AN AUTUMN ODYSSEY IN CENTRAL HOKKAIDO

A Photography Workshop with Xuan-Hui Ng & Masumi Takahashi

conducted in collaboration with Nobechi Creative

Come join Xuan-Hui Ng and Masumi Takahashi to explore autumn in Central Hokkaido. The lush green leaves start turning to vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow at the mountain top in late September / early October. This color feast progresses towards the towns and fields over the next few weeks. The significant temperature differences between night and day often give rise to morning mist and frost. If snow falls early, we may be able to witness snow-covered foliage and enjoy the contrast of a snow-capped mountain against a sea of autumn colors.

The workshop begins and ends in Furano, Central Hokkaido. We will explore Furano, Biei, Mount Tokachi, Sounkyo gorge, and Kamishihoro, among other places. During our stay, we wake up early to catch the sunrise and photograph the breathtaking landscape. Xuan and Masumi will teach you their techniques for photographing various natural phenomena. Our days end early with dinner at about 5:30 pm, facilitating our early morning departures. Xuan is an avid foodie, so be prepared to savor a whole range of Japanese cuisine at local restaurants.

The workshop is led by Xuan and Masumi. Masumi has been living and photographing in Central Hokkaido for over 40 years. We leverage his expertise and familiarity with Central Hokkaido to pursue the natural elements. Xuan will provide translation support as Masumi speaks only Japanese. Xuan has been photographing in the area for the last 14 years. She first visited the place during winter as a child and it left a profound impression on her. Her solo exhibitions at Koslov Larsen Gallery and the Griffin Museum of Photography and award-winning images feature many that were made in this region.

Class size

Minimum of 5 and maximum of 7 participants.

itinerary

• Oct 2nd 

  Arrive at Asahikawa airport; check into hotel in Shirogane (45mins cab ride from airport) 

  Note: the nearest airport is Asahikawa Airport, which is a 90mins flight from Haneda Airport, Tokyo 

• Oct 3 - 4th  

  Explore Mount Tokachi, Biei and the surrounding areas

• Oct 5 - 6th 

  Explore Sounkyo Gorge, Kamishihoro and the surrounding areas

• Oct 7 - 8th 

  Explore Minamifurano, Furano and the surrounding areas

• Oct 9th 

  Tour ends after morning photography; return to the hotel for breakfast and check out 

Included

• 7-night accommodation in Central Hokkaido

• All meals, starting with dinner on Oct 2nd and ending with breakfast on Oct 9th 

• Guidance on nature photography and image review from Xuan and Masumi

• Bilingual support from Xuan 

• Information package on travel to Japan

• Itinerary

Not included

• Extra hotel nights on front and back-end

• International and domestic airfare

• Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)

• Airport Transfers to/from international and domestic 4flights

• Medical expenses

• Meals not mentioned above

• Alcohol

• Personal expenses for snacks and beverages at convenience stores (e.g. 7-Eleven, Lawson) or supermarkets

Tuition

$7,995 US per person

• $2,500 deposit to register

• Limited to 7 students, minimum 5

Payment schedule

• $2,500 deposit per person to register

• When there are 5 registrants, half of the remaining balance is due

• The remaining balance is due 90 days before the start of the workshop

2026 Cancellation Policy:

• Up to 120 days before the trip: 50% of the deposit

• 119~90 days prior to the trip: 100% of the deposit

• 89~60 days prior to the trip: 50% fee

• 59~0 days prior to the trip 100% fee

  Please do not book international travel until we have officially confirmed that the trip will proceed (minimum 5)

  *Travel insurance is required unless a waiver release is signed.