers of all levels would benefit from this tour/workshop. I particularly enjoyed the introduction to Japanese culture and cuisine, a wonderful bonus to an exceptional photographic experience. In comparing trips to photograph Japanese wildlife in winter I also found the Martin Bailey trip to be an excellent value for what was provided.

This tour ranks among our very best!

Martin Bailey’s Winter Wonderland Photography Tour was an outstanding experience. We have participated in a significant number of photo tours and this one ranks among our very best. We returned with an amazing number and variety of quality images. Martin worked very hard to put us in the right place at the right time to get everything possible from the trip. An added dimension was the quality of the instruction and his concern with everyone getting the benefit of his experience with suggestions for camera settings and compositions. The food, accommodations and cultural experiences exceeded what we expected.

I’ll go anywhere with you Martin!

The helpful tour operator, Yukiko, is definitely the best guide one can have on this planet “fullstop”. I am very happy to meet Martin in person, who gave me back my motivation about photography, even with being on the field again. Taking great shots of White-tailed eagles , Steller’s Sea Eagels and Blakiston’s Fish owl is good enough for making this trip a very successful one, however all the workshops and Martin’s on the field instructions about photography in general, made this trip an unbeatable one , I’ll go anywhere with you Martin. After 8 years of photographing wildlife, I just started to shoot “manual” and started to get wonderful results thanks to Martin’s excellent lectures and tips. CU again Martin!

A memorable and rewarding experience!

I participated in the MBP Tour and Workshop in Nagano and Hokkaido in Feb 2011. I had little Wildlife photography experience prior to the Tour. However, my understanding and appreciation of this facet has grown considerably because of my participation. The itinerary, the organisation, the photography mentoring, the wildlife, the scenery, the accommodation, the food, the cameraderie within the group, all added to the fun of involvement. Martin’s friendliness, approachability, knowledge of photography and Japan and the language, ensured a memorable and rewarding experience, that I would recommend to anyone interested.

Great Tour from the first until the last moment!

Great Tour from the first until the last moment. A great group with a high understanding of photography, and great organization. Martin gave us great teaching in Manual Mode, Lightroom and Color Management etc. Even the experienced Photographer can learn something.

The hotels were very good and it was great experiencing a bit of Japanese culture!

Excellent tour which I would recommend for anyone interested in improving their photographic skills and the opportunity to see some wonderful wildlife. A real privilege. The flexibility of the tour enabled us to see cranes performing beautiful dancing whilst it was snowing which I shall never forget. Being at the various locations for a few days was great as not only did it give the opportunity to improve on taking photos but gave a small appreciation and understanding of the animal’s behaviour and hence look out for more specific shots to take. The tour was well organised, ran smoothly to Martin and the Tour Operator’s credit. The hotels were very good and it was great experiencing a bit of Japanese culture and food again. Thanks for a memorable tour.

A delightfully rich, rewarding and enjoyable experience!

Martin’s Hokkaido Tour and Workshop was a delightfully rich, rewarding and enjoyable experience both photographically and culturally. Martin’s fluency in Japanese, in-depth knowledge of the locations, friendly nature and extensive photographic knowledge and skills (which he willingly shared) make him a great guide, teacher and companion. Thanks to Martin’s expert assistance and advice together with spectacular locations and vantage points, I came home with some of the best photos I’ve ever taken. And I’m now shooting confidently in manual – which, I discovered, is important with wildlife than can move rapidly!

Highly recommended!!!

Attending MBP Workshop 2011 was a unique experience and great introduction to Japanese culture and wildlife. The workshop was well organised and gives the photographer great freedom. Highly recommended!!!

The tour exceeded all expectations!

The Snow Monkey and Hokkaido Photography Tour exceeded all expectations. Martin is very generous with his photographic knowledge and technical assistance – but never obtrusive. I was already shooting in manual mode, but returned home with far greater camera skills and the ability to manually control the shots that I wanted. For the first time I had images of a high enough quality to enter in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The tour was also excellent culturally with many memorable traditional Japanese meals….and baths!

Martin’s passion for photography is infectious!

Martin’s passion for photography is infectious. Whether you’re standing in the dark, at minus 15 degrees, wearing nearly every item of clothing you brought, waiting for a sunrise, or sitting on the floor in traditional Japanese attire over dinner (with beer), you are inspired by his enthusiasm, knowledge, and desire to help you master your craft. This trip was a magical blend of opportunity and expertise. If you’re looking for a unique insight into the photographic opportunities of Japan wildlife and landscape, this is the perfect trip! Martin’s trips will book quickly as word spreads – don’t miss out.

Unbelievable photographic opportunities, outstanding food and superb company!

Unbelievable photographic opportunities, outstanding food and superb company made for a truly memorable experience. I shot some of my best images ever! Thank you Martin!

A cornucopia of great photography locations, people, learning and fellowship!

The Martin Bailey Hokkaido experience is a cornucopia of great photography locations, people, learning, and fellowship. It was as much a cultural experience as it was a photographic one. Martin’s command of the language and familiarity with the locations ensured a hassle-free trip. It was an amazing experience to be surrounded by encouraging colleagues in a non-competitive environment with unrestricted access to such a competent and approachable teacher.

2011 Update: This was my third time on the tour and definitely not my last. That should speak bundles.

This photography adventure takes us to the best Japanese winter wildlife locations in Japan, at exactly the right time to capture the images of a lifetime. We'll visit the adorable Snow Monkeys in Nagano for the first three days of each tour. For the latter nine days, we travel to Hokkaido to photograph the majestic Red-Crowned Cranes, Whooper Swans, Seller's Sea Eagles, White-Tailed Eagles, Ezo Deer, and possibly foxes. There are also some Landscape photography opportunities during the tour, but if you want to photograph the incredible landscape in Hokkaido, also consider our Hokkaido Photography Landscape Adventure .

We stay in four of the six hotels for two or three nights running, meaning you don't have to uproot every morning. This also gives us the opportunity for structured workshop sessions as time allows.

Details of Your Photography Adventure

Arrival - tour #1 jan 28, tour #2 feb 18.

The majority of our guests travel in from overseas, so we include the first night before the tour starts in your package to ensure we're all in town ready to start bright and early the following morning. For those that arrive in time there is an optional meet-and-greet dinner on the first evening of the tour.

Snow Monkeys (days 1, 2, 3)

On the first morning, we start the tour by heading out to Nagano, north-west of Tokyo, for three days photographing the adorable Japanese Macaque, affectionately known as the Snow Monkeys. These amazing primates are one of the Japanese mainland's biggest attractions for the winter wildlife photographer. By the evening of day three, we make our way to Tokyo Haneda airport where we spend one night, and then fly to Hokkaido early on the morning of day four. This marks the start of nine days in eastern Hokkaido photographing some of the most breathtaking winter wildlife in the world.

Red-Crowned Cranes (days 4, 5)

In Hokkaido, we spend two full days photographing the Red-Crowned Cranes, in a number of locations around Kushiro and Akan. We'll also visit the Otowa "Sound of Wings" Bridge at dawn on two mornings, with fingers crossed for low temperatures and no wind, in the hope that we'll get river mist and frosty trees on at least one of the two days.

Whooper Swans (days 6, 7)

We spend two days photographing the Whooper Swans at Kussharo Lake, as they warm themselves in the hot spring waters that flow into the lake. We'll also aim to capture the swans taking off and landing, working on panning techniques, as well as environmental shots of the swans in their beautiful setting.

Mashuu Lake and Iouzan (Sulphur Mountain) (days 6, 7)

While at the location where we'll shoot the Whooper Swans, and go to see if we can catch the swans flying over the lake in the beautiful soft morning light. We also have a short shoot at Iouzan (Sulphur Mountain!) for some surreal landscape opportunities.

Sea Eagles (days 8, 9, 10)

We head over to the Shiretoko Peninsula and the port town of Rausu, where we spend three days going out on a boat at dawn to photograph the awesome Seller's Sea Eagles and White Tailed Eagles on the sea ice. Very occassionally, we are treated to a visit by a pod of Orcas.

Notsuke Peninsula & Shinto Shrine Visit (days 8, 9, 10)

While we are staying in Rausu for the Sea Eagles, we'll make time at least once to drive out to the Notsuke Peninsula to photograph the Ezo Deer and Hokkaido Fox that we often find there. We also pay an optional visit to the local Shinto Shrine in Rausu, where we receive a traditional Shinto blessing, and have the chance to take photos and ask questions about the shrine and the Shinto religion.

Shiretoko National Park (days 11, 12)

Then on the way around to the Utoro side of the Shiretoko Peninsula, we will make stops along the way to photograph the landscape and birch tree groves. Just outside of Utoro we'll make a stop at the Oshinkoshin Falls, and possibly make our way into the Shiretoko National Park for a walk out through the woods in the hope of spotting some Ezo Deer or perhaps even a woodpecker.

Return to Tokyo - Tour #1 Feb 9, Tour #2 Mar 1

After a steady short morning shoot on Day 12, we head over to Memanbetsu airport and fly back to Tokyo at in the afternoon, usually by around 5pm.

Workshop Sessions

Depending on weather and the group's energy levels, at a number of locations, we set time aside for a workshop session and group discussions for those interested in participating.

NOTE: You will receive a detailed itinerary and information to help you prepare for your tour shortly after making your reservation.

Your Host - Martin Bailey

Your host and tour leader, Martin Bailey, is British born though now a Japanese citizen, having lived in Japan for over twenty-eight years. A professional wildlife and nature photographer, Martin is also fluent in Japanese both written and spoken, and his knowledge of the locations we visit and subjects we photograph is unrivaled, making us the perfect choice for your Japanese photography adventure.

Martin has been visiting Hokkaido every year since 2003, and the 2023 tours take us into our seventeenth year of amazing workshops. We continuously refine the Itinerary and locations visited based on previous experience and feedback. These tours just get better and better.

Additional Information

Accommodation & meals.

We stay in a mix of traditional Japanese hotels and western-style hotels, with great food, sometimes buffet style, though often meals prepared specifically for our group. We'll note if you have any food preferences (allergies, vegetarian etc.) and make changes as possible to suit your needs. Many of the hotels have relaxing hot springs baths to relax after a day out shooting.

For the entire tour, we use a large bus with a professional driver that stays with us the entire time. The bus provides ample luggage space and every participant has a double seat, which means you can put your camera bag right next to you on the seat, for easy access to your gear when a photo opportunity arises. On occasion, we shoot from the bus windows, and the bus size provides everyone with an open window on either side as well.

Full-Time Tour Conductor

To ensure that all of the tour logistics run like clockwork we travel with a full-time conductor on hand throughout the tour. This means we never have to wait for our keys at hotels, and all meals are ready for us when we arrive. We are also able to negotiate much better meals for western tastes that most Japan tours are able to provide. The tour conductor works closely with Martin which frees him to concentrate on working with the group and gives you more time to concentrate on your photography and enjoying your Japan experience.

Who is this Workshop for?

• Anyone with a love for wildlife, nature and landscape photography, and that can handle a bit of cold weather
• Anyone that wants to improve their photography while shooting the photographs of a lifetime
• In general, tuition assumes at least a basic understanding of photography and your equipment, but photographers of all levels are very welcome, from complete beginner to professional photographers
• You'll need an SLR camera or recent mirrorless camera, and lenses up around 400mm (or 35mm equivalent) though ideally, you'll have two camera bodies, so that you don't have to change lenses during fast-paced shooting, like when photographing birds in flight. You'll receive advice on all gear necessary after signing up and Martin is always there to answer any other questions you might have

What is included in the Package?

• Accommodation on Sunday night before we kick off the tour
• All accommodation and meals during your tour
• Flights from Tokyo Haneda airport to Hokkaido and back
• A chartered bus with driver (and lots of luggage space) to transport us safely and comfortably around Japan for the entire trip
• A representative from our Tour Operator partner travels with us throughout to ensure all the logistics run smoothly, which also frees up Martin to give full attention to the group
• Admission fees to planned facilities and excursions, such as the crane center and chartered boat to photograph the Eagles

What is NOT included in the Package?

• Your flight or travel costs to the meeting points in Tokyo or back home after the tours
• Hotels while traveling prior to or following the tour/workshops (although we can help with booking your Tokyo hotels for one or two nights before and/or after the tour as necessary)
• Evening meal on Sunday evening before the tour starts
• Beverages or additional items ordered during meals
• The cost of the optional Shinto blessing in Rausu

A Word on Insurance

Our Tour Operator carries standard insurance necessary by Japanese law but you are strongly advised to arrange the following insurance:

• Travel Insurance -- If you fall sick or have an accident during the course of the trip, you will miss part of your tour, and possibly incur hospital fees and other expenses that can mount up. We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance for yourself for the entire length of the trip in advance of departure
• Cancellation Insurance -- This is often included in your Travel Insurance, but if for any reason you have to cancel your tour, cancellation insurance can help you recuperate your costs
• Note that travel and cancellation insurance usually has to be bought within 10 days of booking the tour or less. Please check on this as soon as you book.
• Camera Equipment Insurance -- We also suggest that you insure your photography equipment and belongings if not included in your home or travel insurance. If you already have your gear insured, double check that you are covered for international travel too, if you are visiting Japan from another country

Influenza Vaccinations

You do not need any special vaccinations for Japan, but you are strongly advised to ensure that you've had an influenza shot for that season by no later than two weeks prior to coming to Japan. These tours coincide with the flu season here in Japan, and we would not like you to lose valuable photography days in bed or risk infecting the rest of the group if we can help it. Vaccinations are not 100% though. It's good practice to wash your hands and gargle with water when you get to your hotel, especially after traveling on public transport.

Guidebook PDF

After you sign up, you will receive a PDF document to help you with your preparations. This will contain details on recommended camera gear, cold weather clothing, and advice on Japanese etiquette to help make your stay in Japan as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. There is also a detailed itinerary, maps and hotel phone numbers etc. to leave with your loved ones while you're away.

Cost & Reservation

Note that the US dollar amounts displayed here are updated dynamically every hour, for your reference, but may vary slightly from what you pay due to varying rates used by credit cards and PayPal during the conversion from Japanese Yen to your local currency.

• The dollar amounts stated on this page are for reference only - fees are payable in Japanese Yen (¥) which is handled by our shopping cart and automatically calculated to your local currency by your credit card company or bank
• You can select to pay by bank transfer when you check out, and you will be sent our business account details
• Please ensure that you send the balance in Japanese Yen for this tour. If sending in Yen is not possible, ask your bank to calculate the price based on their current rates before sending
• If you want to book for more than one person you can change the number of participants in the shopping cart before checking out
• Tours require a minimum of ten (10) participants to go ahead. We'll let you know, but please ensure that the tour has reached the minimum number of participants before you purchase any flights that require large cancellations fees, or ensure that you purchase travel/cancellation insurance to protect your investment
• There is a maximum of 12 to 14 people per tour depending on how many couples join us

Cancellation Policy/Fees

Reservation Fee / Deposit - If you cancel up to one year before the start date of your tour, your deposit will be refunded. If you decide to cancel less than one year before the start of the tour, your reservation fee will be refunded only if we are able to back-fill your place (see notes below)

Tour Fees / Balance - If you cancel your reservation the following charges will be payable (see notes below)

• If you cancel more than 61 days before the start of your tour fee (balance) will be refunded in full
• From 60 to 31 days before the start of the trip, cancellation fees are 25% of your tour fee (balance)
• From 30 to 8 days before the start of the trip, cancellation fees are 50% of your tour fee (balance)
• From 7 days to 72 hours before the start of the trip, cancellation fees are 75% of your tour fee (balance)
• If you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of the trip, we cannot refund your tour fee (balance)

Notes on Cancellation Fees and Notification Timing

• Any transfer charges and transaction fees incurred on accepting and/or refunding any payments will be deducted from any refund amounts due, including accidental overpayments.
• The number of days to tour start is calculated from 9 am Japan Standard Time (UTC + 9 hours). Email received after 6 pm JST on the previous day will be calculated from 9 am JST the following day.

Booking and Balance Payment

Please process your payments in Japanese Yen (¥). If Yen is not already selected select Japanese Yen in the pull-down below before proceeding. Any credit card payments will automatically be converted to your local currency by your credit card company. If you have any questions or problems with payment, please let us know . 

Currency Selector

Please ensure that the currency is set to Japanese Yen for our Japan-based tours. Payments in US dollars may be refunded with transaction fees deducted.

Snow Monkeys and Hokkaido Tour #1 2024 Reservation

This tour is now full. please contact us to be added to the cancellation list or check out the tours & workshops page for future tour availability..

When booking for more than one person, select the required number before adding to your shopping cart.

Snow Monkeys and Hokkaido Tour #2 2024 Reservation

Snow Monkeys and Hokkaido Tour #1 2024 Balance Payment

¥ 660,000 – ¥ 720,000

Snow Monkeys and Hokkaido Tour #2 2024 Balance Payment

The tour balance is payable 3 months before the start of the tour. We'll send you a reminder a few weeks before this is due. Note that tour fees are the sum of the reservation and balance payments added together.

Any Questions?

If you are interested in coming along but want more information, please do not hesitate to contact us . We look forward to seeing you in Japan, for the photography tour and workshop of a lifetime!

-- Martin Bailey.

Related Blog Posts and Podcasts

If you are interested, you might want to check out the following blog posts and podcasts...

 Note that these Podcasts and many others are also available in iTunes .

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

Japan's Winter Wildlife

Snow monkeys, whooper swans, sea eagles & japanese cranes.

Westernized and yet profoundly Asian, Japan remains an enigmatic land. The Japanese archipelago with its jagged and broken coastline and its high mountain peaks possesses some of the most striking scenery in eastern Asia. Nowhere in Japan is far from the sea; this has an immeasurable influence on both landscape and people. If your mental image of Japan is of shiny consumer exports, high technology, endless overcrowding and automatic everything, then join us on a Photo Safari to create images of Japan’s untamed side.

Imagine seeing hundreds of the stunningly beautiful, but rare, Japanese cranes on Hokkaido, dancing and displaying at their riverine roosts and at their feeding grounds. Experience a boat ride among the shimmering pack ice and photograph one of the world’s largest and most dramatic raptors—the Steller’s sea eagle. Think of being within arm’s reach of hundreds of delightful whooper swans at ice-coated and mist-fringed lakes and wintry seacoasts. Herds of sika deer and red fox, flocks of sea ducks, several species of gulls and some inspiring scenic opportunities all add to the charm of Hokkaido.

A visit to upcountry Japan is an experience in itself—one that requires a spirit of adventure and a willingness to adapt to new ways. Simple things like eating Japanese food and sleeping on a futon are very different from back home, but add to our experience as we explore our cultural differences. We intersperse these Japanese experiences with more familiar western-style accommodations in Tokyo and Kushiro.The finale of the trip finds us in central Honshu where we escape the sprawl of Tokyo and visit the snow-covered “Japanese Alps.” There, in deep snow and taking refuge in an outdoor hot pool, are the extraordinary, highly approachable and extremely photogenic Japanese macaques—the snow monkeys.

Compelling Reasons to Travel With Us

Our 1996 pioneering Japan’s Winter Wildlife photo tour is one of our most copied trip itineraries—and for good reason.  It’s a great trip!  Though imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, over the past 25 years we have continually fine-tuned our itinerary to offer not only a wonderful wildlife photography experience but an equally enjoyable sampling of lodging and local Japanese culture.

What makes the winter wildlife photography so special in Japan is that virtually all the animals we photograph are routinely fed by the staff of the wildlife reserves and private property owners whose land we visit. Because of these regular feedings (Japanese wildlife can count on the daily feeding times to be as punctual as the train schedules) the wildlife is remarkably unwary and is often within full-frame wide-angle lens distance.

Unparalleled Experience Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris has more than 20 years experience offering winter wildlife photography tours in Japan—spanning more years than any western photography group in the world.  Our local guide has worked with us for many years,  She knows exactly what it takes to facilitate an enjoyable and successful photo tour.  Experience matters when carrying out the logistics of a complicated Japan photo tour.  We waste no time getting you exactly where you need to be to capture exciting Japanese wildlife images—every day of your trip.

Monkeys, Swans, Cranes, Eagles and a lot more This photo trip is designed to provide multiple opportunities to photograph the country’s incredible unwary wildlife featured in the itinerary as well as beautiful mountain scenery.  We sample both Japanese and western cuisine and meet numerous Japanese photographers and gracious innkeepers along the way.

Accommodations Matter (A Lot) A wonderful feature of this trip is the charming traditional inns and westernized lodges where we stay—almost a “stone’s throw” from our photography locations.  After a chilly photo session in the field it is a pleasure to retreat to delightful accommodations that offer a chance to rejuvenate before returning to the field.  Outside of Tokyo and Kushiro our group may occupy the entire lodge or inn with a full group of 12 participants.

Private Transportation Throughout the Trip Though Japan is renowned for its on-time high-speed train system and rapid boarding method, for a photographer with luggage it can be a logistical nightmare.  There are no porters or baggage handlers.  Therefore we charter a 22-passenger bus (or larger) to provide us with convenient private transportation throughout our tour.  We avoid the hassle of lugging our gear up and down the many stairways in the train stations, onto trains and public busses where space might not be readily available to store the luggage and camera gear.

All these ingredients—and more—combine to create our Japan’s Winter Wildlife Photo Safari—this trip is recommended as one of Joe Van Os’ Top 10 most enjoyable wildlife shoots in the world.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Depart from the US.

Day 2 (Jan 25, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan) Participants arrive at Narita or Haneda airports, are met and assisted with the transfer to our comfortable Tokyo city center hotel. We meet for a Japanese welcome dinner. (D)

Day 5 Morning crane shoot followed by a drive to Lake Mashuko for snowy landscapes of its massive volcanic caldera. We arrive at Kawayu for lunch, followed by whooper swan photography. (BLD)

Day 8 Explore the Shiretoko Peninsula, passing through snowy national parklands en route to Rausu. We pause on the way to photograph sika deer, red fox, swans and rugged snowy mountain scenery. (BLD)

Day 9 Photograph white-tailed and Steller's sea eagles on the pack ice on a two-hour morning photo cruise out of the fishing village of Rausu. From the harbor we are accompanied by a throng of slaty-backed, glaucous and herring gulls. Once we reach the ice, tubs of fish are emptied onto the larger floating ice chunks. Now larger figures appear in the air. More than 100 immense Steller's eagles and their smaller white-tailed cousins—waiting on the ice since first light—come from all directions and provide spectacular shots. We capture their exciting images in flight, on ice and fighting for fish—just a few feet from the boat. Weather permitting, we provide a second two-hour eagle trip later this morning, or if shooting conditions deteriorate due to snow or fog we try again on the morning of Day 10. (BLD)

Day 11 We fly to Tokyo and then drive into the Japanese Alps by private chartered bus to our hotel. The private transportation allows us to avoid the hassles of transferring baggage and camera gear through Japan's inconvenient (for travelers with luggage) train stations—none of which have porters for assistance.  Tonight we reside in a delightful traditional inn.  (BLD)

Day 15 Following morning photography of the snow monkeys, we return to our Tokyo hotel for a farewell dinner. (BLD)

Day 16 (Feb 8) We provide your transfer to Narita or Haneda airport. You depart for home this evening, arriving the same day. (B)

Tour Details

2025 Japan’s Winter Wildlife: Moderate Activity Level: Bus and boat travel. Shooting is usually done within easy walking distance from the bus on icy pavement. Microspikes recommended. Hiking on a snowy woodland trail for one mile in and out at snow monkey lodge carrying camera gear. To reach the snow monkey hot pool from the lodge requires a climb of three stories of stairs. The climb can be taken at your own pace. Boat trips for sea eagles on ice floes can be choppy and sea sickness remedies are recommended for those prone to sea sickness.

Tour Highlights

• Photograph snow monkeys in the classic hot springs pool fringed with snow
• Japanese cranes and whooper swans in spectacular concentration in Japan’s famous “snow country” of Hokkaido
• Boat excursion from Shiretoko Peninsula for Steller’s and white-tailed sea eagles on pack ice and in flight
• Enjoy friendly hospitality in a variety of wonderful local inns, minshukus and ryokans
• Private group transportation throughout the trip avoids the heavy cold weather clothing, luggage and camera gear transportation problems inherent in Japan’s public train and bus systems
• Includes all meals, lodging, internal tour flights, boat and ground transportation, park fees, photo guide and instruction

Tour Leaders

Mark thomas.

YouTube Video

Testimonials

I have had this trip on my bucket list for years and finally got to check it off. Wonderful trip, excellent wildlife and opportunity to photograph them. Wonderful tour guide, loved to teach and always willing to help. — P. Gitman

The itinerary was brilliant. Time of day, choice of place, order of operations, accommodations, perfect! —S. Lake

This may well be the best trip Frank and I have ever taken. The photography opportunities were wonderful and the bonus was experience of a culture in a relaxed and vital way. I recommend the trip to everyone. —E. J. Wu

Van Os Photo Safaris puts you in locations to take extraordinary photographs. —J. Rowe

Trip Reports

Japan’s Winter Wildlife 2024 Trip Report

Japan’s Winter Wildlife 2023 Trip Report

Day 9 Photograph white-tailed and Steller’s sea eagles on the pack ice on a two-hour morning photo cruise out of the fishing village of Rausu. From the harbor we are accompanied by a throng of slaty-backed, glaucous and herring gulls. Once we reach the ice, tubs of fish are emptied onto the larger floating ice chunks. Now larger figures appear in the air. More than 100 immense Steller’s eagles and their smaller white-tailed cousins—waiting on the ice since first light—come from all directions and provide spectacular shots. We capture their exciting images in flight, on ice and fighting for fish—just a few feet from the boat. Weather permitting, we provide a second two-hour eagle trip later this morning, or if shooting conditions deteriorate due to snow or fog we try again on the morning of Day 10. (BLD)

Day 11 We fly to Tokyo and then drive into the Japanese Alps by private chartered bus to our hotel. The private transportation allows us to avoid the hassles of transferring baggage and camera gear through Japan’s inconvenient (for travelers with luggage) train stations—none of which have porters for assistance.  Tonight we reside in a delightful traditional inn.  (BLD)

Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris Enrollment Information

2025 japan’s winter wildlife.

Jan 24 – Feb 08 2025

ENROLLMENT CONDITIONS 1. REGISTRATION A deposit and a signed Registration Form are required to reserve a place on a Van Os Photo Safari.

2. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

All prices are quoted in US dollars and all payments must be paid in US dollars. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, personal checks, and bank transfers for payment. Trip deposits are not refundable.

We must receive written notice of your cancellation; at which time the following cancellation fees apply:

Trip deposits are non-refundable. 150-91 days prior to tour: 50% of tour fee is refunded if we have received your payment in full. 90-61 days prior to tour: 25% of tour fee is refunded if we have received your payment in full. 60 days prior to tour: All payments made are non-refundable.

3. TRIP INSURANCE We strongly encourage you to protect your travel investment and purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes emergency evacuation coverage. We can provide travel insurance options, or it can be purchased independently. A CANCEL FOR ANY REASON policy is available. Trip participants without travel protection insurance are considered “self-insured.” Without insurance you assume all risks and losses for any conditions requiring your cancellation.

4. HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Van Os Photo Safaris are within the capabilities of average people in good health. Some of these trips require the capability of walking for several miles over uneven trails, stepping from a small boat to a wave-washed rocky beach, flying in small planes and helicopters, and occasionally hiking at high elevations—all while carrying an assortment of camera equipment. If you have concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness as it relates to a trip, please inquire with our office before reserving a space. By forwarding a signed Registration Form and trip deposit, you certify that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for you, or other trip participants and you agree to inform our office in writing if changes in your health, including viral illnesses, occur any time prior to the tour. We reserve the right to request a doctor's statement of good health. The company's or trip leader's judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual's ability to embark upon or to continue a trip. Once a trip has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. We assume no responsibility for medical care or for special dietary requirements. Participants are asked to refrain from smoking with or near the group.

5. CONTACT SCHEDULE

Participants will receive three emails before the trip departs: 1. Initial Tour Information confirms the deposit and provides pre-departure information. 2. Practical Tour Information provides clothing and photo gear recommendations, climate data, and applicable health advisories. Visa information will also be included (if applicable). 3. Final Tour Information includes arrival instructions, itinerary revisions (if any), hotel addresses, trip telephone contact information and participant list. We provide the trip leader's telephone number(s) and/or email address with final documents so you can inquire about special photographic questions you may have regarding your trip. We welcome your calls or email messages to [email protected].

6. PHOTO SAFARI TRIP FEE INCLUSIONS

Information supplied upon enrollment describes the specific details that are included in your trip fee. Generally, these include lodging in double room occupancy, all meals (specified in the itinerary as BLD denoting breakfast, lunch, or dinner), ground transportation during the trip in vans or small buses, internal tour air transportation as specified, meal and baggage tipping, and guide services provided by the trip leaders. Not included are airfare or other transportation from your home to the trip staging location, airport departure taxes, insurance, alcoholic beverages, and bar expenses (plus bottled water and soft drink expenses on international tours outside of North America), tips and gratuities to local guides, phone calls, passport or visa expenses, laundry, or items of a personal nature. Gratuities to Van Os Photo Safaris trip leaders are optional and always appreciated. Rates are based on group tariffs; if the trip does not have sufficient registration, a small party supplement may be charged.

Most of our trips are priced in double occupancy (shared) accommodation. Single accommodation is available for a supplemental cost in many locations; see the pre-departure trip information or call our office for details. You will be charged the single supplement fee if you desire single accommodation or if you wish to have a roommate, but one is not available. In some remote locations, clients with single rooms are infrequently compelled to share a room due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, appropriate per diem refunds will be made reflecting the direct cost of the single room at the facility where clients are required to share. There is no additional single supplement fee on ship-based cruises if you request a roommate and one is not available.

Cost increases may occur unexpectedly due to rising costs of airfares, ground transport, fuel surcharges, accommodations, and currency fluctuations, among others. Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. may be compelled to amend prices, and we reserve the right to do so without prior notice. An increase in trip prices shall not be sufficient grounds for any refund of funds paid for the trip other than as determined by the terms of our cancellation policy.

7. LOGISTICS

Whenever possible, our trip participants are lodged in comfortable, modern hotels. We select among the best available accommodations but refrain from extravagance. Some interesting photographic destinations are far removed from modern amenities, however, and where necessary we will be accommodated in rustic country inns, cabins, or tented camps.

Meals are always a special part of our trips for the camaraderie they engender and the opportunity they provide to try new foods from different areas. Depending on the trip and specific locale, participants order restaurant meals from the full menu or, less frequently, table d'hôte. Some trips include picnic lunches in the field. Fruit juice for breakfast and coffee or tea is included with the meals. Soft drinks are included with meals on tours within North America. Participants are responsible for their own bar tab (including bottled water, soft drinks, as well as alcoholic beverages on tours outside of North America) at restaurant lunches and dinners.

Our itineraries are intended as examples only. Participants should allow for flexibility due to changes in weather, natural history or cultural events, or other logistical arrangements deemed necessary by Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc., or our leaders.

The second tour leader (and any subsequent additional leaders) listed for each trip on the website will be added as the group size warrants. If only one space remains on a trip, and logistics permit, we accept two people traveling together, even if it exceeds the trip maximum.

8. RESPONSIBILITY

Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. and/or their Agents act only as agents for the passenger (trip participant) in regard to travel including, but not limited to, sightseeing, meals, lodging, transportation, and all other services whether by railroad, motor coach, automobile, van, boat, ship or aircraft or any other conveyance, and they assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts, bankruptcy or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the trip.

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• Meet the World-Famous Hot-spring Loving Snow Monkeys

Year-round activities in and around Jigokudani Monkey Park

You’ve seen the photos—a troop of monkeys relaxing in a natural hot spring surrounded by snowdrifts. Jigokudani Monkey Park is where the famous “snow monkeys” live, and visitors are welcome all year round. 

“Snow Monkey Park,” as it is also known, was set aside within Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park as a refuge for the Japanese macaques who live in the hinterlands of this beautiful, mountainous area. The monkeys learned to use the local hot springs by copying visitors to resorts in the area.  

Monkey-watching is just one of the area’s many attractions. Many all-day tours are available combining snow monkey observation and photo opportunities with other activities, from skiing or snowmobiling in the Shiga Kogen ski resort to visiting Zenkoji, an ancient temple that houses the oldest known Buddhist statue in Japan. The historic hot spring towns of Shibu and Yudanaka also have plenty of places to eat, bathe, and spend the night.

When the snows melt in May, “green season” comes to Shiga Kogen. The hiking is magnificent, with high elevations readily accessible via gondolas and ski lifts. In summer, these cool highlands are an excellent place to beat the heat. 

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Nagano Station (about 100 minutes). From Nagano Station, take the express bus to Kanbayashi Onsen (about 50 minutes).  

Contribution to Sustainability

The park was formed more than 50 years ago as a conservation area to protect a troop of Japanese macaques under threat from human development. Today the park continues to prioritize the safety of the monkeys. To avoid disturbing their natural habitat, feed is not sold within the park or during tours.

Snow Monkey Resort Nagano Office

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Snow Monkey Pass Guide 2024 in Nagano, Japan + Photos

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One of the most memorable experiences in Japan, a visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park (using the Snow Monkey Pass) to see the Nagano snow monkeys in a hot spring is an absolute must-do.

Witnessing the beautiful Nagano snow monkeys up close, bathing in a hot steaming onsen surrounded by snow covered mountains is simply (monkey) magic!

We’ve visited the hot spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano’s Jigokudani Monkey Park a couple of times, most recently in 2023.

To ensure it doesn’t become a ‘monkey puzzle’, here is our guide on visiting Nagano’s Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, what to expect, with updated prices for 2024:

Table of Contents

How to see the hot spring snow monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano

If you have a JR pass and you are passing through Nagano from Tokyo, it is entirely possible to jump off in Nagano for the day and visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (but you would have to depart Tokyo very early given the park’s opening times).

The shinkansen bullet train journey to Nagano from Tokyo takes 80 minutes one way.

If you are jumping off at Nagano with backpacks and luggage, you can store your belongings in the Nagano JR station lockers. Lockers come in all sizes with higher fees for the larger ones – you can easily fit a large suitcase in the largest lockers at Nagano station.

For our first visit to see the Japanese Snow Monkeys, we used the shinkansen train to go from Takayama to Tokyo via Nagano for a trip to see the snow monkeys all in one day.

With JR train pass prices increasing quite steeply recently, it is important to use your shinkansen train tickets and time wisely.

Find out more about the JR train passes here >

Note – the JR pass does not include the local train that goes near Jigokudani Monkey Park.

From Nagano

For our most recent visit to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in early 2023, we based ourselves in Nagano for several days.

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is approximately 37km from Nagano train station and around one hour away by car (although this can take longer in the snowy winter months).

It is easy to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park from Nagano JR train station either as part of a snow monkey tour (best if you are short on time) or by using public transport with the Nagano Snow Monkey Pass .

You might like – Things to do in Nagano City >

Try this – Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano >

Nagano Accommodation and Hotels

As the snow monkeys are in a wooded forest protected park on a large hill, there are no hotels directly within the park.

However, there is accommodation in the town of Yamanouchi within a 1 to 2 km distance of the Jigokudani Monkey Park including:

Senjukaku (1.8km from Jigokudani Monkey Park) Live like the snow monkeys and enjoy open-air hot spring baths (without the spectators!), a heated indoor pool plus tranquil Japanese gardens. Senjukaku offers traditional Japanese-style accommodation with mountain view – only a 15 minute drive from the snow monkey park. Check rates and availability for Senjukaku

Sakaeya (2.9km from Jigokudani Monkey Park) The highest rated accommodation near Jigokudani Monkey Park, Sakaeya has traditional Japanese style lodgings with historic charm in the heart of the Shibu hot spring area. Every room has tatami (woven-straw) floors and futon bedding. Check rates and availability for Sakaeya

Alternatively, stay in Nagano like we did and get the Snow Monkey Express bus to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Recommended hotels and accommodation in Nagano include:

Chisun Grand Nagano We stayed at the Chisun Grand Nagano during our five night stay in Nagano as it was a short walk to the train station with affordable rooms. The hotel also has large room sizes (for Japan) – our room had views of the mountains, plus there are free amenities in the lobby. Check rates and availability for Chisun Grand Nagano

Compass Nagano An 800 metre walk to Nagano JR station, all apartments at Compass have a kitchen and dining area plus some have patios. Great for self catering. Check rates and availability for Compass Nagano

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi Modern hotel just 2 minutes walk from Nagano Station. The rooms offer great views of the local area plus the restaurant serves up a warm buffet breakfast. The highest rated 3* accommodation in Nagano on booking.com. Check rates and availability for Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi

Check out the 10 best hotels near Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi via Booking.com >

Try this – Snow Monkey Tour from Tokyo with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch >

How to buy your 2 day Snow Monkey Pass for Jigokudani Monkey Park

The cheapest way to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park is to purchase a 2 day Snow Monkey pass for 4,000 yen (2,000 Yen for children aged 6-12 years).

This equates to approximately € 25, £21 or $26 USD. The 2 day Snow Monkey Pass price for Jigokudani Monkey Park is correct as of February 2024.

NB If you want to find your own way to the Snow Monkey Park or are already staying in accommodation in Yamanouchi close to the monkey park, Jigokudani Monkey Park admission alone costs 800 Yen per adult (400 Yen per child) as of 2024.

To buy a 2 day Snow Monkey Pass, you need to exit Nagano station on the west side, turn right and head down the escalators to the Nagano Dentetsu Line station.

Turn left after going down the escalator and you’ll see a manned booth to the right where you can purchase the Snow Monkey 2 day Pass from.

Note that the Snow Monkey Pass must be paid for in cash. We learned this to our error so had to run to a nearby 7-Eleven store to withdraw some cash and then run back to buy our tickets.

Walk through Nagano train station underpass and exit out of the rear entrance (east exit) to find the Snow Monkey bus stop (there is usually a big queue here if you are visiting during peak periods).

Make sure you take a photo / note of the latest timetable when purchasing the Snow Monkey pass (located by the snow monkey ticket booth) as that will tell you what bus stop number to get onto (normally bus stop 23).

Try this – Full Day North Nagano Hiking Experience >

What does the Nagano Snow Monkey Pass include?

For 4,000 Yen, the two day Snow Monkey Pass includes:

• Two days of unlimited public transport in the local Nagano area
• One entry to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park worth 800 Yen

Given the weather can vary greatly in the winter months in Nagano, the two day transport pass gives you a little flexibility in terms of which day to visit the monkey park.

To visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park with the Nagano Snow Monkey Pass, you need to head to Kanbayashi Onsen , where you will then need to walk for 25 minutes to the park entrance.

There are 2 ways to reach Kanbayashi Onsen:

• Nagaden Express Bus (the only direct way to reach Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park from Nagano station – takes 40 minutes)
• Train + Local Bus (Nagano Dentetsu line AKA Snow Monkey train from Nagano station to Yudanaka station for 45 minutes, then transfer to local bus for 10 minutes)

Try this – Nagano Private Two Day Tour >

All aboard the Nagano Snow Monkey Express Bus

For the easiest and quickest way to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, we would recommend taking the Snow Monkey Express Bus.

The Snow Monkey Express bus journey from Nagano station takes around 40 to 50 minutes and the bus drops you off at Kanbayashi Onsen.

There is a guide at the front of the Snow Monkey Express bus who checks your tickets. Make sure you arrive at the bus stop with plenty of time to spare as the bus gets quite full and you don’t want to wait around for the next one.

You can also ride the express bus without purchasing a Snow Monkey Pass. The cost for a one-way journey is 1,800 Yen per adult / 900 Yen per child.

Snow Monkey Pass Express Bus Winter Timetable 2024

Winter timetable valid December 2nd 2023 until 1st April 2024.

Nagano station > Kanbayashi Onsen

* Saturday only. ** Friday only

Kanbayashi Onsen > Nagano station

Snow monkey pass express bus summer timetable 2024.

This is an example of the Summer timetable from 2023 – times subject to change in 2024

Try this – Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano >

Walking up to Jigokudani Monkey Park

Once you get off the Snow Monkey bus, you need to walk for a further 25 minutes uphill before you reach the monkeys.

The path can be quite muddy and sludgy in winter months so wear boots or sensible shoes – best not to attempt in flip flops / sandals when snowing!

To reach the Snow Monkey Park, follow the slight uphill trail path through the cedar forest.

There are also a couple of small shops and cafes along the way BUT do not buy and take food into the Snow Monkey Park as it attracts the monkeys – best to get food on the way back down.

Monkeys are also apparently drawn to the sound of rustling wrappers so just take bottled drinks.

The walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park is beautiful in parks past babbling brooks and verdant forests.

You may also catch a glimpse of some playful monkeys on the bridges or playing in the steaming streams before reaching the main park. They are very relaxed in front of humans and will casually run around your feet.

Try this – Matsumoto Private One Day Tour from Nagano >

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park History

The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park has been around for almost 60 years (it opened in 1964). Jigokudani in Japanese means ‘Hell Valley’ and it was given this name due to all the steep sides and steaming thermal pools.

Conditions can be quite extreme at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in the winter months – the altitude is 850 meters meaning high snowfall and extremely cold temperatures.

The snow monkeys were drawn to the hot temperatures of the thermal springs and over the decades, it has become a major tourist attraction (plus it has helped with scientific research in terms of observing the monkeys).

Try this – Sky Blue Paragliding Experience in Nagano >

Meeting the Monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Once through the entrance gate, you are free to wander around Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and get up (relatively close) to the monkeys.

The snow monkeys generally live in the mountains and forests surrounding the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park but are drawn to the onsen style hot spring by the promise of food.

It is a truly magical experience to see the snow monkeys playing or bathing especially if you are visiting during the winter months when there is snow all around.

The snow monkeys (Japanese macaques) are wild animals and there are no fences as such.

Be aware the monkey parents can be very protective of their babies so do not get close or approach baby monkeys. They also become fearful when they cannot see their parents.

Try this – Nagano/Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku Day Trip >

Monkeying about in the hot spring onsen

The best place to see the snow monkeys up close is when they bathe in the hot spring onsen – this is also a popular spot for the monkeys to preen / clean each other (the younger monkeys preen the older monkeys a lot)!

One of the best times to visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is during feeding time (no set times). Park staff will start to lay out food around the hot pool and the snow monkeys will scamper down.

The snow monkeys (Japanese macaques) are wild animals and there are no fences as such – note that parents can be very protective of their babies so do not get close or approach baby monkeys. They also become fearful when they cannot see their parents.

Note a lot of the tourist information and tour pictures you’ll see for Snow Monkey Park show people leaning over the monkey pond are quite old.

There is now a cordon in place to ensure there is thankfully (for the monkeys) a little space between the public and the hot spring bathing monkeys.

Before you exit the park, you can find toilets, a small gift shop and a couple of water dispensers.

Try this – Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour >

Our Final Thoughts

We can honestly say despite all the tourist masses (which includes us!), visiting Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park with a Snow Monkey Pass has to be one of our top 10 Japan experiences and is up there with visiting Japan in cherry blossom season.

We’ve been to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in winter on a couple of occasions now (in 2018 and 2023) and would happily return again next time we are in Nagano.

It may be a slight tourist trap but it is delightful to see monkeys frolic and play around in hot springs in such an incredible hillside setting.

Try this – Hot Stuff! A visit to a Nagano Wasabi Farm >

Snow Monkey Nagano Tours and Jigokudani Park Snow Monkey Tours

There are several tours and trips you can book before visiting Nagano or arriving in Japan to guarantee you’ll get tickets to Jigokudani Park Snow Monkey Park.

These Nagano snow monkey tours include:

1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano Tour (includes sake tasting and lunch) >

Full-Day Private Nagano Tour: Zenkoji Temple, Obuse, Jigokudani Monkey Park >

2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano to Takayama via Matsumoto >

Snow Monkey Tour including Shibu Onsen >

When can you see the Nagano snow monkeys?

You can see the Japanese snow monkeys all year round (although the Jigokudani Park may be closed on certain public holidays or when the weather conditions are poor).

Generally, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is open 7 days a week.

What are the opening times of the Snow Monkey Jigokudani Park in Nagano?

During the winter season which runs from November to March when there is generally snow on the ground, the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano is open from around 9am until about 4pm.

During the summer season at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano (which runs from April to October), it is open from around 8.30am until about 5pm.

There is normally no snow in the snow monkey park in the ‘summer’ season.

How much time should I allow to visit the Snow Monkey Park?

We’d recommend you allow yourself around 5-6 hours for the entire experience.

This includes the return bus journey to the park from Nagano Station, the round trip hike up and down the hill from the bus stop, and time spent with the Nagano snow monkeys.

Can you swim with the hot spring Nagano monkeys*?

No, you cannot swim with the monkeys nor touch them. The Nagano snow monkey pool at Jigokudani Park is built and heated especially for the monkeys although there are viewing decks to see them up-close.

*Can you believe people really ask this? Jeez!

How much does it cost to see the Nagano / Jigokudani Snow Monkeys?

As of 2024, the cost / price of admission to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is 800 Yen per adult (around £4.40 / $5.42 USD / 5 Euros). The cost of entry for children to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is 400 Yen.

Alternatively you can buy a two day Snow Monkey Park Pass from Nagano station for 4,000 Yen (25 Euros / £21 / $26 USD). This includes one entry into the Snow Monkey park plus unlimited use of public transport in the local Nagano area including buses and trains.

Watch our Instagram video

This was filmed using an iPhone 14 Pro

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Plan my Japan (@planmyjapan)

Can you touch the snow monkeys in Nagano at Jigokudani Park?

No, absolutely not. The Nagano Snow Monkeys / macaques are wild animals and out of respect for the monkeys and their families, you must not touch them, surround them or feed them.

Make sure you read the Jigokudani Park rules before entering the park on your visit.

Do you need a long lens camera / zoom lens to get good snow monkey photos?

A zoom lens picture will get clearer pictures of the monkeys (especially when they are scampering down the mountain) but you should still get very good shots with a standard phone camera.

To be honest, as you can get quite close at the hot pools, some of our best Nagano snow monkey pictures were achieved with our phone cameras.

When is there snow at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park?

The best time to see the snow monkeys in Nagano is between December and March as this is generally when there will be snow on the ground – generally, there is snow here for around one third of the year.

For the best chance of seeing the Nagano snow monkeys in the actual snow, try to time your visit between December and January (also a great time to ski in Nagano).

Can I see the snow monkeys without paying?

Nothing can compare to seeing the Japanese snow monkeys up close and in the wild in Nagano but if you want a taster of what to expect or see the snow monkeys for free, you can watch the free snow monkey live stream here >

Can you visit the Snow Monkeys in Nagano from Tokyo?

Yes, Nagano is less than two hours away from Tokyo by Bullet Train.

There are sometimes tours that allow you to visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano in one day.

The round trip from Tokyo to Nagano Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park would take up most of the day – but if you are short on time, a Snow Monkey Nagano tour from Tokyo is well worth it.

Nagano Snow Monkey day tour from Tokyo >

Did you enjoy our Hot Spring Snow Monkeys   in Jigokudani Monkey Park using the Snow Monkey Pass, Nagano Japan guide? Let us know in the comments or by sharing it on social media. 

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Mating Season - Snow Monkey Japan Photo Tour

Sunday, July 05, 2020 | By: Blain Harasymiw Photography

I love photographing snow monkeys, and I love leading my annual winter wonderland Hokkaido photo tour. But February is not my favorite time to film or photograph the snow monkeys. It's cold, and the monkeys have less food and are naturally less active. But in the winter, you can catch the possing zen monkeys; also, in recent years, we have had fewer cold days due to climate change, so the monkeys have been more active, but it's not mating season. Mating season is in the autumn October into December when snow blankets the ground. Japanese male macaques reach sexual maturity from 5 to 6 years of age and females from 4 to 5 years of age. Interestingly close to 99% of people from outside Japan only know one place to see our wild Japanese snow monkeys, and that's in Jigokudani Monkey Park. In the Jigokudany region, there are about 300 monkeys who live in three different monkey troops and several smaller raiding parties. Across Japan, there are over one hundred thousand wild monkeys. The Japanese Macaque occurs in most of Japan except for the southern Island chain, and in Hokkaido, the monkeys do not occur due to climate which is similar to Alaska. It would be next to impossible for the world's most northern living wild nonhuman primate to survive there. In Kanagawa, next to Tokyo, where my primary home and office are nestled in the countryside, the monkeys often climb over my house and raid our local gardens. I will never forget one summer day a few years back when I was entertaining friends and clients at my home having a bbq, and a Japanese Macaque ran across my front yard carrying a Chinese cabbage like it was a football. Oh, to this day, I have never seen anything like it, but you can be sure I always have a camera ready on bbq days just in case. In Kanagawa, and most mountain ranges across Japan live hundreds of monkeys in various troops. Most monkey troops have between 30-70 monkeys, and they have a strongly hierarchical society where every monkey holds a position, any more than 70 monkeys would be impossible for the Alpha and his sentries and governors to control. Often disobedient monkeys to the troop are chased away, and they start their own troop. Mating season is amazing to capture the true untold stories of these monkeys; their faces glow in bright reds, and tempers run high with monkeys moving around quickly and often chasing their partners down. And please remember, these are wild monkeys, and if you visit during the mating season, be extra vigilant not to upset the macaques or stare down any monkeys, I guarantee you will more than likely be hissed at, or possibly they will lunge forward at you, showing their dominance. In the coming weeks, I will be in the backcountry highlands of Niigata, Japan photographing camping hiking for about two weeks with hot natural wild hot springs in the area, and it's where several hundred monkeys call home. Camera's I used for the image on this newsletter is by Nikon I either the D850 or the D6. Lenses either Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR or Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR. AF-S TELECONVERTER TC800-1.25E ED or I used the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports. Camera settings for action shots are generally about 1/2000sec, f/11, ISO 500, or higher depending on lightings; my camera mode is on Aperture or sometimes manual.

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7 Days Winter Discovery | Snow Monkey

• From Tokyo To Kyoto(Osaka)
• Monday, November 20, 2023 Updated

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Tour Descriptions

• Dates & Quote
• Accommodations

Tour Departure and Prices 1) Price per person.    2) Airfare is not included.  

Tour Includes

• - Travel Insurance
• - Optional Excursions

Travel Highlights

Important information, maximum group size.

The maximum number of participants will not exceed 26 people during your Japan tour. Your group may be joined with other tour groups during the tour. Please note that your bus and tour guide may be changed if other groups join the tour.

Single Supplement

Single travelers are required to pay a single supplement in order to guarantee single room accommodation.

We request one suitcase, one carry-on bag, and an overnight bag per person. The tote bag we provide can be used to hold any small merchandise/souvenirs purchased during your tour. When you check out, bring your luggage to the lobby and the bus driver will assist in loading it onto the bus. When you arrive at the next hotel, the bus driver will unload your luggage for you to bring to your room. Please note: The maximum weight of a checked in bag is typically 20 Kilograms or 44 Pounds. You will be traveling with your luggage except during the bullet train ride (if applicable).

Accommodation

All hotel rooms come with a full bathroom and room amenities free of charge unless stated otherwise.

Transportation

All motor coaches come equipped with air-conditioning, plenty of space, comfortable seats, and Wi-Fi.

International Flights

All of our tours begin in either Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto. When beginning or ending a tour in Tokyo, please book flights to or from Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport. For tours beginning or ending in Osaka/Kyoto, please book flights to or from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport. We recommend you do not book your flights until the tour status changes from Book Now to Guaranteed Departure . You can also contact us if you would like for Japan Deluxe Tour's to arrange your flights.

Fitness & Shoes

Traveling and visiting sights in Japan includes a good amount of walking. To fully enjoy the tour, please be prepared to keep up with the pace of the group, climb stairs with no difficulty, and wear comfortable shoes for all day use.

Guests with tattoos may not be able to use the hot-springs or onsens while in Japan. We apologize if you are unable to enjoy this experience during your stay.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Please notify us before your tour starts if you have any dietary restrictions or requirements we should be aware about. Japan Deluxe Tours can provide Vegetarian meals for guests, and we will do our best to cater to any serious allergies or dietary restrictions. We will not be able to substitute or change meals after your tour begins.

• B :Breakfast

Dining Experience

Kaiseki Ryori

Kaiten Sushi

Teppan-Yaki Lunch

Cultural experience.

Wild Snow Monkeys

Green Tea Ceremony

Maiko Dining Experience

Japanese Style Hotel

Sake Tasting

Riding experience.

Bullet Train

Hakone Ropeway

Keep connected to the internet during your tour with a data SIM Card. This only provides wifi connection, not a phone number. ※Please check if your device is compatible with the SIM Card. ※If you live outside the U.S., you cannot select the SIM card.

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Japan Photo Tour – Winter Spectacular!

Japan Winter Spectacular was a tour like no other... From unique opportunities to photograph the snow monkeys, to private photo shoots with a Geiko and Maiko, to the snowy minimalist landscapes of Hokkaido, every day was another exciting experience to get some amazing shots . — Caroline Leech, Ireland

To help you get the utmost out of these many and varied photo opportunities, are renowned fine art travel photographer David Lazar , and brilliant landscape photographer Francis Ansing. Francis lives in Japan and is an expert on all things Hokkaido, among other places. Both gentlemen are outstanding photo tour leaders who always put YOUR image making above their own. It means a lot that you have entrusted them to guide you on this Luminous Journey, and maximizing your overall experience is their raison d’être.

Luminous Japan Winter Photo Tour with David Lazar and Francis Ansing

There are three qualities that I value in a photo tour: organization, communication and opportunity. Looking back, now a month removed from the experience, I can honestly say that this tour with David Lazar and Francis Ansing exceeded expectations in all three categories.

Organization: From arrival to departure everything seemed to work well and go quite smoothly. This included our transfer upon arrival, hotel check-ins (and check-outs), ground transportation and our domestic air travel. We arrived at each site on time without having to worry about adequate time or light. Even with weather challenges we always felt safe and secure.

Communication: From the pre-trip information (The booklet we received prior to our arrival was an excellent source of information about what we might need and what to expect) to our day-to-day planning I always felt well informed about what we were doing and what was expected. During our travels David and Francis were very good about explaining each day’s agenda and goals. They were also very accessible and willing to answer whatever questions we might have (everything from food choices to shooting suggestions).

Opportunity: This was my first (and maybe only chance to visit Japan) so I was interested in both the sites and the culture of Japan. Our travel included major cities, small towns and the spaces in-between covering parts of the main island and Hokkaido. Over the course of the tour we were presented with opportunities for all types of photography interests – from street, to fashion, to wildlife, to landscape. Even when the weather posed some challenges there was always a Plan B.

Another opportunity that I appreciated was that this was not a ‘stand here, shoot that’ kind of tour. We were presented with a setting where we could participate as much as we wanted. Sometimes I enjoyed walking away from the group and looking for a different angle or perspective.

Finally, I appreciated the opportunities to learn more about and experience the Japanese culture. We were able to visit and photograph a number of historic sites and learn about their significance. We were also exposed to traditional Japanese culture through the food, a ryokan overnight stay, Geisha photo opportunity, etc.).

Was I happy with my tour choice? YES! I would highly recommend this tour to anyone considering a photography tour of Japan. – John Kalson, USA

By popular demand, the last six days will be spent on the north island of Hokkaido, where some of the most surreal, minimalist snow-scapes in the world are to be found. Also to be found are the Japanese Red-Crowned Crane that is so embedded in Japanese art & culture, and the simply gorgeous Whooper Swan. The winter temperatures on Hokkaido range from Celsius -15 to 0, or a much warmer sounding 14 – 32 degrees Fahrenheit. No worries, we will offer detailed advice on clothing and photo gear for these conditions.

Accommodation on your Japan photo tour workshop will be modern, clean and comfortable hotels, with one night in a Japanese Ryokan with traditional onsen , or natural hot spring baths. High quality meals are all included on this trip, and sometimes there will be western options should you tire of Japanese cuisine. It’s so good though…

“Japan was FABULOUS! I loved it. David and Francis, and indeed James the driver/translator were so wonderful, and the group was amazing...The logistics worked very well, and all went swimmingly. The hotels were excellent... It was a truly memorable experience and I can't wait to come back on another LJ trip!” – Katie Garrod, UK

Pricing and Details

Dates – Jan 19 - Feb 1, 2025 Lead Photographer – David Lazar (See David’s Gallery ) Local Landscape Photographer – Francis Ansing Tour Price – $8795 USD Single Supplement – $1645 USD (our cost, no markup) Minimum Deposit – $750 USD

Hotels – Japanese-western style, traditional Ryokan w/ onsen, all clean and comfortable

Main Locations – Tokyo, Mt. Fuji Lakes & Villages, Kyoto & Environs, Yudanaka Onsen, Jigokudani, Hokkaido, Sapporo, Konpira Shrine, Asahikawa, Biei, Kushiro Crane Sanctuaries

Skill Level – We genuinely welcome ALL skill levels

Tour Type – Small group photo tour workshop, 5 participant minimum, 10 participant maximum.* See T&C

Physical Difficulty – Moderate. It gets quite cold on Hokkaido. We usually experience temps from overnight lows down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit/-9 Celsius, to daytime highs around freezing.  Can be slippery in places, we recommend bringing ice cleats/crampons to be on the safe side

Transportation – Domestic flights to/from Hokkaido, late model vans or microbus w/ plenty of space. Note that Haneda is the best airport to fly in and out of. If not possible, Narita works fine, it's just less convenient

What’s Included?

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• Please select one or more photo tour adventures you are interested in: * Japan Vietnam Bali Southeast Asia India Cambodia Ladakh - India Bhutan Day of the Dead - Mexico Mexico Myanmar

Japan Photo Tour Winter Highlights

Itinerary brief.

Japan Photo Tour Winter Workshop

This morning we will depart the city Sapporo, which will be layered in several feet of snow and the temperature here rarely gets above a few degrees Celsius. We will then make the 3 hour drive to Biei (via Asahikawa where we base for three nights), to photograph stunning winter landscape scenes. Explore the snow-covered landscapes this afternoon for striking minimalist scenes, and enjoy the sunset light falling behind patterns of tall pine trees.

Today we dedicate our shooting to a really fantastic shot – a large, red Torii Gate frozen over with ice, located on the Sea of Japan further north of Sapporo. This is one to enlarge and frame for sure. There will be a decent amount of driving today but it should be worth it for this unique, rarely photographed scene at Cape Konpira. We drive back to our hotel in Asahikawa to arrive in the evening for hotel and dinner.

*Please note the above Japan photo tour winter itinerary is only a brief and subject to change. A 30+ page detailed schedule and information kit concerning traveling for photography in Japan will be sent to all participants approximately 100 days prior to tour start date.

What’s Included in the Price of Your Japan Winter Photo Tour?

  Professional photographers and local guide fees

  All accommodation

  Domestic return flight: Kyoto – Hokkaido; Hokkaido –          Haneda, Tokyo.

  Airport transfer on initial Tokyo arrival

All meals from Day 1 dinner through Day 12 lunch

  Plenty of bottled water throughout

  All entrance, zone and camera fees

  Geisha and other local model fees

  International airfare

  Drinks other than tea or water @ lunches & dinners

  Any Personal purchases

  Trip cancellation or medical insurance

  Medical expenses

  Gratuities – porters, local guide/driver

  Japan visa fee (not required for most countries)

  End of trip gratuities for photographer tour leader

Getting Cultural

More knowledge – better pictures,                                                                                                                     the red-crowned crane.

The Japanese Crane, or Tancho , as legend has it, is a mystical bird that can live for a thousand years. For millennia these large graceful birds have been imbedded in the culture of Japan, and represent longevity, good luck, and happiness. They are the subject of much folklore, and commonly appear in Japanese literature. Their images can be seen everywhere in the country, on paintings, photographs, fans, and even on the side of Japan Airlines jets. Of 2000 red-crowned cranes left in the world. 1,000 live on Hokkaido, where you will have the chance to photograph them.

The crane is also a symbol of hope in challenging times. A mother’s prayer for a sick child might well include words like, “Oh flock of heavenly cranes, cover my child with your wings.” A particularly touching story is that of Sadako, a 12-year old girl suffering from leukemia as the result of the Hiroshima bomb. Sadako set out to fold 1000 paper cranes in prayer that she would survive. Sadly, she reached only 644 before she passed. Her classmates completed the task and she was laid to rest with a wreath of a thousand cranes. A statue of Sadako holding out a paper crane was erected in Hiroshima Peace park. Each year to this day, thousands of such wreaths, called senbazuru , are made by visitors who come to drape them over her.

Japanese Aesthetics

Japanese aesthetics are primarily a fusion of Shinto and Buddhist ideals, and are an inimitable part of Japanese thinking and culture. There are four essential lenses through which these aesthetics are seen – nature, objects, people and art. They are: Wabi-Sabi, Yugen, (mystery), Shibui , (subtle beauty), Miyabi , (refinement), and Iki , (spontaneous style).

Wabi-Sabi (侘寂) is a combination of two concepts aimed at perceiving beauty in the imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. Wabi is the concept of understated beauty, while Sabi is something that has aged well and offers the feeling of insight into the past. Sabi also speaks of solitude or loneliness. A minimalist photograph of an old lone tree on a plain of snow can be considered Wabi-Sabi, as it evokes feelings of simple beauty, solitude, and contemplation of the past.

It is said that Japanese aesthetics eschew the proverbial “shiny object”, which is not exactly true. Perhaps best explained by novelist Tanizaki Jun’ichirō: “We do not dislike everything that shines, but we do prefer a pensive lustre to a shallow brilliance, a murky light that, whether in a stone or an artifact, bespeaks a sheen of antiquity…We love things that bear the marks of grime, soot, and weather, and we love the colors and the sheen that call to mind the past that made them.”

Maha Kumbh Mela! - India (11 Days)

Bhutan w/ david lazar (14 days), vietnam photo spectacular (15 days), luminous bali + mt. bromo (12 days), mexico – oaxaca, last mayans (15 days), southeast asia unleashed (15 days), japan in spectacular winter (14 days), luminous ladakh (13 days), iconic myanmar returns, day of the dead - mexico (11 days), legendary cambodia (13 days), private photo tours – multi-day.

Mastering Natural Light Travel Photography 4

Fan Ho: A Vision in Shadows & Light

Layering Depth & Story

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Mastering Natural Light Travel Photography, Part 2

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"I've been on quite a number of photo tours all over the world, and Luminous Journeys has been the best -BY FAR. Kyaw Kyaw Winn and the people of Myanmar will always be in my heart." - Benny Hanigal, Israel ​

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FULLY BOOKED! Big City, Snow Monkeys, Hot Springs - Japan Photography Tour September 21 - 25, 2024

Tour Highlights:

• Tokyo Street Photography and Evening Skyline
• Ancient Pilgrim Routes - Samurai Elite, Artisans, and Common folk tread
• Delicious Sake and Japanese Cuisine
• Astrophotography in the Japanese Alps
• Onsen Experience
• Up Close and Personal with Snow Monkeys

ATTENTION: This tour has a minimum number of 4 (four) participants

Day 1 Meet and greet Tokyo-Haneda International Airport (HND) at 9 am (place inside the airport to be announced). After meeting, you and the group will immediately travel to the Imperial Palace where you could possibly catch a glimpse of Emperor Naruhito, during his first year after being crowned after his father abdicated the throne in April. During the lunch hour, we will visit the infamous Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing, the world's busiest criss-cross intersection. After half a day or touring, we will break for dinner near our lodgings; then, after dinner, we will continue capturing the Tokyo Skyline by night. We will ascend to one of the highest observation decks to photograph The Tokyo Sky Tree, The Tokyo Tower, and the city skyline by night. If the visibility is clear, you will view Mt. Fuji as the backdrop of the Tokyo Skyline, and it's beautiful to photograph.

Day 2  After an early breakfast, our adventure leads away from Tokyo. Our first stop is the Taisha-Suwa Grand Shrine and shrine complexes, an architectural marvel dating back to the 6th century. The Suwa Grand Shrine is head of the over 10,000 Suwa Shrines spread across Japan (and beyond). Ancient Japanese folklore speaks of dragons in Lake Suwa, and this is reflected in the many carvings in the shrines and temples. The shrines and temples, as with all across Japan, are tangible manifestations of the Zen Buddhist mindset, the natural surroundings remain as a testimony to the respect paid to deities that watch over the temples, shrines, and the Japanese people. The century-old trees and the balanced Zen gardens are seamlessly entwined, restablishing equilibrium with a human addition. As we transition from Suwa Shrine to Japan's Snow Monkeys, we will make a brief stop at Matsumoto Castle, a premier original castle dating back to the 16th century. Check into our lodgings in the Yudanaka Shibu Onsen Area Snow Monkey Village.

Off the Beaten Path Torii

The division between the spiritual world and the everyday with guardians to match. This photo was taken during the annual JDS Snow Monkey photo workshop tour.

Natural Beauty

A hidden waterfall, way - way off the beaten path during our annual JDS Snow Monkey onsen photo workshop.

Tokyo Skyline

A glimpse of Japan's capital city by twilight.

Spiritual Guidance

A small Zen Buddhist statue sharing a little blessing to passersby.

Valley of Dragons

As Blue Hour turns Golden, the dragons recede into the field and valleys below to hide away before the day begins.

Day 3 Early rise and breakfast before setting out to meet the Japanese Snow Monkeys.  Japanese Macaques are a glamorous species and a must-see for visiting photographers. To capture their significance and importance to Japan’s natural realm, your JDS Photography Workshop Leader is Blain Harasymiw with one, perhaps two staff photographers who all have over 21 years experience visiting the monkeys, and they know dozens of individual monkeys by name. With JDS photography tour leaders by your side, you know you know you'll take the best photos of your life.

Day 4 The following day, we will depart from our lodgings and head toward Mt. Myoko, the highest mountain in the Hokushin area. Encircled by nature as far as the eye can see, you will have many opportunities to photograph the seclusion and natural beauty that Tsubame and the famous bath Ougon no Yu offer. The photo tour schedule will allow you to give your camera a rest as you enter a meditative state in the milky-white, mineral-rich waters of the respected as healing and regenerating since the age of the samurai and reaching even further back into Japan's Kofun era.

Day 5 In the am, you may discover the Za-zen healing and refreshing powers in Myoko's alpine hot springs. Za-zen is believed to give access to a higher cognitive state as well as an elevated restorative power for the mind and the body. In Japan, there's always time for one more visit to the mineral-rich hot springs, and they are also in our lodgings to enjoy on both the 4th and 5th day before returning you to Tokyo-Haneda (HND) International Airport.

Why Choose This Photography Tour/Workshop?

• All levels of photographers are welcome.
• Any type of camera is welcome: digital, pocket camera, scoping with an iPhone, large format, and others.
• Professional Photo Instruction available when requested
• Opportunity to photograph cultural and architectural masterpieces.
• Activity level varying from leisurely to moderate.
• Provided transportation: Sports Utility Vehicle with Business Class Seating.
• Small group size means quality, in-depth time with your workshop leader.
• All questions are welcome and encouraged throughout your JDS adventure!
• Each morning and evening, your JDS photo workshop leader will discuss with you and the group the best shooting options with weather conditions in mind so each tour member will be well prepared to take spectacular photos.
• 2024 is the 27th year that your workshop photography instructor has lead workshops & tours throughout Japan.

Tour Cost for 4 (four) participants:   $12,380 - $3,095 per person, 5: $15,475; 6: $18,750; 7: $21,665; 8: $24,760)  This cost is for the minimum number of participants (based on double occupancy) in 3 - 5 star accommodations with western style toiletries, and all breakfasts and dinners included.  All group ground transportation will be in sports utility vehicles with business class seating.  All entrance fees and all donations at temples and shrines are included in tour cost.  Also included is professional photography instruction as well as a detailed itinerary with clothing and gear recommendations.

Questions?  Please feel free to  CONTACT US  about your Japan Photo Workshop!

NOT included : Flight to and from Japan, any alcoholic beverages, and travel health insurance (recommended)

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Only in Japan? Snow Monkeys that enjoy a hot spring

The most famous group of monkeys in Japan can easily be said to the group of monkeys at the hot spring at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano. If you don’t know which group of monkeys I am talking about, these are the monkeys you might have seen in the photographs of monkeys relaxing at the hot spring in Nagano, Japan. Does it ring a bell? If not, take a look at the Jigokudani Monkey Park official website here to see what I’m talking about. 

They are the only monkeys in the world, which are known to bathe in the hot spring to keep themselves warm during cold winter. The park opened in 1964 and there are currently around 160 monkeys in the area, which come to bathe only during winter. Yes, this scene of monkeys bathing in the hot spring is a rare view only seen at this park. So, if you are not sure winter is a time to travel to Japan, this could be a good enough reason for you to join Japan Photo Guide’s photo tour of Japan to witness and capture the rare scene of monkeys relaxing in a hot spring.

What is “Snow Monkey?” 

So let’s learn more about the monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park. As already stated, the park opened in 1964 and there are 160 or so monkeys living in the area to use the hot spring. However, they do not all come down to the hot spring at once, but they come down in a group of 40 to 50 monkeys. The reason the monkeys come down to bathe is just like us humans, they want to warm their cold bodies during winter. 

The term “snow monkey” is a term created by international media. Even before international media came to this spot, it was a popular destination for Japanese, but ever since the international media gave a spotlight to these one and only monkeys, the number of foreigners visiting Jigokudani Monkey Park has increased tremendously. For example, back in 2012, the total of 130,000 tourists visited the park while 30,000 of them were international visitors. 

Nihonzaru = Japanese Monkey 

The kind of monkeys you see at Jigokudani Monkey Park is Japanese monkey, Nihonzaru . They live over a broad area of Japan except for Okinawa and Hokkaido. If you want to see them, you simply need to head to the mountains. The matter of fact, when I was a child, I saw Nihonzaru in my town as my town is surrounded by mountains in Kanagawa Prefecture just south of Tokyo. They came down to human habitations and there was even a week-long town alert to warn us to be careful not to engage with monkeys when going home and after school. During that week, a group of us saw monkeys at the park, which had a back to the mountain. Even today, I hear that my town and surrounding towns have monkey sightings regularly. 

Japanese monkeys are really everywhere in Japan except for Okinawa and Hokkaido. You get to see them at the zoo as well as randomly in mountainous areas. However, they are wild so you cannot easily spot them by simply heading to the mountains. A park like Jigokudani Monkey Park was created so that anybody can come and observe the monkey for pleasure, but also for research purposes. The truth is, Japanese monkeys have very high social ability, thus the zoo does not showcase everything for us to fully understand them. 

Let’s learn more about Jigokudani Monkey Park! 

Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in Yamanouchi town in Nagano Prefecture, which is at the altitude of 850 meters. During winter, the temperature drops as low as -10 degree Celsius/14 degree Fahrenheit and snow accumulates up to 1 meter/3.3 feet. Yes, the winter in this area is very severe and tough for monkeys as well as humans. 

The park is a cage free park, where Japanese monkeys can come and go as they wish. It was created in 1964 and 1st received international recognition back in 1970 when it was covered by US magazine, LIFE. However, the biggest media exposure was in 1998 when the Nagano Olympics took place. This is when the park received a lot of visitors from the Olympic players, Olympic spectators as well as media. 

The reason the monkeys return to the park is because they are fed in the park. However, the park is just a part of their entire life, thus they go in and out of the park freely. As stated earlier, the Jigokudani Monkey Park area is very cold, thus the monkeys come down to the hot spring to warm their cold bodies. This scene is unique to winter as the monkeys are not so keen to hop in the hot spring during other seasons. So if you want to capture monkeys in a hot spring, you want to visit the park during the cold winter. 

Dos and Don’ts when visiting the park! 

They are wild so please remember the points below when you visit the park or whenever you encounter wild monkeys in Japan. Below points are listed on the official website in Japanese, but they are not translated to English so hope you spend some time before you make your way to the Jigokudani Monkey Park! 

• Don’t feed them 
• Don’t touch/frighten them
• Don’t look straight into their eyes at close distance 
• Don’t get too close to them 
• Can’t bring in dogs and cats 
• You can do photography & videography even with flash 
• Can’t use a selfie stick

At the park, even photographing using flash is allowed, but when photographing using a phone, please be careful not to get too close. Additionally, a selfie stick is not allowed in the park as it can potentially frighten monkeys as they could look like a weapon to them. People often tend to lose the idea of distance when using a selfie, thus it’s not safe to use around the monkeys. 

When visiting the park, you need to always remember that they are wild. Little monkeys are curious, thus they may get close to you, but if that happens, please remove yourself away from them so that you can avoid any harm. They can call adults to help if anything happens. Also, looking straight into their eyes means an indication of hostility as well as opening your mouth big. Don’t get too close, always keep distance from them. 

Lastly, since you cannot get too close to the monkeys, bringing a binocular is a good idea suggested by the park to observe them from a distance. 

Finally… 

After seeing photos and videos of monkeys bathing, you might be thinking “I want to go to a hot spring too!” Well,l don’t worry! Even though the park is away from any human habitations, in the same town, there is Shiga Kogen Snow Ski Resort where you can enjoy skiing/snowboarding while warming up your cold body at the hot springs. Going to see the monkeys in the wild is exciting, but if you get to enjoy other aspects of Japan when visiting Nagano would be a bonus, right? By the way, if you want to learn more about Japanese monkeys before you head to Japan with Japan Photo Guide’s Japan photo tour, follow the park official Instagram here and/or watch the live camera of the park so that you can dream of the day to visit and capture the snow monkeys! 

2018 Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan | Japanese Snow Monkeys

Along with Chris Weston , I escorted a small group of wildlife photographers in Japan in search of Japan’s Winter Wildlife. View the 2018 Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan Trip Report to see photos of Japanese Snow Monkeys, Red Crowned Crane, Swan, Steller’s Sea Eagles and whatever else we could find!  I’ve already posted about the other Winter Wildlife so this post of the Japanese Snow Monkeys is the last of the 2018 Winter Wildlife tour of Japan.

Japanese Snow Monkeys.  Having spent more than 10 days with them from my combined tours of Japan, I’ not sure what else I can say about them.  Even with spending that many days with the Japanese Snow Monkeys, I still love observing and photographing them.

The walk to get there is a little long (30-40 minutes on narrow and snowy/icy path) but it’s worth it.  After spending just a little time with the monkeys, it’s hard not to smile and enjoy the time with our distant relatives!  I’m already looking forward to the 2019 Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan so I can go back and see the Japanese Snow Monkeys!

2017 Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan | Short Video With Olympus OMD EM1 Mark II

I’ve been a Nikon guy since my first photography class in 1998.  First was film but quickly switched over to digital and never looked back but now it’s time to look forward.  Mirrorless cameras have been around for a while but the technology is now reaching a point that I believe is similar to when digital was starting to seriously challenge film.  In December Olympus released their flagship mirrorless micro 4/3 camera, the OM-D E1 Mark II and I was eager to get my hands on one.  The main attractions to me were the smaller size (less weight makes a huge different for my physical condition while traveling), amazing image stabilization (I can hand hold what is essentially a 840mm lens and get great results with photo or video), and other features like live composition and pro capture.  I might do a review OM-D E1 Mark II after my next tour of Japan in cherry blossom season but the short answer is that so far so good!  Partly because of the image stabilization I wanted to do a little test video.  It’s been a while since I’ve done any kind of video really, but I was quite happy with the results in the limited testing I did with it.  Of course I probably only had about 5 minutes of raw footage to make this 2 minute clip out of, which really isn’t anywhere close to having enough for amazing footage, but as a short test, I’m pleased!  Though it could have been user error, I do wish that autofocus during video was a little snappier!

In collaboration with Magic Is Photo Safaris , I escorted a small group of wildlife photographers for a Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan in search of Japanese Snow Monkeys, Red Crowned Crane, Swan, Steller’s Sea Eagles and whatever else we could find!  To see more photos from our photo safari in Japan, view the 2017 Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan Trip Report .

2017 Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan | Snow Monkey Business

Spending three days with the Japanese Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani in Nagano, Japan was a great experience.  We arrived just after a significant snow storm so there was plenty of fresh snow.  We had mostly overcast weather and though we had a few short snow flurries, kind of wished we had a little more snow while we were photographing. No matter the weather, the monkeys provided ample photographic opportunities and everyone loved even just observing them.  I already shared some portraits of the monkeys but just wanted to share a few more photos of the monkeys being, well, monkeys!  I have 3 stories which I found to be quite interesting and make me think that perhaps I look more like a monkey than the average person!  

To be honest, the photo above isn’t the monkey trying to give me a hint that he doesn’t want his portrait taken, but actually it’s the other monkey’s hand while grooming.  In any case, like I said, plenty of photographic opportunities at the snow monkey park!  Anyway, the first story happened on the first day we were with the monkeys.  There were many snow monkeys enjoying a hot bath when suddenly the alpha male jumped in and scared most of the monkeys away.  One monkey was about to run past me when he suddenly stopped and grabbed onto my jacket.  Of course I’m not expert but he held onto me for about 30 seconds and really felt like he thought I could protect him.  Really was quite interesting!

The second and third story happened the second day we were with the monkeys.  Earlier in the day I was leaning over on the rail of a bridge (you can see it in the photograph below and also same place as third story) with one eye looking through the camera and another closed as is the usual photographer’s style.  Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder and then a gently push to get me to move away from the railing.  I was already saying excuse me in Japanese on my way up and to my surprise it was an adult monkey that I had inconvenienced, not a person!  It’s hard to explain, but the way he pushed me certainly felt like a human.  I’ve saved the best story for last and I owe a HUGE thank you to  Jennette Russell who was able to capture this moment in time for me and generous enough to share her photos with me.  All photos below until after the waterfall photo were created by, courtesy of and © Jennette Russell.

Literally minutes before leaving and on the way out, I suddenly felt a little extra weight on me and quickly realized that I had a monkey on my back!  Yes, that’s me in the blue jacket!  It was feeding time at the park and there was a lot of activity all around but from the railing to my back was an easy jump for this monkey.  After pulling my hair for a little he moved to my head and tried to open my backpack before going back to pulling my hair again!  It was quite the surreal moment that lasted probably all of 20 seconds but felt much longer!  I was so surprised and unsure of what I could do, I wasn’t thinking clearly enough to turn around to Jennette for what would have been a great portrait of myself with the monkey and also should have asked the shocked family next to me if they had some good ones to share, but at least Jennette got these awesome shots!

It wasn’t painful at all and glad he couldn’t figure out how to open my bag but needless to say, the first thing I did when returning back to the ryokan was take a shower and washed my hair a few times! Here is the entire series if you want to see what the monkey was up to!

Finally, I also wanted to share one more photo that I couldn’t have made handheld without my new Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II , another photograph of monkeys with the waterfall in the background, also at 1/20th of a second.  The image stabilization is really impressive!

In collaboration with Magic Is Photo Safaris , I escorted a small group of wildlife photographers for a Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan in search of Japanese Snow Monkeys, Red Crowned Crane, Swan, Steller’s Sea Eagles and whatever else we could find! To see more photos from our photo safari in Japan, view the 2017 Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan Trip Report .

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JAPAN PHOTO WORKSHOPS

Japan photo tour 2025.

WITH MARK HEMMINGS

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP LOCATIONS – Tokyo, Nagano, Matsumoto, Enoshima, and Kyoto.

International travel photographer and workshop instructor Mark Hemmings is ready for his annual one week Japan photography workshop and tour, scheduled for Tuesday January 21 to Monday January 27, and  Saturday February 1 to Friday February 7, 2025 . We will also be photographing the world famous Japanese Snow Monkeys in Nagano. Scroll down for pricing information.

Message from professional photographer Mark Hemmings: “The country of Japan is a really important travel destination. The World Economic Forum gave Japan the highest ranking of first out of the top 10 countries for travel and tourism development. I don’t want you to miss out on Japan. What it offers for food, nature, cities, architecture, wildlife, and especially my favorite . . . photography! That’s why I’m inviting you to the Japan trip of a lifetime.

Since 2005 I’ve been leading photography workshops and tours throughout Japan, and this coming year is no exception. My job is two-fold . . . to teach you photography, AND to introduce you to one of the most intriguing countries and cultures in the world. 

What better place to learn street, architecture, and urban photography than Tokyo? It’s hard to beat Nagano for mastering landscape, nature and wildlife photography, and where else in the world can you step back in time and witness the unique natural and cultural gems of Kyoto?

The Japan Photo Tour is meant for photographers of all skill levels and all types of cameras. Whether you’re a beginner or pro, whether you have a ten thousand dollar camera or an iPhone, YOU are well positioned to receive maximum technical and artistic skills by joining the Japan Photo Tour. 

But this isn’t just any photo tour that chooses low end hotels and transportation methods . . . The Japan photo Tour is my premium photography workshop that stays in high-end hotels and traditional inns, uses the famously fast Japanese bullet trains to explore the country, and makes full use of Japan’s famous culinary arts.

Japan is a land of mystery and beauty, and I believe it’s now time for you to visit and photograph this magical country. And as I’ve been a photography workshop instructor for so many years now, I am thrilled to pass along my two decades worth of professional photographic knowledge to you during this trip.

Because I like to keep this photography tour small, there are very limited spaces remaining, so contact me right away to get more sign-up information. I am quite certain that you will LOVE Japan, and come back home with a wealth of amazing photographs, a new passion for photography, and a strange fascination for the most chilled out and relaxed animals on earth . . . the world famous Japanese snow monkeys! Living your entire life soaking in natural hot spring water? Nice!!!

My name is Mark Hemmings, an internationally recognized professional photographer, and I cordially welcome you to the Japan Photo Tour. I hope to see you in Tokyo!”

Please view the Japan Photo Tour & Workshop video below to get an idea of what you may encounter on this photography trip. Also check out the second video that CBS Sunday Morning created featuring Mark and his photo tours to visit the famous Japanese snow monkeys:

JAPAN PHOTO TOUR COSTS

The one-week workshop includes all meals, all subways and taxis, all local and bullet train fares, all accommodations, all teaching time, and all admission fees. Exceptions are mid-meals snacks/drinks/alcoholic beverages, and return airfare from your home city to Tokyo Narita or Haneda airport. This all-inclusive full package is $4,950 USD  per person for a double occupancy room. For single occupancy, please add $495 USD.  Please contact Mark for further details about this workshop: [email protected] (FaceTime enabled) or 506-898-0204 (Canadian mobile number). 

ITINERARIES

Since 2005 Mark Hemmings has been leading photography enthusiasts throughout Japan, taking them on an enlightening tour of a visually and aesthetically rich country. While both itineraries below are based on previous years, there may be alterations of equal or better visual and cultural value based on in-country changes. Mark will lock down the itinerary closer to the departure time. Until then consider the following itineraries as 90% accurate.

Due to higher  demand  for the Japan Photo Tour, for 2024 we are offering two different dates with different experiences. After you read through the itineraries, please check out the Itinerary Summary which will help you decide which trip is  right  for you.

DAY 1 TOKYO – FOR THE JANUARY GROUP:

3:00pm meet as a group in the hotel lobby to check and to have our orientation session. Please have your camera gear with you as we will be out for the entire evening. If your flight arrives today Mark’s associate will arrange to pick you up and take you to the hotel. 4:00pm begin our photo walk. Here is a rough list of locations that we will be visiting and photographing: Omoide Yokocho – Nishi Shinjuku bridge (for long exposures) – Kabukicho neon lights – Godzilla Head and more if time allows. Tripods are optional. 6:30pm okonomiyaki dinner. 8pm to 8:30pm optional timelapses of Kabukicho plus other neon lights photography. 

FOR THE FEBRUARY GROUP:

6:30pm group meets in the hotel lobby for our orientation and introductions. 7pm dinner at local Shinjuku restaurant. 8pm to 8:30pm Kabukicho neon lights photography. 

DAY 2 TOKYO TO ENOSHIMA – FOR THE JANUARY GROUP: 

10am from Shinjuku Station to Kamakura Station, leave our luggage at our Kamakura hotel.

11:45am easy-paced photo walk along the Shichirigahama beach boardwalk, arriving at Shichirigahama Station, then a famous local train to Enoshima. We will be doing a fair amount of walking after our local lunch, but at a relaxed pace, exploring and photographing the beautiful Enoshima Island area.

Weather permitting we’ll be photographing Mt. Fuji from a distance.

6pm dinner at a local, then back to our hotel for the night.

FOR THE FEBRUARY GROUP: 

8:30am depart the ground floor hotel lobby for our full day tour of Tokyo. We will be travelling Tokyo via the Yamanote loop line, which is a very large circle that stops at most of the Tokyo sub-cities. Some of our photo walk locations include Ueno Ameyokocho market street photography, Okachimachi to Tokyo Station for architectural photography (both ground-level and rooftop aerial perspectives), the Tokyo International Forum building architectural photo shoots, traditional Kyoto ramen lunch, Yurakucho traditional Yokocho izakaya alleyways street photography, the famous Shibuya Scramble timelapse lessons, Harajuku including Takeshita Street, Shinjuku Station’s Omoide Yokocho alleyway street photography, and Kabukicho long-exposure photography until 5:30pm

6pm dinner at a local Shinjuku restaurant.   

DAY 3 ENOSHIMA TO KYOTO – FOR THE JANUARY GROUP:

11:30am depart Fujisawa Station for Kyoto Station, check in to our Kyoto hotel at about 2:30pm.

3:30pm depart our hotel for our afternoon and evening photo walk. We will explore the Higashiyama side of Kyoto on foot, taking taxis from Kyoto Station. Here is a general list of locations:

Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Sanneizaka – Yasaka (Hokan-ji) Temple – Nineizaka – Nene Street – Yasaka Shrine – Hanamikoji Street in Gion (home of the Geisha) – Tatsumi bridge and shrine – Shirakawa canal – Pontocho Geisha district. Today will have a lot of walking but it will be at a slow pace with plenty of rest stops. 

6:30pm we will take taxis back to our hotel.

7pm group dinner at a nearby restaurant.  

FOR THE FEBRUARY GROUP, TOKYO TO NAGANO: 

9am take trains to Yudanaka Station.   

12:30pm from our traditional Japanese mountain inn take taxis to the base of the mountain, then after a leisurely hike through the woods, photograph the snow monkeys until dusk.

5:30 return to our inn, free time before dinner.

6:15pm group kaiseki (multi-course) dinner. 

8pm free time hot spring soaking within the inn, or any of the village hot spring baths.

DAY 4 KYOTO – FOR THE JANUARY GROUP: 

6:15am depart our hotel lobby, take taxis to Kyoto’s bamboo forest. Then taxis to the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion.

9am arrive at the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion for a 1-hour photo walk. 

10:30am arrive at our hotel for a free time break.

12pm meet in the hotel lobby with camera bag, as we will be out for the rest of the day. Lunch at a nearby restaurant. 

1pm (to whenever) from Kyoto Station and take the local train to Fushimi. This is a mountain path with photogenic red gates. The end time of this hike is dependent on how long you want to explore the mountain. Some participants will see what they want within a half hour, others may want to stay for a few hours. To that end, Mark will be at the bottom of the mountain and will meet each person as they return on their own schedule. If any of you want to return to Kyoto Station for shopping while the others are on the mountain, Mark will lead you to the correct train with full instructions. 

5pm we will meet in our hotel lobby and will photograph Kyoto from Kyoto Tower. After our photography session we will choose one of the Kyoto Tower restaurants for dinner.    

FOR THE FEBRUARY GROUP, NAGANO: 

8:45am leisurely mountain photo hike, photograph the famous Japanese snow monkeys.

12pm lunch at the base of the mountain.

Option #1 for those who got enough snow monkey photos:

1pm depart Enza Café for a slow and all-downhill walk to Tamamura Honten, a traditional sake brewery, then back to the hotel for free time.

Option #2 for those who want more time with the snow monkeys:

1pm depart restaurant and return to the snow monkeys, photographing them until dusk. An easy walk all downhill or taxi back to the hotel. 

6:15pm group kaiseki (multi-course) dinner.

DAY 5 KYOTO TO MATSUMOTO – FOR THE JANUARY GROUP: 

10am optional architecture tour of Kyoto Station.

12pm depart Kyoto on the bullet train arriving at 

Matsumoto Station at about 3pm. 

3pm check-in to our hotel rooms. Free time until 4pm.

4 pm meet in the hotel lobby, walk to Matsumoto Station to get taxis to Matsumoto Castle.

4:20pm arrive at Matsumoto castle, get a photographic tour of the castle interior, then capture golden and blue hour photographs of the castle exterior.

5:45pm leisurely walk back to our hotel stopping mid-way to eat at a local restaurant.

7:30pm (approximate) return to our hotel, free time for the rest of the night. Don’t forget to try out the hotel’s natural hot spring baths on the roof!

FOR THE FEBRUARY GROUP, NAGANO TO KYOTO:

9:54am depart Yudanaka Station for Kanazawa Station with a stop for lunch. 

1:20pm from Kanazawa Station to Kyoto Station, then check in to our Kyoto hotel.

4pm rest time.

5pm meet in the hotel lobby, taxis to Mark’s favorite Kyoto restaurant which includes traditional Japanese garden photography sessions. Dinner at 6pm.

DAY 6 MATSUMOTO TO SHIBU ONSEN – FOR THE JANUARY GROUP: 

8am depart Matsumoto Station for Yudanaka Station arriving at our traditional inn for about 11am. 

11:45am eat lunch at a local restaurant.

12:45pm start the mountain hike to photograph the Japanese snow monkeys.

4pm arrive back at our traditional Japanese inn either by walking (all downhill) or taxis, check in to our rooms.

4:45pm meet in the inn’s lobby for an optional photo walk. Sunset is at 5:07pm so tripods are a good idea if you have one.

6:15pm group kaiseki (formal multi-course) dinner. 

8pm free time hot spring soaking within the inn, or any of the village hot spring baths.  

FOR THE FEBRUARY GROUP, KYOTO: 

1pm depart for our afternoon and evening photo walk. We will explore the Higashiyama side of Kyoto on foot, taking taxis from Kyoto Station. Here is a general list of locations: 

Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Sanneizaka – Yasaka (Hokan-ji) Temple – Nineizaka – Nene Street – Yasaka Shrine – Hanamikoji Street in Gion (home of the Geisha) – Tatsumi bridge and shrine – Shirakawa canal – Pontocho Geisha district. This afternoon will have a lot of walking, but it will be at a slow pace with rest stops at Mark’s favorite cafés. The last walk will be Pontocho, and we will then have our dinner at a local restaurant.

7:30pm we will flag taxis back to our hotel for free time. If anyone wants to walk-off their meal, Mark can lead a stroll down the photogenic Takase River canal and then pick up a taxi at Kawaramachi Station.

DAY 7 TOKYO – FOR THE JANUARY GROUP: 

10am depart Yudanaka Station arriving at Tokyo Station at noon.

12:30pm onwards – Mark leads each guest to their airport train, or for those who are staying in Japan longer, to either their desired Tokyo hotel or train platform to another Japanese city. Thanks for joining us on the Japan Photo Tour!

FOR THE FEBRUARY GROUP, TOKYO: 

Some of you may plan to stay in Kyoto longer after we finish our breakfast in the hotel, but for those who are travelling with Mark back to Tokyo, we will plan our Kyoto departure time based on the first flight out of Tokyo. For example, if the first flight is from Narita airport at 3pm, Mark will calculate backwards to schedule our Kyoto to Tokyo bullet train departure time. Mark always makes sure that there is plenty of time (at least 3 hours) for guests to be at either Haneda or Narita airport prior to their flight home. Thank you for joining us on the Japan Photo Tour!

SUMMARY: The January trip has a few more locations to visit, and the February trip has much more time photographing the snow monkeys. Please contact Mark with any questions: [email protected] or 506-898-0204

FAQ & CONTACT INFO

1. “How long have you been operating the Japan Photo Tour?”  Mark Hemmings started the Japan Photo Tour and Workshop in 2005, and operated it annually. He took a break from the workshop during the Covid travel restrictions of 2021 and 2022, but restarted the trip in 2023. Each winter Mark returns to Japan to offer photographers such as yourself a glimpse into one of the most interesting cultures of the world!

2. “Why is the tour in winter? What temperatures will I encounter?” We chose winter for this tour and workshop so we can capitalize on the snowy mountains for great Snow Monkey photos. Also, Japan is one of the most beautiful locations in the world when photographing in the winter. Tokyo will be between 5 and 10 degrees celsius, Nagano will be at about the freezing mark (between plus 2 and minus 2 celcius), and Kyoto will be warmer at about 8 or 15 degrees celsius.

3. “How many times have you been to Japan?” Mark has been to Japan thirteen times, and lived in Nagano Prefecture from 2000-2001. Mark’s desire to always return to Japan speaks well of the country! There’s always a new photo opportunity around every corner.

4. “What kind of food will we be eating on this trip?” Most of the food that we will be eating at restaurants is Japanese food. There is very little Western food available, especially in the traditional inns. If you have a dislike of Japanese food this tour may present some challenges for you, but feel free to  contact Mark  to discuss options.

5. “I am a complete photographic beginner. Will I be the weak link of the workshop?” All of Mark’s workshops and tours are geared for any skill level, from beginners to pros. Each skill level will glean new information and leave the workshop with new inspiration. Don’t ever feel that you will hold others back! Our workshops are geared to be of value to photographers of all skill levels.

6. “What level of health do I need to attend this workshop?” There is a lot of walking on the tour, and some gentle mountain path hiking. Participants of any age are welcomed, but please be prepared for a significant amount of walking, crowded Tokyo subways, and bringing your luggage from one location to another.

7. “What kind of camera do I need to buy for this tour?” Mark can teach participants that come with any type of camera, including mobile phone cameras. The type and cost of a camera is less of an issue than becoming grounded in compositional principles. If you only use a mobile device you will not feel out of place.

8. “How many workshop participants?” We operate this workshop with a maximum of 8 participants.

9. “What is included in the cost of this photo tour? Is it all-inclusive?” Upon meeting Mark Hemmings in Japan and until we depart at the end of the workshop, all meals are included, accommodations, in-country transportation, admission fees, and of course the photographic instruction. What is  not  included are alcoholic drinks, additional orders of food at the restaurants that we eat at, plus mid-meal snacks and drinks. The tour begins at supper time the first evening, and ends just after breakfast on our last day with our bullet train returning to Tokyo.

10. “Should I get a flight to Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Tokyo Narita (NRT) airports?” Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) are both equally good airports to fly into. We suggest that you make your decision based not on which airport, rather which airport will allow you to arrive in Japan for (at the latest) mid-afternoon on the first day of the tour. Our desire is to all have dinner together on evening #1, so a 3pm arrival in Japan at the latest would be ideal.

11. “Is there any free time on this trip? How busy is the itinerary?” There are breaks during this trip almost every day for you to go off on your own to photograph, edit, or see the sites by yourself. A detailed schedule will be give to each person before the trip.

12. “I want to stay in Japan longer than just one week. Can you help me extend my trip?” Many workshop participants like to stay in Japan longer, and Mark will do his best to help with accommodation and sightseeing options.

13. “What are some potential issues that may keep me from signing up?” There is no baggage forwarding services; you are responsible for transporting your luggage as we go from city to city. Thus, we ask that you only bring one wheel-able suitcase and one backpack. The lighter your luggage is, the easier it will be to move from location to location. Please be aware that while rare, there have been winters in Japan without snow in the mountains where the monkeys live. The photo workshop operators cannot guarantee snow. However we have scheduled the trip to be within the ideal range of historical snowfalls.

14. “How do I know that you are a legit business?” Mark has been a professional photographer from Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada since 1997. Please do a Google search for  Mark Hemmings Photography  to see what the internet has to say about him. His website is www.markhemmings.com and his Instagram is @markhemmings

15. “Do you have a  refund policy?” Yes, our policy is part of our contract/application and will be emailed to you upon request. Please ask Mark for a copy for you to review: [email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR TOUR PHOTOS!

CHECK OUT MORE TOUR PHOTOS:

Markhemmings.myportfolio.com/japan.

JAPAN PHOTO TOUR LEADER MARK HEMMINGS

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Snow Monkey Hotsprings Tour

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Snow Monkey Tours are the most popular day tour to participate in whilst in Hakuba. The world's famous Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park is home to about 200 wild monkeys who spend their days soaking in the natural hot springs, keeping warm from the harsh winter.

The park was opened in 1964 and is considered to be the only place in the world to see snow monkeys bathing in the wild. The hike to the hot-springs takes approximately 30 minutes each way.

Departing from the monkey park we then make our way to the historic town of Obuse, home to the famous Japanese artist Hokusai and Masuichi Sake Brewery. Lunch is a delicious set course traditional Japanese meal with a choice of main courses including dessert and glass of Japanese rice wine Sake.

The next stop is Nagano City home to Zenkoji Temple, designated a national treasure and has a history of over 1,400 years. It is one of Japan's most revered temples and houses the first image of Buddha brought to Japan in the 7th century. The streets surrounding the temple are lined with lantern lit shops and tiered roofed stalls, souvenir shops and galleries.

Our tour dates for the following 2023-2024 Winter Season will be as follows:

• 2023.12.22 (Fri) – 2024.3.30 (Sat)

• December – February: Every day except 1st Jan 2024

• March: Operational on Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday's

Read more at Snow Monkey Tour

Book your place at Snow Monkey Tour / BOOK ONLINE

Monkey photos © Toshio Hagiwara