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 and 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 at Bird-Photo-Tours Asia to create images of Japan’s untamed side. Imagine seeing hundreds of the stunningly beautiful but rare Red-crowned 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 raptor: the Steller’s Sea Eagle. Not only are the raptors huge but this land is also home to the largest owl on our planet: the magnificent Blakinston's Fish Owl. This Bird-Photo-Tour will provide the opportunity to photograph this stunning owl at close range. 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 and 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 the cultural differences.
Cranes / Swans: Red-crowned Crane / White-naped Crane / Whooper Swan
Eagles / Owls: Steller’s Sea Eagle / White-tailed Sea Eagle / Blakinston’s Fish Owl / Ural Owl
Waterbirds: Harlequin Duck / Greater Scaup / Black Scoter / Red-breasted Merganser
Guiding Fees / Ground Transportation / Accommodation / Meals / Entrance Fees / Tipping for Drivers, Boatsmen, Hotel and Restaurant Staff.
International Flights / VISA Fees / Travel Insurance / Tips for Local Guide / Alcohol / Laundry / Items of a Personal Nature
Day 1-4 Kushiro Subprefecture [3N / 2D / 5S]. Arrive Kushiro Airport, drive 1-hour 40km to Kushiro Subprefecture. Photographic Targets: Whooper Swan / Red-crowned Crane / Ural Owl / Long-tailed Tit.
Day 10 Kushiro Subprefecture [0N / 0D / 1S]. Drive 2-hour 120km to Kushiro Airport for international departures [END].
[Key: N=Night, D=Full Day, S = Session / Half-Day]
Roland was born in Munich in 1970. His love for nature started at an early age through his passion for mountaineering which in turn developed his interest in environmental protection. Roland spent over two decades in China from 1998 to 2021 living predominantly in Sichuan Province in western China and working as a professional guide on bird as well as mammal tours. With many of Roland’s clients being photographers, Roland has developed considerable skills and knowledge in supporting the needs of the bird photographer. Roland’s travels throughout China and South East Asia are extensive from the Tibetan Plateau to the Chinese lowlands to the rainforests of both Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia: Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. Roland is fluent in Chinese, English and German and has a friendly, amicable disposition, displaying both care and thoughtfulness towards his clients, in addition to possessing strong field identification skills, all of which have combined well generating a positive reputation as a Tour Leader, particularly amongst bird photographers.
(i) The guesthouses are all in close proximity to the bird photography locations (ii) Walking is at a light pace (iii) There is no requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) None of the locations are at altitude (v) There is no camping. It is for these five reasons that this tour has been graded as "Easy".
: Hokkaido
