Date and Time
11.30am Monday 12th – 11am Wednesday 21st January 2026
Duration
Nine Nights
Price
£4,995
(£1,000 deposit, £3,995 balance to be paid by the 12th October 2025. If booking after the 12th October 2025, the full amount is payable)
Workshop Leaders
Francis Ansing
Maximum Workshop Attendees
7
Meeting Place
11.30am Monday 12th January 2026
New Chitose Airport Sapporo
Hokkaido
Japan
Exertion Level
Easy / Medium – All locations within half a mile from the car, most much closer. We will be walking on snow and ice, so ice spikes for your footwear is advised. Some slippery terrain and the odd uphill section with or without steps will be present. A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required.
Hokkaido Winter Photography Tour: A Journey into Japan's Minimalist Beauty
Experience an exclusive nine-night photography tour through Hokkaido's snow-covered landscapes, where Japan's northern wilderness transforms into a photographer's paradise. This intimate workshop accommodates just seven participants under the guidance of two expert leaders, ensuring personalized instruction and optimal photography opportunities.
Expert Tuition
Francis Ansing brings five years of Japanese residency experience and extensive Hokkaido knowledge to your photographic journey. As your dedicated guide and driver, he'll navigate the region's winter conditions in a comfortable, four-wheel-drive Toyota Hi-Ace Grand Cabin minibus designed for small groups.
Photographic Destinations
Your nine-night adventure encompasses diverse winter environments perfectly suited for minimalist photography. In Biei, capture snow-blanketed rolling hills dotted with traditional wooden cabins and farm buildings, all set against dramatic mountain backdrops. Explore the distinctive coastal rock formations at Yoichi, Esashi, Daikoku, and Ebisu Iwa, where winter weather creates compelling seascapes. Wildlife photography opportunities abound with scheduled sessions featuring Whooper Swans and Red-Crowned Cranes in their natural winter habitats. Additional encounters may include Sea Eagles, Red Foxes, and Ezo Deer, providing dynamic subjects against Hokkaido's pristine white landscapes.
Accommodation Details
Nine nights of carefully selected three and four-star hotel accommodations are included, with breakfast provided each morning. Complete hotel listings are available in the accommodation section. Participants arrange their own lodging for arrival (Sunday, January 11th) and departure nights (Wednesday, January 21st, 2026). The Royal Park Hotel at Haneda Airport offers convenient, high-quality accommodation for these independent nights.
Workshop Experience
Hokkaido's winter environment offers unmatched opportunities for capturing Japan's minimalist aesthetic in its purest form. The combination of dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and expert instruction creates an immersive photography experience that extends far beyond technical skill development. This tour provides access to some of Japan's most photogenic winter locations while fostering a deeper understanding of the country's natural beauty and cultural connection to seasonal change.
Here is a detailed itinerary outlining our schedule. Additional locations will also feature where time and weather will allow.
Domestic Flight Information via ANA (All Nippon Airways)
You will be required to book your own domestic flights from Haneda Airport, Tokyo to New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido and from Kushiro Airport, Hokkaido to Haneda Airport, Tokyo. The relevant date and times are listed below. https://www.ana.co.jp/en/gb/
Day 1 – 12th January 2026 : Haneda Airport, Tokyo – New Chitose Airport, Sapporo (flight time 10:00AM or earlier)
Day 10 – 21st January 2026 : Kushiro – Haneda (flight time between or later than 1:00-3:00 PM)
Day 0 – Sunday 11th January 2026
Arrive in Tokyo
Hotel: Please book your own room at the Excel Hotel at Terminal 2, Haneda Airport ready for leaving early to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo the next day. The hotel is attached to the airport terminal and involves a two minute walk to reach the check in desks.
Day 1 – Monday 12th January 2026
Arrival in New Chitose Airport, Lake Toya (OFFICIAL START)
Take a morning flight to New Chitose Airport from Haneda
Please arrive at New Chitose Airport on or before 11:30am
Head to Lake Toya (Ukimdo Pagaoda)
Check in at our hotel in Lake Toya
Afternoon shoot around Lake Toya
Day 2 – Tuesday 13th January 2026
Lake Toya, Mount Yotei, Otaru
Sunrise shoot around Lake Toya
Check out and drive to Otaru with stops around Mount Yotei (active stratovolcano)
Check in at our hotel in Otaru
Sunset shoot at Otaru Canal
Day 3 – Wednesday 14th January 2026
Yoichi, Biei
Morning shoot of the rocks at Daikoku and Ebisu Iwa
Check out and head to Asahikawa
Check in at our hotel in Asahikawa
Afternoon shoot around Biei (winter trees, wooden cabins, snowy hills)
Day 4 – Thursday 15th January 2026
Biei
Another full day of photography around Biei (winter trees, fence lines, farm buildings, snowy hills)
Day 5 – Friday 16th February 2025
Biei
Another full day of photography around Biei (lone trees, fence lines, farm buildings, snowy hills)
Day 6 – Saturday 17th January 2026
Shosanbetsu, Wakkanai
Head to Shosanbetsu, Haboro
Shoot around Shosanbetsu Camping Ground and the Misakidai Torii (Torii gate in the sea and sea ice)
Continue journey to Wakkanai
Day 7 – Sunday 18th January 2026
Wakkanai, Lake Saroma
Shoot drying racks and docked boats around Wakkanai
Check out and head east to Lake Saroma with stops along the way
Check in at our hotel in Kitami
Day 8 – Monday 19th January 2026
Lake Saroma, Abashiri, Bihiro
Morning shoot around Lake Saroma and Futatsui Rocks
Sunset shoot at Bihiro Pass
Return to Kitami for another night
Day 9 – Tuesday 20th January 2026
Bihiro, Lake Kussharo, Kushiro
Sunrise shoot at Bihiro Pass
Check out and head to Lake Kussharo for afternoon shoot (Whooper Swans & Red Crown Cranes)
Continue journey to Kushiro
Check in at our hotel in Kushiro
Day 10 – Wednesday 21st January 2026
Kushiro (OFFICIAL END)
Check out after breakfast
Morning shoot of Red-Crowned Cranes at Tsurui ito
Head back to Lake Kussharo for another morning shoot (optional)
Head to Kushiro Airport for afternoon flight to Haneda
Head to your hotel in Tokyo
Hotel: For your final evening in Japan, please book your own room at the Royal Park Hotel at Haneda Airport ready for your flight home on the 22nd January 2026. The hotel is a two minute walk to the check in desks and is attached to the airport terminal. If you wish to fly home on an evening flight on the 21st January 2026, there will be no need to book a room at the Royal Park Hotel, the choice is yours.
Day 11 – Thursday 22nd January 2026
Flight departure to your home country
Check out
Flight home from Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Francis Ansing
Francis Ansing is a full-time landscape photographer and photo tour guide celebrated for capturing the quiet drama, refined minimalism, and emotional depth of Japan’s natural environments. His approach centres on atmosphere, subtlety, and a deep respect for the landscapes and traditions he photographs.
After years of exploring Japan’s diverse regions, Francis has developed extensive knowledge of both iconic and lesser-known photographic locations. From the snowy plains of Hokkaido and the sacred forests of Wakayama to Kyoto’s historic streets and the timeless viewpoints around Mount Fuji, he brings cultural awareness and on-the-ground experience to every tour he leads.
Blending technical precision with a calm, thoughtful shooting style, Francis creates images that invite viewers to slow down, look deeper, and connect with the spirit of Japan. His work has appeared in travel publications and local exhibitions, and he is passionate about helping photographers of all levels discover Japan’s beauty through meaningful, well-crafted experiences.
HOTELS INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR
There are a total of six quality hotels included (3 & 4 Stars) during our nine night stay in Hokkaido. This ensures that we are as close to the locations that we will be photographing as possible meaning less time spent travelling in the minibus.
You will each have your own double/twin en-suite room. There is no single occupancy supplement charged.
Breakfast is included
See below for a list of the hotels and that we will be staying in. Click on the hotel name to be directed to their website and/or Booking.com/Hotels.com.
Monday 12th January 2026 (4* Hotel)
Toya Kohan Tei, Lake Toya
Tuesday 13th January 2026 (4* Hotel)
Grand Park Otaru
Wednesday 14th January 2026 (3* Hotel)
Hotel Amanek, Asahikawa
Thursday 15th January 2026 (3* Hotel)
Hotel Amanek, Asahikawa
Friday 16th January 2026 (3* Hotel)
Hotel Amanek, Asahikawa
Saturday 17th January 2026 (3* Hotel)
Dormy Inn, Wakkanai
Sunday 18th January 2026 (3* Hotel)
Dormy Inn, Kitami
Monday 19th January 2026 (3* Hotel)
Dormy Inn, Kitami
Tuesday 20th January 2026 (4* Star)
ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kushiro
We reserve the right to change hotels for alternative ones of a similar or higher standard if required
HOTELS NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR
You will need to book the following hotels for the night before the tour starts and the night after the tour finishes.
Book the Excel Hotel at Terminal 2 at Haneda Airport for the 11th January 2026 and the Royal Park Hotel at Terminal 3, Haneda Airport for the 21st January 2026 IF you are wanting to fly home the day after the workshop finishes on the 21st.
Both hotels are a two-minute walk to the check in desks and are attached to the airport terminals. If however you decide to fly home on an evening flight on Wednesday 21st January 2026, do not book a room at the Royal Hotel.
Sunday 11th January 2026 (4* Hotel)
Excel Hotel, Terminal 2, Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Wednesday 21st January 2026 (4* Hotel)
Royal Park Hotel, Terminal 3, Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Our mode of transport for this tour will be two vehicles (should all eight places be filled, otherwise a single ten seater minibus shall be used). A ten seat Toyota HiAce Grand Cabin minibus. It will be driven by our tour guide Francis Ansing.
This will ensure that there is plenty of space for us all including luggage, clothing and camera equipment while offering a refined and relaxing drive.
Included
Nine nights hotel accommodation (double/twin room, en-suite, single occupancy)
Breakfast
Dedicated 1-2-1 photography tuition from our tour leader
Collection from New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido and drop off at Kushiro Airport, Hokkaido
Transport during the workshop in a modern, comfortable, four wheel drive 10 seat Toyota Hi-Ace Grand Cabin minibus with Francis undertaking all the driving
All toll road fees
Steller's Sea Eagle Boat Tour
Excluded
All meals and drinks other than breakfast
All flights
Travel and camera insurance
