Stretching over 2,200 kilometres from north to south, Japan’s landscape is both vast and varied. In the snow-filled valleys of Jigokudani Monkey Park, Japanese macaques warm themselves in hot-springs, whilst the more temperate climes of Kyushu attract thousands of migrating cranes.
Jigokudani Monkey Park offers visitors the unique experience of seeing wild Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs. Located deep in the forests of the Jigokudani Valley near Yamanouchi, the springs provide welcome relief from the freezing winter temperatures. Find Out More
In eastern Hokkaido, Kiritappu is defined by a rugged cape extending into the Pacific Ocean and expansive wetlands lying just inland. The diverse setting supports an abundance of wildlife and offers some rewarding encounters, including sea otter, seals and a wonderful variation of birdlife. Find Out More
Kushiro pairs a laid-back city atmosphere with remarkable natural surroundings. Just beyond the city, the Kushiro Wetland is teeming with more than 2,000 plant and animal species, including the iconic red-crowned crane, whilst nearby volcanic peaks and serene lakes add to the appeal. Find Out More
On Hokkaido’s eastern edge, Lake Furen is a beautiful brackish lagoon where rivers, forest, saltmarsh, sand dunes and sea merge. This array of habitats supports an exceptional diversity of wildlife, with around 280 species of bird — nearly 40 per cent of all bird species recorded in Japan. Find Out More
Situated on a peninsula in the northeast of Hokkaido, Shiretoko is one of Japan's most pristine and unspoilt national parks. Shiretoko is a year-round destination for wildlife, with Steller’s sea eagles seen on drift ice in the winter, and brown bear and orca observed during the summer months. Find Out More
Japan offers an incredibly diverse range of wildlife and landscapes, from Hokkaido Island in the north - home to huge Steller’s sea eagles and dancing Japanese cranes - to the snow-covered hills of the Japanese Alps where you can find Japanese macaques bathing in the steaming hot springs.
From steaming volcanoes and caldera lakes to towering snow-capped mountains, swathes of primaeval forests and rugged coastlines, Hokkaido is Japan’s wildest island. During the summer wildlife abounds, with brown bear, orca, minke whale, sea otter and Blakiston’s fish owl all to be encountered. Find out more about Hokkaido’s Summer Wildlife
Join us as we photograph the finest wildlife that Japan has to offer including Steller’s sea eagle, Japanese cranes and Japanese macaques. By travelling in winter, there are no end of wonderful photographic opportunities provided by a fascinating array of subjects in evocative settings. Find out more about Japan’s Winter Wildlife Photography Special
This highlight-packed 11-day itinerary reveals Japan’s most unique and renowned wildlife spectacles - large flocks of Steller’s sea eagles, dancing Japanese cranes, Blakiston’s fish owl, and the bizarre sight of Japanese macaques bathing in steaming hot springs – creating a photographic extravaganza. Find out more about Japan’s Winter Wildlife
The weather in Japan enjoys four distinct seasons, with spring bringing mild weather and blossoming cherry trees, followed by a hot and humid summer. October offers a good time to travel with lower humidity and pleasant temperatures, and trees start to show their beautiful autumn colours. Winter in Japan offers perhaps the best wildlife photography opportunities, with clear skies and crisp, cold air.
Red-crowned (Japanese) cranes breed
Steller’s sea eagles over-winter on Hokkaido
British Travel Awards
Awarded Silver in Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife 2024 & 2025
Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
Awarded Bronze in Best Travel Company for Wildlife & Nature Holidays 2024
