Hokkaido Photo Tour: Eagles, Deer & Hidden Wildlife Secrets

A Hokkaido photo tour is unlike anywhere else in Japan—this is where photographers come to capture the wild north in its purest form. As our photo workshop leaders are locals, they’re proud of the land, wildlife, and way of life. While they protect their private locations, they gladly share world-class locations for wildlife photography with respectful visitors.

That’s why photographers from around the globe head to Rausu and Nemuro to capture Steller’s Sea Eagles (Haliaeetus pelagicus), White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla), and Ezo Sika Deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis). This 160 km stretch of coastline is famous for raptors, with dedicated feeding stations and some of the best birding opportunities in Japan.

For nearly 30 years, our workshop leaders have guided international photographers here, building deep ties with local communities, from hot spring owners to fishermen and the Ainu people. On JDS tours, our team promises nearly guaranteed encounters with Hokkaido’s iconic wildlife—from the playful Shima Enaga (Aegithalos caudatus japonicus), also known as the “snow fairy,” to majestic eagles soaring above the pack ice.

Unlike big tourist buses that get stuck in Rausu when the weather turns, our team knows the backroads and hidden vantage points. Even on stormy days, our groups return with full memory cards of raptors, deer, and Hokkaido’s striking minimalist winter landscapes. Afterward, everyone warms up with fresh seafood and shares photos over dinner—while the less-prepared visitors are still waiting for “better weather tomorrow.”

If you’re looking for authentic wildlife encounters and insider access to Japan’s wild north, join JDS on a Hokkaido Photo Tour and experience it for yourself.