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Japan Winter Workshop

5 - 14 February 2025

Duration

11 Days

Start/Finish

Tokyo

Group Size

Max 6 participants

Skill

All skill levels

Fitness Difficulty

Easy / Moderate

Type of Tour: Small Group 

Photographers: Andy Yee and Paul Pichugin

Cost: $6250 (USD)

 

From the dreamy winter landscapes of Hokkaido to the majestic Mt. Fuji to the adorable snow monkeys of Jigokudani and the fantastic festivals in Hokkaido, winter is the perfect season in which to capture the beauty of Japan. 

We embark on a 11 day intensive photography workshop covering the most photographic sites of Japan. We travel between buzzing cities and calm atmospheric landscapes that stretch the length of Japan. Led by award-winning landscape photographer Andy Yee, accompanied by renowned travel photographer Paul Pichugin, this tour will push your photography to the next level. The intimate group size is designed for personal attention to further develop your photographic skills. 

Highlights

Red Crowned Cranes of Hokkaido

* Steller's Sea Eagles drift ice cruise

* Biei landscapes 

* Shirogane waterfall 

* Sapporo Snow Festival 

* Otaru Snow Path Festival

* Ebisu Rocks + Nikka Distillery

* Snow monkeys

* Matsumoto Castle

* Mount Fuji + the five lakes 

* Tokyo streets and skyline sunset 

* The food! 

* The culture! 

 

Join us on a Japan winter workshop for opportunities uniquely designed for all levels of photographers.

Japan Winter Itinerary

 

Days 1 and 2 — Tokyo

The trip commences in Tokyo. We take in the bustling street life of Japan's very own megalopolis.

 

Day 3 and 4 — Kushiro and Rausu

We fly from Tokyo to Kushiro on the northern island to spend time photographing the rare and sacred red crowned cranes and the Steller's Sea Eagle of Hokkaido. Capturing the cranes dancing in the snowfall is something you will want to witness with a camera in your hand. We will venture out on a boat cruise of the  in search of the Steller's Sea Eagles on drift ice.

Day 5 — Biei

We then head out into the winter wilderness of the Biei area and its picture perfect snow covered landscapes. Like something out of a fairy tale, the terrain appears perfectly manicured in a frozen setting.

Day 6 — Sapporo

The largest snow festival in Japan lights up in Sapporo at night with impressive snow and ice sculptures across the city. Street photography in one of the most snowy cities in the world offers exceptional images.

Day 7 — Otaru

The Otaru Snow Path festival is held in a small fishing village that lights the canal and adorns the village with ice installations. This is a beautiful time to be in Japan with a camera!

Days 8 and 9 — Jigokudani

We fly from Sapporo to Niigata and head to the land of the snow monkeys. A day with the snow monkeys up in the hills of Jigokudani is something you won’t experience anywhere else in the world. Photographing them during their winter routine of keeping warm while sitting in hot springs in the snow is something remarkable you wont easily forget.

Day 10 — Mt Fuji

We then head to Matsomoto where the “Black Castle” resides in the center of town. With its surroundings covered in snow, it's a great opportunity to see one of the finest preserved castles in all of Japan. 

A drive to the vicinity of Mount Fuji offers a variety of stunning lakes and landscapes against the background of the majestic Fuji-san. 

Day 11 — Tokyo

We return to Tokyo with a final day to explore. At this time of year, its possible to capture “Diamond Fuji” with the Tokyo skyline that shows the incredible expanse of this modern city. We also visit some of the picturesque traditional areas and temples at times with less crowds. Our tour will conclude at the end of this day and participants can arrange to depart the following day.

The 11 day tour covers a wide spectrum of photography and will be an unforgettable cultural experience. The trip will allow ample opportunities to capture key moments. In addition, it will also cover editing techniques and processes to enable you to get the most value out of the trip.

matsumoto-castle-winter-japan.jpg

Japanese Cuisine and Accomodation

 

We understand getting the photo into the card is only half of the battle. During the workshop, there will be time to go over post-processing to help you create images that pack a punch. Our photographers will sit down with you to assist your selection process, Lightroom and Photoshop workflows and techniques, and develop your best images, so you can showcase the finest Japan has to offer.

The trip is suitable for the photographer with basic knowledge through to expert level.

 

Group size will be maximum 6 people. Cost will cover 11 nights accommodation, domestic flights from Tokyo to Kushiro (Hokkiado) and return from Sapporo to Matsumoto, ground transport, park entrances fees and all breakfast + dinner meals. 

 

Japan is a gastronomic destination in and of itself. With such a wide and varied selection to choose from, you will learn that Japanese food is more than just Sushi. From succulent seafood to giant bowls of Raman, crispy tempura, or Kansai Okonomiyaki, you will come to appreciate all of what Japan has to offer your palate. When we aren't leaving in the dark to shoot sunrise, breakfasts will be provided. All dinners will be offered, but lunch and drinks will be up to you. We will be staying in three-star or greater hotels during our trip. We will spend one night in a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn, which will be quite the experience. Each hotel has been selected for their value and offers a comfortable stay in petite but modern and well-equipped rooms. All rooms on the workshop will be provided as dual occupancy (single occupancy is not available for this tour due to high season with bookings).

Single Occupancy is offered on a limited first come, first reserved basis for $850 USD for this tour. Please nominate Single Occupancy when booking or as early as possible to ensure reservation. If Single Occupancy cannot be reserved, we will communicate this as soon as possible.

 

For Terms and Conditions click here

 

Spots are limited and you are advised to book with a deposit as soon as possible to not miss out. Please email for further details  andy@andyyee.com

 

Included

* Two professional photography guides 

* 11 nights accommodation 

* Single Occupancy (where possible)

* Domestic flights to Sapporo and return to Matsumoto

* All breakfasts and dinners

* Transportation in private cars and ferries 

* All entrance fees to photography locations (snow monkeys and cranes)

* Post-Processing sessions during the tour


Excluded

* Airfare to/from Japan

* Lunches

* Train transport

* Alcoholic beverages 

* Travel insurance 

* Equipment and baggage insurance 

* Visas (if applicable) 

* Gratuities

To reserve your spot for this workshop, a deposit of $1000 (USD) can be made via Paypal. Please message for further details regarding this tour

Remaining workshop tuition amount will be due 90 days before workshop. A reminder invoice will be sent out 120 days before the workshop commencement

Upon deposit you have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions click here.

Guides

Tour will be guided by professional photographers Andy Yee and Paul Pichugin.

 

Andy Yee is a professional photographer who specializes in travel/tourism, architecture and commercial projects. He is the winner of the Sony Alpha Landscape Award. Andy has travelled extensively through Japan in all seasons of the year and worked on projects with Japan Tourism

 

With nearly two decades of professional experience, Paul Pichugin has pursued his passion for landscape, travel and wildlife photography, working with clients in the tourism and travel industry across the globe. His work has been featured in international tourism and advertising campaigns, as well as renowned publications such as National Geographic and Lonely Planet.

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