BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Art Wolfe Events - ECPv5.14.2.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Art Wolfe Events X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://events.artwolfe.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Art Wolfe Events BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Vancouver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250208 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250219 DTSTAMP:20260706T190601 CREATED:20230830T182351Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250123T202803Z UID:4267-1738972800-1739923199@events.artwolfe.com SUMMARY:Wild Lives Photo Journey: Winter Wildlife and Landscapes of Japan 2025 -SOLD OUT- DESCRIPTION:Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis)\, Tsurui Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary\, Hokkaido\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus)\, Akan Mashu National Park\, Hokkaido\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Japan\, Hokkaido\, Steller’s sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)\n \n \n \n \n \n Japan\, Hokkaido\, Yezo sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis)\n \n \n \n \n \n Whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus)\, Hokkaido\, Japan\nWhooper swans flock near thermal springs for warmth. They migrate thousands of miles from their subarctic Eurasian breeding grounds in more southerly climes.\n \n \n \n \n \n Ezo flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii)\, Hokkaido\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Kyoto\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus)\, Akan Mashu National Park\, Hokkaido\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Red fox\, Hokkaido\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis)\, Tsurui Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary\, Hokkaido\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Japan\,\n \n \n \n \n \n Japan\, Honshu\, Jigokudani Monkey Park\, Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata)\n \n \n \n \n \n Japanese Alps\, Honshu\, Japan\nIn this image a combination of the denuded oaks and the snowy ridges of the Japanese Alps crystallize the abstract in a literal landscape.\n \n \n \n \n \n Great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)\, Hokkaido\n \n \n \n \n \n Yezo sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis)\, Hokkaido\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Japanese macaques huddle for warmth\, Nagano\, Honshu Island\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Japan\, Hokkaido\, whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Winter landscape\, Hokkaido\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Japanese cranes\, Hokkaido\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Japan\, Honshu\, Jigokudani Monkey Park\, Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata)\n \n \n \n \n \n In perfect formation\, three adult whooper swans glide into an icy lake in Hokkaido\, Japan. Light reflecting from the ice illuminates their beautiful plumage\, the glowing birds contrasting with the deep blue hillside.\n \n \n \n \n \n Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)\, Hokkaido\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Japan\, Hokkaido\, Steller’s sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)\n \n \n \n \n \n Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata)\, J?shin’etsu-k?gen National Park\, Honshu\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Japan\,\n \n \n \n \n \n Japan\, Hokkaido\, red fox (Vulpes vulpes)\n \n \n \n \n \n Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis)\, Tsurui Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary\, Hokkaido\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis)\, Tsurui Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary\, Hokkaido\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata)\, J?shin’etsu-k?gen National Park\, Honshu\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Japan\, Hokkaido\, Steller’s sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)\n \n \n \n \n \n Akan Mashu National Park\, Hokkaido\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n Japan\, Hokkaido\, red fox (Vulpes vulpes)\n \n \n\nJapan in winter is one of the most majestic locations you could ever imagine. A slight dusting of snow turns the regularly bustling streets into a proverbial winter wonderland. The colder temperatures also tend to cut down on the amount of crowds\, which makes photographing the iconic sites much more appealing. \nWe will embark on an eleven-day intensive photography workshop covering the most photographic sites\, from buzzing cities to the calm atmospheric landscapes\, stretching the length of Japan. Lead by  award-winning photographer Wolfe\, and accompanied by long time friend and travel companion Gavriel Jecan\, this tour will push your photography to the next level. The intimate group size is designed for personal attention to develop your photographic vision. \nFirst we’ll visit the snow macaques that live in the mountains about two hours west of Tokyo. Here in an isolated steep cut valley with an amazing mountain lodge are three extended families of macaques\, numbering around 50. Because they are the most northern primate on earth\, they have the longest\, luxuriant fur of any primates\, particularly in the winter months. They come down from the pine and oak forests and for a couple of hours a day they hang around a natural hot spring. They have been habituated to people visiting them there\, so you can photograph from within inches without interrupting their behavior\, which is very animated and fun. It is a photographic bonanza. \nAfter visiting the macaques\, we will travel to the northern island of Hokkaido. Hokkaido reminds me a bit of Alaska\, full of forests of birch\, pine and fir with a back drop of beautiful volcanic mountains. There are also large lakes and wild running rivers\, and hosts three species of bird wildlife that are extraordinary to photograph. The Japanese Crane has been symbolized in Japanese culture for thousands of years due to its grace and beauty. Giant whooper swans come in the winter months from nesting in Siberia. They have been fed by locals for years\, helping them sustain thru the winter\, as well as creating an easy and wonderful photographic opportunity for us! And often Steller’s sea eagles will swoop around the same area. They are massive black and white raptors that winter over on the icy shores of Hokkaido. \nThe days are short in February on Hokkaido\, but the beautiful hues of sunrise and sunset are protracted allowing us hours to capture quite stunning images. After sunset we will have time for a hot bath at the lodge before eating a traditional Japanese meal. After dinner we will have time for lectures and critiques before calling it a day. With the abridged daylight\, it really allows for a nice schedule to fit everything in and still have enough hours for a good night’s sleep! Since we travel in and out of Tokyo\, you will get to experience the surreal and wonderful contrast that Japan has to offer\, not only the very modern and bustling city\, but the natural and beautiful countryside. \nEarly Bird Special Through March 31st! \n \n\n\n \n \n Wait list form\n The event you are interested in is sold out. Occasionally we have cancellations. If you are interested in being on our wait list in the event of a cancellation\, please fill out this form. \n \n PhoneThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email*\n \n Phonenot required but often very helpfulWorkshopHave you traveled with us before?*\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n Number of people wanting to attend?*1234Additional InformationAny other information that may be pertinent to the pre-registration of this workshop. \n \n I'd like to receive information from Art about upcoming events\, classes\, and travel opportunities\n Newsletter PreferenceGeneral (bimonthly)Blog Posts (weekly)Both\n By clicking submit you allow Art Wolfe Inc. to contact you using the information you have provided. Learn more about our privacy policy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nLed by Art Wolfe\n\nLimited to 10 participants\nTransportation and Accommodation\nAll meals\, lodging\, and transportation specified on the itinerary are included. You will be responsible for your flight to and from Tokyo. You are encouraged to arrive one day prior to the workshop so that there is no worry of flight delays causing any problems. \nItinerary\nShooting schedules have the ability to be altered to effectively cater to the photographic desires of the group\, as well as to adapt to changeable weather conditions. \nDay 1 Feb 8 Tokyo-Nagano\nArrive Tokyo International Airport. This evening there will be a welcome dinner with Art Wolfe and his assistant instructor Gavriel Jecan. (D) \nNote from our arranger: “That hotel is very conveniently accessed from any airport\, all limousine buses go to the hotel from Haneda and Narita throughout the evening. (Haneda Airport is located closer to central Tokyo than Narita Airport. With that said\, getting to central Tokyo from Narita Airport isn’t too difficult to reach\, just might take a little longer.)” \nDay 2 Feb 9 Nagano\n\nIn the morning\, the group will take a private bus transfer to Nagano. Upon arrival\, head up to Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park) by a taxi. After checking in to hotel\, start with a walk up the trail to the park entrance gate\, with your camera gear and other equipment. \n**To see the snow monkeys\, visitors must walk 2 km (1.2 miles) one way along a path that can be slippery and muddy in winter. (B\, D) \nDay 3 Feb 10 Nagano\n\nIn the morning the group will depart for Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park). The entire day will be spent photographing the Snow Monkeys. (B\, D) \nDay 4 Feb 11 Nagano-Tokyo-Tsurui\n\nAfter breakfast\, we will take a private bus back to Tokyo where we will spend one night. The group will then fly to Hokkaido and will overnight in the Tsurui Village. (B) \nDay 5 Feb 12 Hokkaido (Tsurui)\n\nEarly morning photography session to photograph the Japanese cranes as they sleep in the river. Following that the group will photograph wildlife and scenic landscapes around the Tsurui Village with a potential possibility to photograph the Ural owl that lives in the forest. \nIn the evening there will be another opportunity to photograph the majestic Japanese cranes at sunset as they return to roost. (B\, D) \nDay 6 Feb 13 Hokkaido (Lake Kussharo)\n\nEarly in the morning\, another chance to catch the cranes sleeping in the river. Back to hotel for breakfast . After some more photography in Tsurui Village till early afternoon\, we head out to hotel in Akan area. (B\, D) \nDay 7 Feb 14 Hokkaido (Lake Kussharo)\nToday we have two options we can spend the full day for photographing Whooper swans in Lake Kussharo Or spend full morning for Whooper swans and after lunch go back to hotel around 2:00pm then rest at hotel in the afternoon. (B\, D) \nDay 8 Feb 15 Hokkaido (Rausu)\n\nAfter breakfast we head to Rausu . On the way\, we visit Notsuke Peninsula. Photograph some herds of the Ezo Sika deer and Red fox in the snow fields. (B\, D) \nDay 9 Feb 16 Hokkaido (Yoroshi)\n\nIn the morning\, the group will take a Drift Ice Cruise. While on the cruise we will see the sunrise from Kunashiri Island\, observe and photograph Steller’s Sea Eagle & White Tailed Eagles. By noon\, the group will head to the Notsuke Peninsula where we will have an opportunity to photograph some herds of the Ezo Sika deer and Red fox in the snow fields. (B\, D) \nDay 10 Feb 17 Hokkaido-Tokyo\nAfter breakfast\, the group will head to the Memanbetsu or Nakashibetsu airport and will fly back to Tokyo (Haneda). With free time in the evening in Tokyo\, opt to explore more of Tokyo’s diverse districts on your own. (B\, D) \nDay 11 Feb 18 Tokyo-Departure Day\n\nParticipants can catch flights back home this day.  Transfer to airport by public transportation. Your tour leader will be on hand to advise on how to purchase train tickets for onward journeys within Japan or to your departure airport. Hotel check out time is 10:00am 11:00am.(B) \nServices Included\n\nAccommodations (twin sharing basis) as indicated above in the itinerary.\nAll meals noted on the itinerary.\nServices of Air Conditioned Van\nServices of English speaking guide escort accompanying the trip\nEntrance fee to visit monuments.\nServices of local English guides during city sightseeing (as required)\nMineral water during all meals\, transfers\, drives and sightseeing (available in vehicle)\n\n*Note: We will make every effort to connect you with a roommate should you like to share a room. However\, if we’re unable to make a match\, the single supplement will apply. \nServices Not Included\n\nAny international Airfare\, travel insurance or medical insurance. (health insurance is mandatory and travel insurance is highly recommended)\nAnything not mentioned in inclusion above.\nTipping to accompanying escort is not included in our quote.\nAny expenditure of personal nature like alcoholic drinks\, Fruit shakes\, sodas\, laundry\, telephone calls\, or internet\nAnything ordered from room service at any hotel including mineral water (other than what being offered by the hotels on their compliment).\nAny sudden increase in price due to steep hike in fuel cost\, change in government tax policy or for any reason beyond our control like acts of god\, natural calamity\, law and order situation\, riots etc and any forced change in itinerary for any unforeseen situation or reason beyond our control.\n\nShare:\n Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)\n Facebook\n \n Share on X (Opens in new window)\n X\n \n Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)\n LinkedIn\n \n Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)\n Tumblr\n More\n Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)\n Pinterest\n \n Share on Reddit (Opens in new window)\n Reddit URL:https://events.artwolfe.com/event/wild-lives-winter-wildlife-and-landscapes-of-japan-photo-journey-2025/ CATEGORIES:Travel with Art,Workshops ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://events.artwolfe.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/08/96A0857-Edit.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Art%20Wolfe%20Inc":MAILTO:info@artwolfe.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR