Hokkaido Winter Wildlife Photography with Paul Whitton / Saiyu Travel

GROUP / pre-organized

Feb 7th and Feb 16th 2026
Hokkaido Winter
Wildlife Photography
with Paul Whitton
Hokkaido , Japan
You’ll experience some of the most amazing winter wildlife
in the world up close

Price
JPY 580,000
Duration
7nights 8days
Dates
Feb 7th, 2026
Feb 16th, 2026

Highlights

Get up close to rare and wonderful winter wildlife
This is a special adventure for those wishing to encounter and photograph wild animals in Japan; such as Steller's Sea Eagles, White-tailed Eagles, the Ezo Sika Deer, and experiencing the drift ice of Rausu as well as the endangered Blakiston's Fish Owl, and the adorable Hokkaido songbirds. Experience the winter wonderland of Japan for an incredible wildlife spectacle at exactly the right time to capture the images of a lifetime.

Immersive travel experiences that you wouldn’t be able to encounter in large groups

Steller's Sea Eagle
Red Fox (taken in tour 2023)
Photo shooting (taken in tour 2023)
Photo shooting (taken in tour 2023)
Swan (taken in tour 2023)
Steller's Sea Eagle (taken in tour 2023)
Long-tailed Tit (taken in tour 2023)
Ezo Owl (taken in tour 2023)
Ezo Deer
Red Fox
Blakiston's Fish Owl
Japanese Red-Crowned Cranes (taken in tour 2023)
Steller's Sea Eagle (taken in tour 2023)

Paul Whitton

Profile

Paul Whitton was born in Australia and has lived in Japan for the past 20 years. Along with having worked professionally in many photographic genres, he has over 35 years of experience in wildlife and travel photography, humbly boasting achievements that include being published by National Geographic on several occasions. Recently he has spent years studying and gathering knowledge mainly on the wildlife rich Eastern side of Hokkaido. He speaks fluently in two languages and has successfully explored almost every corner of Eastern Hokkaido. His priceless expertise and knowledge are a great plus for customers who travel with Saiyu Travel.

Message to customers

I am absolutely bursting with excitement to be leading a tour with Saiyu Travel, and to share with you, the incredible gems I have discovered here. I have no doubt you will be amazed and enthralled at the unique birding and wildlife opportunities here, and the sheer beauty you will experience at every turn. I will do everything in my power to ensure you have a safe and wonderful wildlife adventure, as we discover this incredible winter wonderland together. Instagram page @kumakafe

Incredible Encounters with Wild Animals

Blakiston's Fish Owl

With a wingspan of about 180cm (5.9ft), it is the largest owl species. With only about 140 birds inhabiting Hokkaido, it is also one of the most endangered birds. In Rausu, fish are put in a rocky area in the river, and attracted by the fish, the Blakiston's fish owl can be seen from the observation area. The lighting is set exclusively for photography, so you can shoot even at night without a flash.

Japanese Red-Crowned Cranes

From November to mid-March, when the snow begins to accumulate, cranes will gather from all over Eastern Hokkaido in Tsurui Village's Kushiro Marsh. We will guide you to the Otowa Bridge where you can observe the Japanese cranes sleeping in the river, and the places where you can observe the Japanese cranes flying to the roost in the evening with the sunset.

Steller's Sea Eagle

The largest eagle in Japan with a wingspan of over 2m, which in the Ainu language is called "kapatcir kamuy" (God of Eagles). A majestic eagle with white wings and tail, and an orange-yellow beak. From January to March, it will come to Eastern Hokkaido from Sakhalin, the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Kamchatka Peninsula.

Itinerary

From Feb 7th till Feb 14th

	City	Summary
1	Kushiro Tsurui Village	Welcome to Hokkaido Japan, gather at Kushiro Airport at 13:30 pm. Then, be transported by private car to nearby Tsurui Village. Where we have a chance to observe and photograph endangered Japanese Red-Crowned Cranes on the very first day. Check in, followed by a short meet and greet to discuss Day 2. Recommended flight: ANA-741 Dep Tokyo(Haneda) 11:35am / Arr Kushiro 13:10pm Accom: Green Park Tsurui \| Meals Included: Dinner
2	Tsurui Village	Early in the morning, head to Otowa Bridge, where we will observe Red-Crowned Cranes sleeping in steamy warm thermal river waters, and weather permitting, bathed spectacularly in golden morning light. After that, we will visit various locations around Tsurui Village for photos and wildlife observation especially of the elegant Red-Crowned Cranes. You might even get a chance to see a Ural owl that lives in the forest nearby. Accom: Green Park Tsurui \| Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
3	Tsurui Village Kussharo	After breakfast, enjoy photographing more Red-Crowned Cranes in the morning, then take a drive into the nearby mountains in search of Owls and Red Foxes. After which, we will be heading to the undeniably beautiful and scenic Lake Kussharo, where we will spend time photographing graceful Whooper swans swimming in the days last light, spectacularly backdropped by distant mountains boarding the lake. Accom: Marukibune or similar \| Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
4	Kussharo Nemuro	We will spend the early morning photographing the swans on Lake Kussharo as they rest and bathe in natural steaming, thermal pools on the edges of the lake. Buy lunch, visit an active volcano before making our way to Nemuro, stopping for any wildlife encounters along the way. Accom: East Harbor \| Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
5	Nemuro Notsuke Yoroushi	In the morning, we will be photographing around Nemuro, Lake Furen area. Then we’ll journey to Yoroushi, We’ll be on the lookout and stopping for any wildlife opportunities along the way. After arrival at Yoroushi, enjoy delicious local food and a hot spring at our hotel, before having chance to see and photograph wild Blakiston's Fish Owl, right in the backyard of our accommodation. There’s also a good chance we may see a beautiful wild Japanese Sable. Accom:Yuyado Daiichi \| Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
6	Yoroushi Rausu	In the morning, you can enjoy to photograph birds active at the feeder of hotel backyard such as Eurasian nuthatch, Great spotted woodpecker, Eurasian jay etc. We’ll journey north to Rausu, stopping by at the unforgettable Notsuke Peninsula. Here you will be thrilled by large herds of wild Ezo Sika deer, perching birds of prey and hopefully Red foxes as we drive by frozen oceans and smooth undisturbed snow fields. Accom: Shiretoko Serai, Rausu Daiichi or similar \| Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
7	Rausu	In the morning, take a Drift Ice Cruise to See the sunrise over Kunashiri Island, and be amazed as we observe and photograph Steller's Sea Eagles & White-Tailed Eagles in flight, at very close proximity to our boat. Then back to our accommodation for breakfast. And some time to empty memory cards and re-charge our batteries. After a well-earned rest, we’ll have a relaxing afternoon exploring the local area while looking for perching eagles and red foxes.Then dinner in Rausu, after which, we will observe and photograph endangered Blakiston's fish owls, (the largest and rarest owl on earth) from an observation hut. Accom: Shiretoko Serai, Rausu Daiichi or similar \| Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
8	Rausu Kushiro	We take one more Drift Ice Cruise for another change to capture some more images of the truly incredible Steller's Sea Eagles & White-Tailed Eagles in flight. After breakfast at hotel, will head to Kushiro airport. Tour will end on arrival at Kushiro airport around 13:30pm. Recommended flight: JAL-542 Dep Kushiro 15:05pm / Tokyo (Haneda) 16:55pm Meals Included: Breakfast

From Feb 16th till Feb 23th

	City	Summary
1	Kushiro Nemuro	Welcome to Hokkaido Japan, gather at Kushiro Airport at 10:00am Then, be transported by private car to Nemuro. We’ll be on the lookout and stopping for any wildlife opportunities along the way. We may expect encounter with red fox, Ezo Shika deer, Steller's Sea Eagles & White-Tailed Eagles. Check in, followed by a short meet and greet to discuss Day 2. Recommended flight: ANA4771 Dep Tokyo(Haneda) 07:40am / Arr Kushiro 09:15am or JAL541 Dep Tokyo (Haneda) 07:50 / Arr Kushiro 09:25am Accom: East Harbor \| Meals Included: Dinner
2	Nemuro Notsuke Rausu	In the morning, we will be photographing around Nemuro, Lake Furen area. We’ll journey north to Rausu, stopping by at the unforgettable Notsuke Peninsula. Here you will be thrilled by large herds of wild Ezo Sika deer, perching birds of prey and hopefully Red foxes as we drive by frozen oceans and smooth undisturbed snow fields. Accom: Shiretoko Serai, Rausu Daiichi or similar \| Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
3	Rausu	In the morning, take a Drift Ice Cruise to See the sunrise over Kunashiri Island, and be amazed as we observe and photograph Steller's Sea Eagles & White-Tailed Eagles in flight, at very close proximity to our boat. Then back to our accommodation for breakfast. And some time to empty memory cards and re-charge our batteries. After a well-earned rest, we’ll have a relaxing afternoon exploring the local area while looking for perching eagles and red foxes.Then dinner in Rausu, after which, we will observe and photograph endangered Blakiston's fish owls, (the largest and rarest owl on earth) from an observation hut. Accom: Shiretoko Serai, Rausu Daiichi or similar \| Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
4	Rausu Yoroushi	We take one more Drift Ice Cruise for another change to capture some more images of the truly incredible Steller's Sea Eagles & White-Tailed Eagles in flight. Then we’ll journey to Yoroushi, We’ll be stopping for any wildlife opportunities along the way. After arrival at Yoroushi, enjoy delicious local food and a hot spring at our hotel, before having chance to see and photograph wild Blakiston's Fish Owl, right in the backyard of our accommodation. There’s also a good chance we may see a beautiful wild Japanese Sable. Accom: Yuyado Daiichi \| Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
5	Yoroushi Tsurui Village	In the morning, you can enjoy to photograph birds active at the feeder of hotel backyard such as Eurasian nuthatch, Great spotted woodpecker, Eurasian jay etc. Then, will be transported by private car to Tsurui Village. Where we have a chance to observe and photograph endangered Japanese Red-Crowned Cranes. Accom: Yumekobo \| Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
6	Tsurui Village	Early in the morning, head to Otowa Bridge, where we will observe Red-Crowned Cranes sleeping in steamy warm thermal river waters, and weather permitting, bathed spectacularly in golden morning light. After that, we will visit various locations around Tsurui Village for photos and wildlife observation especially of the elegant Red-Crowned Cranes. You might even get a chance to see a Ural owl that lives in the forest nearby. Accom: Yumekobo \| Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
7	Tsurui Village Kussharo	After breakfast, enjoy photographing more Red-Crowned Cranes in the morning, then take a drive into the nearby mountains in search of Owls and Red Foxes. After which, we will be heading to the undeniably beautiful and scenic Lake Kussharo, where we will spend time photographing graceful Whooper swans swimming in the days last light, spectacularly backdropped by distant mountains boarding the lake. Accom: Marukibune or similar \| Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
8	Kussharo Kushiro	We will spend the early morning photographing the swans on Lake Kussharo as they rest and bathe in natural steaming, thermal pools on the edges of the completely frozen lake. Then we will head back to Kushiro Airport. Tour will end on arrival at Kushiro airport around 12:30pm. Recommended flight: ANA-742 Dep Kushiro 13:50pm / Tokyo (Haneda) 15:40pm Meals Included: Breakfast

** We offer other tours within Japan and can accommodate customized packages and quotes in combination with this one. Please feel free to inquire for more information from our agent.

Price

	Price per person
From Feb 7th till Feb 14th, 2026	JPY 580,000
From Feb 16th till Feb 23th, 2026	JPY 580,000
Single room supplement	JPY 50,000

Important Notes

**Tour price listed is per person, based on sharing twin rooms.
**This tour requires a minimum number of 4 participants (maximum 6 participants). Please do NOT purchase your flights until you receive confirmation that the minimum number of tour participants has been reached.
** Some hotel (Japanese style hotel) only offers futon style bedding, where people will sleep on a mattress laid out on the floor and public shared hot spring bathroom (no private shower in each room).
**Lunch during the tour is not included. You will have a chance to buy food from the local convenience stores or eateries. Each person should prepare to pay for these individually.
**The purpose of this tour is to observe nature and for wildlife photography. According to weather reports and local information we will adjust your tour schedule as needed; based on recent sightings. However, these are wild animals and there is no guarantee of being able to see everything listed in the itinerary.
**Drift ice may not reach seashores as expected. Also when drift ice is in Russian sea territory or very far from Rausu port, cruise boat cannot reach. Even in those case, we will enjoy eagles and seabirds photography from cruise boat. In case of inclement weather which renders sea cruises impossible, we will reimburse you the cost of drift ice cruise.
**The detailed itinerary will be sent to all participants at the same time two weeks before the tour start.

Included :

English-speaking guide | Accommodation as per above | Private vehicle with driver as per itinerary above | Meals (*) as per above | All activities participation fees as per above

Not Included :

Transportation to/from Japan | Domestic flight in Japan | Travel & Medical Insurance | Daily Lunches & Additional Snacks | Personal expenses (Souvenirs and Alcoholic Beverages, etc.)

Climate :

In this season the warmest temperatures you can expect is -1°C (30°F), and it can go to as low as -15°C (5°F) to -25°C (-13°F). It may even feel colder in early morning hours when you will be photo-hunting or taking a drift ice cruise. Make sure you have layers of extra warm clothes for upper and lower body. Waterproof ski wear winter gear, snow boots, warm gloves and thermal underwear, warm hats and ear warmers will all come handy.

Luggage :

As we use private van, and luggage space is limited, we allow everyone to bring up to one suitcase per person. If there is not enough space in the trunk for the backpack with photo equipment, you may need to keep it on your lap as we drive.

Dietary Restriction :

Hotels in remote area such as Eastern Hokkaido only accept requests for special meals to medical (such as allergy) and religious needs.

Customize Your Tour?

If you wish to extend your stay or make domestic flight arrangements, contact us to start discussing your custom tour! We'll carefully create an itinerary based on your budget, your choice of destinations, accommodations, and focus it on your interests.

Travel planning and implementation：SAIYU TRAVEL CO.,LTD.
3rd floor, Kyodo Bldg. Jimbocho, 2-2, Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan ｜Travel Agency Registration No. 607

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