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WINTER IN JAPAN
SNOW MONKEYS AND
CRANES
JANUARY 8 - 20, 2010
COST: $8,995.00 per person dbl.
occupancy from Osaka, Japan Limit: 8 participants
Hone your photographic
skills with the guidance of professional nature and wildlife photographer
Mark Lissick as you spend two weeks with a small group of fellow
photographers in a Japan that few westerner's will ever experience -
winter in Japan.
I am excited to offer a unique photo adventure in some of the more remote
areas of Japan - Snow Monkeys and
Cranes. For photographers of wildlife subjects, people, and Japanese
culture, this will be a memorable departure full of snow-filled landscapes
punctuated by troops of dancing red-crowned cranes, hooded cranes, white-naped
cranes, flocks of whooper swans, and bathing snow monkeys.
The trip
begins with one of the most extraordinary concentrations of birds anywhere
in Asia, the hooded cranes of Arasaki located
 on
the island of Kyushu. Two full days will be spent exploring this area of
fallow rice paddies that is home to the largest gathering of cranes in all
of Asia. Nearly 12,000 hooded and stunningly beautiful white-naped cranes
are to be found here. The sight and sound of these massed cranes is one of
the most memorable wildlife experiences one can hope for anywhere on the
continent.
We then travel north to Japan’s main island of Honshu and the town of
Kanazawa home to Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s "three great" gardens. Kenroku-en means "garden of six qualities" (desirable in Chinese gardens):
spaciousness, seclusion, air of antiquity, ingenuity, flowing water, and
views. We will spend a day and a half exploring both the gardens and the
culture of Kanazawa.
As a counterpoint to the peaceful gardens
and culture of Kanazawa, our next destination, Jigokudani—Hell Valley—is set amongst a region
of rugged peaks and forested valleys complete with steaming hot springs
near Nagano. Our focus of attention will be the extraordinary snow monkeys
that visit and bathe in the thermal pools. Two full days will be spent at Jigokudani, allowing ample time to observe and photograph this celebrated
spectacle and to also take the opportunity ourselves to enjoy the
therapeutic and relaxing properties of the hot springs. This region often
experiences heavy snowfalls. If this should happen during our visit, the
sight of snowcapped Japanese macaques sitting in steaming ponds and
surrounded by mountainous scenery will probably be one of the trip’s great
highlights.
Next we head north to Hokkaido, a
dramatic snow-clad winter wonderland, complete with
 an
array of wildlife. Of special importance will be the largest and most
northerly of all cranes occupy the islands, the Japanese, or red-crowned, crane.
These spectacular birds, with their black wing-feathers strut and
promenade proudly through the snow and are endlessly photogenic. Expect to
see and photograph flocks of more than 100 of these endangered and
magnificent birds at close range. Especially memorable will be the late
afternoon, when you will see the flamboyant, eccentric dancing displays of
the cranes. The sight of dozens of seemingly demented birds leaping into
the air and trumpeting to the heavens is not easily forgotten.
Other
highlights during our stay on Hokkaido will include a visit to Akan
National Park with its steaming sulphuroles. We will also visit the
island’s most scenic crater lake, with flocks of vociferous whooper swans
set amidst banks of mist and snow.
With space limited to just 8 participants, this trip to fill very
quickly. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
As with all Mark's
photo trips, field work is emphasized.
The trip is based upon the use of 35mm SLR photography (digital- or
film-based) though other camera formats are welcome. Due to the remote locations,
those shooting film will not have processing available to them. However, every day is spent in the field to provide opportunities to work on your
wildlife and landscape photography skills. Plenty of one-on-one time with Mark is built in so that he can provide on-the-spot guidance via interpretive questions and personal experience as you work on
your photography.
The
locations in Japan that we we be visiting are still relatively traditional
and profoundly authentic, making them one
of the most exciting locations for wildlife and culture photography left in the
country.
If you combine the abundance, quality and accessibility of wildlife with
stunning landscapes and gardens, and a friendly local population, you will
appreciate what an unforgettable experience awaits for you in Japan.
The expedition
is limited to 8 participants. This will provide us with great flexibility
while providing you with plenty of time with Mark for professional
assistance to improve your photographic skills. Small groups and
professional guidance will mean that you return with great memories and
professional quality images.
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I T I N E R A R Y |
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Day 1: |
Osaka
Arrive late
afternoon in Osaka and check in to our hotel for dinner and overnight. |
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Day 2: |
Osaka
/ Kagoshima / Kirishima
An
early-morning flight takes us to Kagoshima, on Japan’s southern main
island of Kyushu. From Kagoshima we drive through wooded hills into
the Kirishima-Yaku National Park. Here we visit the ancient Kirishima
Shrine and local waterfalls for our first taste of Japan’s fascinating
blend of culture and nature. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in
Kirishima. |
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Day 3: (B,D)
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Miike and Arasaki Crane Reserve, Izumi, Kyushu
This
morning we walk in the beautiful mature laurel forests around Lake
Miike, perhaps seeing a beautiful Baikal teal or even a copper
pheasant, before driving through the cultivated lowlands to Izumi for
a two-night stay. The fallow rice paddies around the coastal village
of Arasaki are the site of a spectacular winter gathering of Asian
cranes. The sights and sounds of the massed ranks of about 12,000
hooded and white-naped cranes make this one of the most powerful
wildlife experiences one can hope for, and a photographer’s dream.
Overnight at our hotel in Izumi for the next three nights. |
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Day 4-5: (B,D)
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Arasaki Crane Reserve, Izumi
With a
further full day to concentrate on the cranes, we explore the Arasaki
area, one of Japan’s finest winter birding areas, visiting the main
concentration of cranes again, of course, and hoping for a clear dawn
to enjoy their mass departure from the roost. After breakfast we seek
out family parties in the surrounding fields, and hope for portraits
of adults and juveniles. We have time to focus on different aspects of
crane behavior and to look for any unusual additions to the crane
flock and the other wintering birds. |
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Day 6: (B,D) |
Izumi, Kyushu / Kanazawa, Honshu
We next fly to Toyama and then drive to Kanazawa. We well spend the
rest of the day visiting some of the town’s cultural sites and then in
the evening make our first visit to Kenroku-en, one of Japan's "three
great" gardens. The name Kenroku-en means "garden of six qualities"
(desirable in Chinese gardens): spaciousness, seclusion, air of
antiquity, ingenuity, flowing water, and views all of which this
garden has in abundance. |
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Day 7: (B,D)
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Kanazawa / Jigokudani
We will also visit the garden early the next morning before we travel
by expressway to Jigokudani in Nagano Prefecture. We head into the
mountains of central Honshu for one reason only: to watch and
photograph the extraordinary snow monkeys, though more accurately
these particular monkeys are the “hot-spring monkeys.”
We leave
behind the Westernized luxuries of Tokyo, trading them for a very old,
traditional Japanese inn, or Ryokan, beside the river. Here in the
mountains we have an entirely authentic experience. The inn is a
two-kilometer walk from the road head (our baggage will be transferred
for us by snowmobile), and situated adjacent to hot springs that have
been used for relaxation and therapeutic purposes by generations of
Japanese people. Outdoor bathing with a wonderful view is an
experience not to be missed. A short walk farther up the valley are
the springs the monkeys frequent.
After our
generally Western-style accommodations (though not without a distinct
Japanese influence), tonight we begin our experience of Japanese
accommodation and culture with a three-night stay at a family-owned
inn. Footwear is associated with the “outside” and so is left at the
entrance; beds are in the form of warm futon mattresses laid out on
the floor, and bathing is Japanese style. |
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Day 8-9: (B,D)
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Jigokudani
Jigokudani
is a steep-sided valley set amid forested mountains. Its name,
Japanese for “Hell Valley,” comes from the gushing steam spring here.
The sun arrives late to this valley and leaves early, so we have a
relaxing start and end to each day. In between we observe and
photograph the two troops of Japanese macaques that live in the area
as they feed around us and bathe in their very own hot pools. This
region typically experiences heavy snowfalls, and snow is quite
possible while we are here, making the sight of adult monkeys lounging
and younger monkeys diving into the heated waters even more
photogenic. |
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Day 10: (B,D) |
Jigokudani, Honshu / Kushiro, Hokkaido
Today we
head northwards for Hokkaido via its eastern gateway, Kushiro. We
trade snow monkeys for yet more wildlife spectacles as the island is
home to hordes of Japanese
cranes, flocks of mist-enshrouded whooper swans, white-tailed eagles, magnificent Steller’s
sea eagles, Eurasian red
squirrels, sika deer, and red fox. |
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Day 11-12:
(B,D) |
Kushiro Region
Prevailing
winds from Siberia transform the northern island of Hokkaido into a
snow-filled wonderland in winter. Our primary goal is to observe and
photograph the red-crowned, or Japanese, cranes, which are the
largest and most northerly of the cranes in Japan. These tall and
stately birds are endlessly photogenic. We visit several preserves
and private areas where the cranes
are regularly fed and protected; we should expect to see and photograph flocks of
100 or more of these magnificent birds at distances as close as ten
yards. At this time of year the cranes reaffirm partnership bounds
or seek mates. Photographically it is an image rich event as the cranes will be dancing a truly
spectacular ritual. Greeting ceremonies and courtship dances involve
leaps and pirouettes, posturing, and trumpeting cries. Such behavior
can be infectious, spreading through the flocks in waves, and
oftentimes dozens of ecstatic cranes are leaping and trumpeting to the
heavens in a thrilling and moving display.
Feeding
times in the reserves are an active time for other birds and animals
as well. We should also get a chance to see and photograph white-tailed eagles, black kites
and red foxes that often come down
for a share of the
bounty.
Kushiro / Akan National Park
Our next
location, though not far from Kushiro, is an entirely different
setting—the volcanic scenery of the Akan National Park. The Kawayu
area is rich geothermally, and we are faced with a variety of
subjects: steaming sulphuroles, Hokkaido’s most scenic crater lake,
flocks of vociferous whooper swans gliding among the steam and morning
mist. In this winter wonderland we choose our subjects depending on
the weather, but toward evening we retreat to our delightful lakeside
pension for a gourmet meal. |
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Day 13
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Kushiro / Tokyo
After an
early breakfast we
drive back to Kushiro for our flight to Tokyo (morning arrival).
Depart Tokyo for home. |
TRIP NOTES
The
weather in Japan will be variable. It will be cool in Kyushu with
temperatures in the 40º to 50ºF range. Honshu will be colder, with
Hokkaido, the northernmost large island, a dry crispy cold with powder
snow and temperatures around 10ºF. Long underwear, polar fleece tops, and
parkas are therefore essential.
Although
many of Japan’s cities have a veneer of Western culture, most of the
country we will visit on this trip is profoundly authentic. At first
glance it will be an alien and enigmatic culture. Please be aware that
while you are in Japan, your culture will be the alien one. Remember this
when encountering unfamiliar customs, styles of food, and accommodations.
Nevertheless, a visit to Japan, particularly in winter, is a truly
wonderful experience. Travelers who possess a sense of humor, a spirit of
adventure, and a willingness to adapt to new ways of doing things will
thoroughly enjoy this program. Everyday things such as eating Japanese
food, sleeping on a futon instead of a bed, and bathing in an ofuro are
distinctly different from what you experience in your own homes.
A few of
our lodgings (ryokan – traditional Japanese guest houses) will require
sleeping on futons, and not al lodgings have en suite bathrooms. Meals are
provided as indicated in the itinerary and are well prepared. Please be
aware that it is very difficult, if not impossible, in the backcountry
places we will be visiting for our hosts to cater to individual food
preferences. The majority of our meals, once away from the larger cities,
will be Japanese in style and content. If you have any specific dietary
requirements, it is essential that we be notified at the time of your
initial booking to see if these can be catered for. At the end of the day,
sleeping on futons and wrestling with chopsticks are all part of the
Japanese experience and will be great fun if you are an outgoing person
and tolerant of cultural differences.
Few
Westerners visit these remote areas and even fewer in winter, a time when
wildlife and photographic opportunities abound. Because of the vastly
different culture we as foreigners will experience in Japan, there will be
considerable scope for photography, not only of wildlife subjects but also
of people and of modern and rural Japan. You may therefore wish to bring
along flash photography equipment and a selection of short lenses in
addition to the longer lenses for wildlife photography. Please be aware,
however, that porters are an endangered species in Japan, so be sure to
limit your luggage to what you can manage personally.
I and the
accompanying translator/guide will be on hand at all times to make your
visit both enjoyable and educational, and to help you get the photographs
you want. This program is a unique opportunity to see a Japan that few
Westerners will ever experience. For further reading we highly recommend
the excellent “Japan’s Winter Wildlife” article published in the January
2003 edition of National Geographic magazine.
Snow Monkeys
The Japanese
macaque, or snow monkey, lives farther north than any other primate except
humans. They are admirably suited for life in subalpine climates; their
thick winter coats enable them to survive the thick snow and freezing
temperatures of Hokkaido.
Some observers
of snow monkeys believe the monkeys demonstrate that lower primates can
develop a culture. These researchers point to the monkeys’ habit of
washing sweet potatoes rather than brushing them clean, a practice first
attributed to a female named Imo in the 1960s. Other members of her troop
adopted this behavior, which then spread to other troops. Researchers also
cite the snow monkeys’ habit of soaking in hot springs, which reportedly
dates back about 40 years, as further evidence.
Snow monkeys
are both celebrated and excoriated in Japan. Some deem them national
treasures, and the monkeys appear in folklore and works of art.
Destruction of their habitat, however, has brought the monkeys into
conflict with human populations as the animals destroy crops and even
invade towns searching for food. In response, the government allows
farmers and others to kill up to 5,000 monkeys a year. While the monkeys
are not currently endangered, some naturalists fear that this slaughter
and habitat loss could lead to the extinction of regional populations.
RESERVATION INFORMATION:
ON-LINE
REGISTRATION
1.
Reservations:
$750.00 is due upon registering. The balance of the trip fare is due 120
days prior to departure.
VISA, MasterCard and Discover can be
used or you can pay by check or money order
made payable to
"Mark Lissick/Wildlight Nature Photography".
For international residents: Please contact Wildlight
Nature Photography to discuss payment arrangements.
Due to the popularity of this trip, making an early reservation is recommended. You can reserve a place by
either
registering on-line
or calling
Wildlight Photography - (612) 804-7377 during the weekday office hours of 9:00 am-4:30 pm CST.
2. Cancellation
and Refund Policy: If you cancel 120 days or more prior to departure, a refund less a cancellation fee of 50% of your initial deposit will be made.
Per person charges for cancellations received 120 days or less from the
trip start date are as follows: 120-101 days - 35% of trip cost; 100-81
days - 50% of trip cost; 80-61 days - 65% of trip cost; 60 or fewer days
prior to departure - 100% of trip cost. We recommend that you purchase
cancellation insurance as this policy is strongly adhered to. Note: In
addition of cancellation fees, deposits required to guarantee hotel
rooms or local air transportation may be nonrefundable. The purchase of travel insurance
covering baggage, accident/life and trip cancellation is highly
recommended. Wildlight Nature Photography reserves the right to cancel
any group due to insufficient registration. In the even of such
cancellation, those with reservations shall be notified as soon as
possible and a full refund of trip payment will be given. Wildlight
Nature Photography is not responsible for additional expenses incurred
in preparation for a trip.
3. Share
Policy:
Accommodations are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone
and wish to share accommodations, a roommate will be assigned to you
whenever possible. When pairing roommates, we will always pair
participants of the same sex, and make every effort to accommodate smokers
with other smokers. However, if it is necessary to pair a smoker with a
nonsmoker, accommodations will be designated as nonsmoking for both
participants. If it is not possible to pair you with a roommate, you will
be required to pay a Single Supplement. Please note that single
accommodations are limited and cannot be guaranteed throughout.
4. Medical
Information:
Participation
on this trip requires that you be in generally good health. It is
essential that persons with any medical problems and related dietary
restrictions make them known to us well before the start of the trip.
Wildlight
Nature Photography has the right to disqualify any participant at any time
during the tour if he/she feels the participant is physically incapable
and/or if a participant’s continued participation will jeopardize either
the individual involved or the group. There will be no refund given under
these circumstances.
5. Currency
Fluctuation:
In order to keep our rates as low as possible, we do not build into the
price an allowance to cover possible increases from currency fluctuations.
Therefore, as currencies do fluctuate constantly around the world it may
be necessary for us to raise the trip fare, at any time before departure,
if there are exceptional cost increases beyond our control. All prices are
subject to change.
6.
Itinerary Changes
&
Trip Delay: Itineraries are based on information available at the time of
printing and are subject to change.
ECO reserves the right to change a program’s dates, itineraries, or
accommodations as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed, or the
itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation
delays, airline schedules, government intervention, sickness, or any other
contingency for which Wildlight Nature Photography or its agents cannot
make provision, the cost of delays or changes is not included.
7. Itinerary
Cancellation:
Wildlight Nature Photography reserves the right to cancel an itinerary
before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants
or logistical problems such as strikes, wars, acts of God, or any other
circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip
payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the
limit of Wildlight Nature Photography’s liability. Wildlight Nature
Photography is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members
in preparing for the trip, including nonrefundable or penalty-carrying
airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other
trip-related expenses.
8.
Participation:
Wildlight Nature Photography reserves the right to decline to accept any
individual as an expedition member for any reason whatsoever.
9. Limitations
of Liability:
This section defines Wildlight Nature Photography’s responsibility with
respect to all of our trips, including extensions and independent
arrangements. Please read it carefully:
Wildlight
Nature Photography, its Owners, Agents, and Employees give notice that
they act only as the agent for the owners, contractors, and suppliers
providing means of transportation and/or all other related travel services
and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for injury, loss, or damage
to person or property in connection with any service resulting directly
from: acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, expenses arising from
quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any
means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances,
terrorism, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or
changes in transit or hotel services over which it has no control.
Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for
the comfort and well-being of the passengers.
On advancement
of deposit to Wildlight Nature Photography, the depositor acknowledges
that he/she has read and understands the above recited terms and
conditions, and agrees to be bound by them.
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