- June 16th, 2026
Hokkaido Summer Wildlife & Landscape Photography Tour & Workshop
with Marco Ronconi - Hokkaido , Japan
- Teuri island, Mt. Daisetsu and Shiretoko National Park in summer.
- Price
- from JPY 590,000
- Duration
- 8nights 9days
- Dates
- June 16th, 2026
Tour Concept
Summer is the perfect season for photographing seabirds, wildlife, and breathtaking natural scenery in Hokkaido. This tour is ideal for anyone looking to capture the full charm of summer in Hokkaido through the lens.We'll explore the remote island of Teuri, located off the western coast of Hokkaido in the Sea of Japan, where you'll encounter seabirds such as the Spectacled Guillemot and Rhinoceros Auklet. In Daisetsuzan National Park, home to Hokkaido's highest peak, you'll photograph the dramatic landscape surrounding Mount Asahi-dake, with its steaming from the ground. Then it's off to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shiretoko National Park to photograph Killer whales, Brown bears, Red foxes, Ezo Shika deer, and the endangered Blakiston’s fish owl.
This tour condenses the essence of Hokkaido’s summer into an unforgettable photographic journey. Throughout the entire itinerary, you’ll be accompanied by professional photographer Marco Ronconi, a passionate Hokkaido enthusiast, who will lead photography workshops and share expert shooting techniques.
Photography Guide: Marco Ronconi

Marco Ronconi is an Italian professional nature photographer and publisher, passionate about wildlife and landscapes of the northern hemisphere. His fine art prints have been exhibited in galleries and his images have been featured in various magazines. His photographic vision focuses on capturing suggestions and emotions using light and elements such as snow, ice, and mist. He tries to celebrate the pristine beauty of a landscape or the fleeting encounter with wildlife, with simplicity, giving as much importance to the unseen and is left to the imagination. His approach to nature photography is more artistic and philosophical, than scientific. He created his own publishing house, Kamui publishing. Instagram page: @marcoronconi_
Highlights
Teuri Island ~Seabird Breeding Ground~
Teuri Island is a 27km (17 mile) offshore island near to Haboro Town in Hokkaido. From March to July, over one million seabirds made up of eight different species, come to the west coast of Teuri Island annually. It is no exaggeration to say that this is the easiest place in the world to observe the Spectacled guillemots & Rhinoceros auklets in their breeding ground. We will photograph the beautiful courtship already paired guillemots, and see dedicated parents return with food for their chicks at sunset, and enjoy the excitement & joy of the chicks as they eat. Just some of the rare sights that can only be seen during summer breeding season. June is the best month to observe and photograph unique Spectacled guillemots & Rhinoceros Auklets here on Teuri island.




Brown Bears in Shiretoko National Park
This tour includes two opportunities to observe and photograph Brown bears. From a small boat cruising along the Shiretoko Peninsula to its remote cape, participants can look forward to potential encounters with these majestic creatures in the wild.


Seasonal Visits of Orca (Killer Whales) in Shiretoko National Park
Orcas (Killer whales) begin arriving in the Strait in late April and remain until July, with multiple pods confirmed during the season. A two-boat cruise tour is included during your three-night stay in Rausu, Shiretoko. This region is also known for multiple sightings of a white Orca, recorded in both 2021 and 2023.

Blakiston's Fish Owl photography
Rausu is renowned as one of the best places to observe and photograph the elusive Blakiston’s fish owl. At night, you'll visit a photography hide for a rare opportunity to capture images of this endangered species as it approaches the river.

Discover the stunning land scape of Mt. Daisetsu National Park
Rising by ropeway to the mid-slope of Mt. Asahi, the highest peak in Hokkaido, one encounters a landscape where volcanic terrain and alpine flora intertwine in striking harmony. For nature-loving photographers, this is a treasure trove of inspiration. The sight of fumaroles rising directly from the earth is a hallmark of the Mt.Daisetsu region. And with a bit of luck, encounters with native wildlife such as the Japanese hare or the elusive pika may grace your journey.

Itinerary
01
Asahikawa – Haboro – Teuri Island
Meet your guide at Asahikawa Airport at 10:00 AM, then travel by private vehicle to the quiet coastal town of Haboro on the Sea of Japan. In the afternoon, board a regularly scheduled ferry bound for Teuri Island, a renowned sanctuary for seabirds. At sunset, set out to observe and photograph the return of the island’s iconic seabird—the Rhinoceros Auklet.
Teuri Island is one of Japan’s foremost seabird sanctuaries, hosting around 800,000 breeding Rhinoceros Auklets each year. During the day, they forage far offshore, and at dusk, they return to their nests in dramatic unison. Witnessing this breathtaking spectacle—the sky swirling with wingbeats as the birds come home—is a moment that etches nature’s grandeur into memory.
Recommended flight
JAL-551 Dep Tokyo (Haneda) 07:45am Arr Asahikawa 09:20am
02
Teuri Island
We start our day with a small boat trip to photograph the rare seabird of Teuri Island. The highlight is the adorable Spectacled Guillemot, easily recognized by its black body, red feet, and white markings around the eyes, resembling tiny spectacles. Their takeoff—running across the water’s surface before lifting into flight, and also cuddling on rocky outcrops in affectionate pairs—offers a perfect photo opportunity.
Afterward, we'll go out for land-based photography during the day. Capture scenes of Black-tailed Gulls nesting along the coastline and Spectacled Guillemots breeding on the cliffs. One of the most striking shots to aim for is a Spectacled Guillemot in flight, clutching a fish in its beak—a truly photogenic moment.
At sunset, we will have second chance to photograph the return of the Rhinoceros Auklet.
03
Teuri Island
In the morning, we'll have a second chance to embark on a boat cruise, photographing rare seabirds such as the Spectacled Guillemot, Rhinoceros Auklet, and Common Murre. After breakfast, we'll continue with land-based photography around the island by car. The afternoon is free, offering time to organize your images and recharge your batteries. You're also welcome to explore the island independently, either on foot or by rental bicycle.
04
Teuri Island – Haboro – Asahikawa
In the morning, we’ll have one final opportunity of a boat cruise. Afterward, we’ll board a ferry and leave Teuri island to Haboro, and from there, continue by private vehicle toward Asahikawa in central Hokkaido.
05
Mt. Daisetsu National Park
Early in the morning, we will head by private vehicle to the foot of Mt. Asahidake, located in Daisetsuzan National Park. From there, we’ll take a ropeway up to the 1,600-meter mark and follow a trail to capture breathtaking photographs of the park’s majestic landscapes. Mt. Asahidake is the highest peak in Hokkaido and the main summit of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, which includes numerous peaks rising over 2,000 meters. Gentle walking trails unfold through a serene alpine setting, home to a rich diversity of wildflowers. Billows of steam rising from the earth create a surreal and unforgettable landscape—one of Mt. Asahidake’s most emblematic features.
06
Asahikawa – Rausu
This day is dedicated to traveling eastward across Hokkaido. We journey by private vehicle to Rausu, located on the Shiretoko Peninsula. Along the way, we take time to photograph scenic landscapes and keep an eye out for encounters with wildlife.
07
Rausu, Shiretoko Peninsula
In the morning, we’ll board a chartered local fisherman’s boat for an intimate cruise to the Cape of Shiretoko, in search of Brown Bears along the pristine and majestic coastline. In the afternoon, we’ll cruise the waters of the Nemuro Strait, located between mainland Hokkaido and Kunashiri Island. At its narrowest point, the strait is only 17 kilometers wide. As we explore this vibrant seascape, we’ll photograph pods of Orcas while admiring the dramatic coastlines of both Kunashiri Island and the Shiretoko Peninsula. After dinner, you’ll visit a secluded photography hide to photograph endangered Blakiston’s fish owl—the world’s largest and rarest owl.
08
Rausu, Shiretoko Peninsula
Spend another full day enjoying wildlife photography in Rausu and around. We take part in a morning boat cruise in search of pods of Orcas in Nemuro strait. In the afternoon we'll visit the Notsuke Peninsula, known as the longest sandspit in Japan. It bursts into vibrant color during this season, when wildflowers are in bloom. Encounters with charming wildlife such as Red foxes and Ezo sika deer can also be expected here.
09
Rausu – Kushiro
After breakfast, depart from Rausu and head toward Kushiro Airport. The tour will conclude upon arrival at the airport around noon.
Recommended flight
ANA-742 Dep Kushiro 13:45pm Arr Tokyo (Haneda) 15:30 or
JAL-542 Dep Kushiro 14:40pm Arr Tokyo (Haneda) 16:30
Price
Price per person | |
---|---|
From June 16th to June 24th , 2026 8nights 9days |
JPY590,000 |
Single room supplement | JPY45,000 |
**This tour requires a minimum number of 4 participants (maximum 6 participants). Please do NOT purchase your flights until you receive confirmation that the minimum number of tour participants has been reached.
Payment:
We require booking fee of JPY50,000 per person and the final payment is due 45days prior to departure.Form of payment :
Bank transfer or credit card (Visa or Master)Inclusions:
8nights accommodationsEnglish speaking photography guide thorough out the tour
Private vehicle: Toyota High Ace or similar size vehicle
8 Breakfasts and 8 dinners
All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary
Exclusive of:
International & domestic AirfaresMeals that are not included in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal expenses such as laundry bills, luggage delivery service, daily drinking water etc
Climate
On sunny days, a long-sleeved shirt is usually enough during the daytime, though a jacket is still recommended.It gets very cold during the cruise, so be sure to bring warm layers such as sweaters and fleeces, along with waterproof outerwear that can shield you from the wind. Cold-weather accessories like gloves and a warm hat are also essential. To prepare for rain, please bring a two-piece rain outfit. Waterproof hiking or trekking shoes are the best choice for footwear.
Accommodations
Most accommodations feature Western-style rooms equipped with private bathrooms. At the hotel in Utoro, guests can also enjoy communal hot spring baths.Luggage
As we use private van, and luggage space is limited, we allow everyone to bring up to one suitcase per person. If there is not enough space in the trunk for the backpack with photo equipment, you may need to keep it on your lap as we drive.Dietary Restriction
Hotels in remote area such as Eastern Hokkaido may only accept requests for special meals to medical (such as allergy) and religious needs.Note
**Lunch during the tour is not included. You will have a chance to buy food from the local convenience stores or eateries. Each person should prepare to pay for these individually.**The purpose of this tour is to observe nature and for wildlife photography. According to weather reports and local information we will adjust your tour schedule as needed; based on recent sightings. However, these are wild animals and there is no guarantee of being able to see or photograph everything listed in the itinerary.
** In the event of bad sea/weather conditions, the cruise tour may be canceled. Should this occur, the cruise fee will be refunded following the conclusion of the tour.
**The detailed itinerary will be sent to all participants at the same time two weeks before the tour start.

3rd floor, Kyodo Bldg. Jimbocho, 2-2, Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan |Travel Agency Registration No. 607

