Join Richard Young and a small group of just five photographers on an exclusive photography tour through Hokkaido’s enchanting winter landscapes. Together, we’ll explore the northern reaches of Japan, where a mesmerising tapestry of snow-covered vistas, silent forests, and coastal lagoons awaits. Hokkaido’s winter transformation offers photographers an unparalleled canvas to capture nature at its most pristine and poetic.
Our journey begins in the heart of central Hokkaido, in the beautiful Biei area. In winter, Biei is transformed into a minimalist dreamscape — its rolling hills blanketed in snow, lone trees silhouetted against soft skies, and rustic farm buildings creating elegant, understated compositions. From Biei, we continue to explore the surrounding landscapes of central Hokkaido, renowned for their solitary trees, graceful woodlands, and the subtle textures of winter. Our itinerary is carefully designed to showcase these timeless scenes, with access to a selection of both unknown and private locations that few photographers have the opportunity to visit.
The final leg of our adventure takes us north to the coast, where we’ll photograph the frozen shores of Lake Saroma and the Sea of Okhotsk. This vast lagoon, often sealed by ice in midwinter, provides a beautifully minimalist backdrop — perfect for capturing the fishing boats of Japan’s northern fleet, resting quietly along the shoreline. The interplay of ice, boats, and the stark winter sky creates powerful, atmospheric imagery unique to this remote region.
You will be guided not only by Richard Young but also by one of Japan’s leading photography guides–an expert with extensive local knowledge who has guided some of the world’s best-known photographers, including Michael Kenna. Together, we will help you access the most photogenic and often hidden locations, ensuring you come away with a strong portfolio of images that celebrate the purity and simplicity of Hokkaido’s winter.
Richard Young has guided a previous Hokkaido Tour in 2025 with one of Japan’s very best photography guides, who has led some of the world’s top photographers around these landscapes.
Richard and our local guide bring to this experience a love for exploring a more expressive approach to landscape and nature photography to help you make some truly unique photographs during the expedition.
A moderate level of fitness is required for this tour. To access some of the more remote and photogenic locations, we will need to use snowshoes and walk through snow-covered terrain. You should be comfortable snowshoeing for up to 30 minutes each way. While the walking is not technically difficult, it will take place in cold, often harsh winter conditions, so a reasonable level of fitness and resilience is essential.
This tour is not only about world-class winter photography — it’s also an opportunity to experience the unique culture and hospitality of Hokkaido. Throughout the journey, we’ll stay in carefully selected hotels featuring onsens (natural hot spring baths), offering the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day out in the snow. You’ll also enjoy delicious local cuisine each evening, a true highlight of Japanese culture and an essential part of the Hokkaido experience.