Winter in Japan – Seascapes and Snow Monsters
January 13 – 21, 2027
Overview
Join us as we photograph the stunning Japanese coastline, rock arches and sea stacks.
Snow shoe among “snow monsters.” Japan’s incredible rime ice covered trees.
Experience authentic small town Japan, far away from the typical tourist route.
This ALL-INCLUSIVE photography workshop will take us across central and eastern Japan.
Group Size
Small group of 6 guests
Location
Japan
Investment
$4500
Fitness
Easy to Moderate Hiking
What Should You Expect?
I’ll be teaming up with my good friend Jaredo San for this tour. He’s an expert in all things Japan and will be our translator and personal guide. Jaredo has worked in Japan’s tourism industry for many years and he’s even arranged a few unique surprises for us!
I will share everything I know about photography with you during this tour. I am an open book and happy to teach you all that I know. We’ll discuss shooting techniques, composition, and at the end of the tour, I will show you all of the editing tricks I know with some of your photos.
We want to show you the most stunning landscapes in Japan, this means several days will have us traveling long distances.
We’ll stay in traditional but modern, Japanese accommodations, and dining at small, family run restaurants when we can. We want to show you a side of Japan most visitors don’t see.
We’ll be photographing most mornings and evenings. Mid-day will have us either traveling to somewhere new or participating in a unique cultural experience.
Itinerary
Please note: this itinerary is subject to change.
Day 1 – Jan 13
We’ll start off with a group dinner in Tokyo for a meet and greet. After we will do a walking tour for street photography.
Day 2 – Jan 14
After a traditional breakfast, we’ll drive south to the famed Izu Peninsula. After checking into our hotel, we’ll photographed a large grouping of sea stacks, topped with twisted little pine trees.
Day 3 – Jan 15
For sunrise, we’ll head to a nearby beach that gives us the perfect view of Mt. Fuji. Mid-day will have us photographing waterfalls and eating lunch at a cute restaurant that serves local cuisine. For sunset, we will photograph one of the most beautiful rock arches where for just a few days, the sun shines through the arch.
Day 4 – Jan 16
After sunrise at another stunning group of pine covered sea stacks, we’ll head north back to Tokyo before taking the train to the Yamagata Prefecture.
Day 5 & 6 – Jan 17, 18
We’ll spend the next two days photographing the stunning Juhyo, aka Snow Monsters. The trees here are covered in a THICK layer of rime ice, and creative compositions are everywhere. In the non-photography morning hours before the mountain opens, we’ve arranged for some special culinary experiences unique to this area.
Day 7 & 8 – Jan 19, 20
After leaving Yamagata, we will travel to the Iwate Prefecture on the rarely visited northeast coast. The drive here is long, but worth it to see some of the most spectacular sea cliffs on earth. We’ll dine on the exceptional seafood, and finally have a chance to process some of our photographs. I’ll show you everything I know on how to edit, blend and focus stack YOUR images.
Day 9 – Jan 21
After another sunrise at a beautiful rock arch, we’ll head back to Tokyo, check into our hotel and have a final group dinner.
Logistics & Important Information
The tour will begin and end in Tokyo. We suggest arriving a day or two early to get over jet lag.
Temperatures will range from mild to freezing. Because we will be on the coasts and in the mountains, bring winter boots & waterproof boots.
This workshop is all-inclusive, but food options in small-town Japan are limited. Please communicate any dietary needs ahead of time.
We specifically chose winter for not only the snow monsters, but the typically great weather on the coasts. During January, there are fewer clouds and marine fog, making for better sunrises and sunsets.
Sample Gallery
Camera Gear
- Bring all your lenses along for this workshop, from 10-200mm
- Polarizer & ND filters
- Rain Cover for your camera
- Drone (Optional but recommended)
- Travel tripod
- Camera bag
- L-Bracket
Personal Gear
- We will send you a list of recommended winter gear
- Sunglasses
- Thermos
- Headlamp
- Knee high deck boots AND winter boots
Fitness Requirements
None of the coastlines or beaches are difficult to hike to, but they are rocky, sometimes slippery, and require good balance.
We will spend two days among the snow monster trees. We will take a ski lift to the top of the mountain. You should be able to snowshoe for 1 mile, on non-flat ground. Snowshoes and trekking poles will be provided.
Included
- All transportation / trains and vehicles
- Snowshoe rental
- Lift tickets
- Single occupancy lodging
- All food and snacks
- Photographic guiding and instruction
- In-depth photoshop sessions (Recorded)
Not Included
- Transportation to and from Tokyo
- Lodging before and after the workshop
- Winter weather clothing
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal Items
- Travel Insurance
Pricing
$4500
A $1500 non-refundable deposit will hold your space for this workshop. An invoice for the remaining payment will be sent 90 days prior to the start of the workshop. Sharing a room with a friend or partner will result in a $800 discount.
Cancellation Policy
Any cancellation request more than 100 days before the start of a workshop will receive a full refund minus your deposit, which can be applied toward a future tour. If you decide not to attend a future workshop, this deposit is forfeited. If you cancel within 100 days, no refunds of any kind will be issued. If you cancel your reservation within 100 days and we are able to fill your space on a tour, we will provide a full refund. Once a tour has started, no refunds will be given for missed outings, delays, weather related events, or elements beyond our control. In the event of an emergency, I’m more than happy to work with you. I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, which covers non-refundable fees and travel expenses. Cancellation requests must be made in writing by emailing me at nickolas.warner@gmail.com