Hokkaido Photo Workshop: Capture Japan’s Majestic Red-Crowned Cranes

The JDS Hokkaido Photography Workshop is an extraordinary opportunity to photograph some of Japan’s most stunning wildlife, including Steller’s Sea Eagles (Haliaeetus pelagicus), White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla), Glaucous Gulls (Larus hyperboreus), Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus), Blakiston’s Fish Owls (Ketupa blakistoni), and the legendary Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis)—a species deeply embedded in Japanese culture and folklore.

The Red-crowned Crane, or Tancho, is a symbol of longevity and fidelity, with its elegant courtship dance and synchronized calls recognized as one of Japan’s 100 most important soundscapes. These cranes stand up to 5 feet tall, with an 8.5-foot wingspan, and live for over 60 years. Workshop participants will visit Hokkaido’s marshlands at the perfect time to capture their breathtaking ritual, as pairs bow, leap, and call to one another in a stunning display of grace and devotion.

Beyond wildlife photography, the workshop offers a deep cultural experience with the Ainu people at Akanko Ainu Kotan, where attendees witness the ‘sarorunkamuy rimse’ crane dance, which mimics the mating movements of these revered birds. The experience also includes an Ikor theatre performance, showcasing traditional Ainu storytelling, followed by a fire-lit lakeside ceremony and fireworks.

Led by the JDS Hokkaido Photography Workshop Leader, a seasoned photographer with nearly three decades of experience in Japan, this workshop is designed for photographers who seek both stunning wildlife imagery and cultural immersion. Conservation is a top priority, ensuring that every participant follows ethical wildlife photography practices to protect these endangered birds and their fragile habitat.

Join this unforgettable journey to capture the majesty of Hokkaido’s winter wildlife and the timeless beauty of the Red-crowned Crane.