My annual autumn leaves photo tour Japan, follows the most ancient and authentic Japanese pilgrimage routes.  These routes and history are mainly known by historians, Buddhist monks and nuns, Shinto priests, and locals.  We do not advertise these routes.  As an amateur historian from day one in Japan I was fascinated with the ancient pilgrims routes, that Samurai used to move there forces, but most interestingly for me was the use of these routes by Daimyo’s, Geisha ..read more

Currently, I’m leading my annual cross-country Cherry Blossom photo tour, and our first stop is Kofu in Yamanashi prefecture.  Kofu has always captivated me both for its breathtaking cherry blossoms and its rich samurai history.  One samurai lord (daimyo) is always part of discussions when Kofu is the topic, Takeda Shingen (武田 信玄).  The main shrine complex dedicated to Takeda Shingen used to be his residence and has spectacular Somei yoshino (Prunus yedoensis) trees ..read more

My annual Essence of Autumn Japan photography tour, this October 28 - November 8, 2024, is a fully inclusive business class authentic Japan photography tour, from our meet and greet at Tokyo airport, to the time we drop you off at Tokyo airport.  As with all of my Japan autumn and spring photo tours, participants will enjoy Shinrin Yoku while taking pictures at the most stunning authentic Japanese locations without having to experience tourist pollution.  Tourist pollution is never ..read more

Annually during my Essence of Autumn Japan photography tour, I always introduce participants to the sea of clouds.  It was once known in Japan, as “the valley of the dragons,” in Niigata.  And across Japan, there are several locations today known as “the sea of clouds” or the valley of the dragons. Due to the unique unique geographic and weather conditions which allow the sea of clouds to form on and over land, giving the impression of Nirvana dreamscapes, the ..read more

Once autumn arrives autumn Japan photography tours naturally focus on the wooded areas around the country, and these regions are defined by their balance.  In fall, the colored leaves from the forests and glades surrounding Japan’s iconic peak on the Mt. Fuji as well as Kyoto and Osaka, are famous all over the world, but there are so many more photo ops off the beaten path where trees seem happy to speedily transform into their fall incarnations and showcase the rich reds, vibrant ..read more

While scouting for my annual Essence of Autumn Japan photo tour workshop, I explore areas near my 100 year old kominka, a traditional Japanese home, to photograph autumn leaves.  One of the areas I visit is the Yahiko region and its ancient shrine, especially during autumn.  Some of my friends and colleagues ask me why I return to places that I’ve already seen dozens upon dozens of times, and I tell them that I’ll visit those same places at least a dozen more times because ..read more

The Shima Enaga (Aegithalos caudatus japonicus) are super sweetheart birds, my beloved bonny birds.  These adorable birds appear like little bouncing snowballs with a cotton white face; they are truly heart melting to spot, view, and photograph.  Being raised in Northern Canada in the polar region capital of the world, Hokkaido naturally feels like home, and it happens to be my second home.  I would make it my first home, but my family prefers the temperate climate of the Tokyo ..read more

Yesterday I was photographing the Red-crowned cranes with participants on a private Hokkaido photo tour workshop.  Today, I am visiting friends and family, the First people of Japan, the Ainu, who are master class wood carvers.  Ainu friends of mine are creating approximately a dozen totem poles for the Akanko Kotan village.  Each totem pole expresses a sentiment, which represents a particular quality or concept.  When totems are erected, there is a ceremony to express ..read more

During my annual 2024 February Hokkaido photography tour, I photographed evidence that not only visiting raptors like the Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) from the Kamchatka peninsula can become separated from their customary winter destinations. A couple of years ago, a Steller’s Sea Eagle was spotted and photographed in the United States and Canada. Their home region has remained unchanged for hundreds of thousands of years or three ice ages. The majority of ..read more

I am currently leading my annual Hokkaido birding photo tour on this chapter of our Hokkaido expedition.  We are spotting and photographing the Steller's Sea Eagles (Haliaeetus pelagicus) by chartered boat.  Steller’s Sea Eagles are some of the largest diurnal birds of prey in the world, and these raptors are fierce and unrelenting in their pursuit of prey, and these Eagles are huge, on average the heaviest raptor on our planet, weighing up to 10 kg (22 pounds). They are also ..read more