It’s become almost a given that I’ll be starting a new year off with a trip to Japan, and 2025 was no different. Beyond the photography, the setting and culture are perpetually welcoming and the experience we have here has always been welcoming and and accommodating.
Of course, the photography is why we are here! Over the years I’ve photographed in Hokkaido and the surrounding areas a plethora of times. The challenge then becomes finding new unique ways to capture the snow macaques, cranes, and other wildlife.
In this instance, I tried to capture my familiar primate friends when they were engaged with one and other in interesting spontaneous interactions, unique familial routines, or navigating a less-traveled path in the areas surrounding the hot springs they bathe in.
If I can come away with even a few fresh takes while introducing new photographers to these areas, I’m a happy man. Check out all of my upcoming tours and start making your own life-long memories!
The peak cherry blossom timing is carefully tracked in Japan. People join their friends and families in large numbers at parks, shrines and temples that have “sakura” trees to hold flower-viewing parties. On this trip I had to arrive on location in the wee hours of the morning to have a more relaxed photographing experience. The large trees really are quite magnificent when in full bloom.
Save 20% on any Sakura print purchased this month. They are printed on EPSON Premium Photo Luster paper using archival EPSON Ultrachrome inks, and I hand sign them with a silver acid-free pen. Get more information about my Fine Art prints here.
The season is upon us to reflect and give thanks. Rising at 4am, I photographed this tree on the shore of Japan’s tranquil Lake Biwa.
Save 20% on any Ki (木) print purchased this month. They are printed on EPSON Premium Photo Luster paper using archival EPSON Ultrachrome inks, and I hand sign them with a silver acid-free pen. Get more information about my Fine Art prints here.
Here is a list of composers and musicians featured in Japan: Hokkaido and Honshu. Many of them don’t have websites, but you can find their music on various internet music sites.
Pascal Bournet Jakko M. Jakszyk Richard Harvey Christophe Delabre
Morita Makoto
Clive Bell & Rie Yanagisawa
Gekka-Dan Gregor Narholz Yoofu
Osamu Koganei
Akinori Inaba
Paul Clarvis
This group of photos represents a lot of 4:40am wake-ups in Japan in order to get the best atmospheric conditions as well as to avoid the tourists. Lots of foul weather as of late, which played nicely into our shoots. I especially like the Lotus stems!
Diverse Planet is a new exhibit at the Konica Minolta Gallery in Tokyo, featuring a beautifully curated selection of the photographic works of Art Wolfe. These images of wildlife and culture are filled with variety and surprise, highlighting the importance and rarity of our world.
Hokkaido is glorious in the winter. The starkly beautiful landscapes are punctuated with active and athletic wildlife. I have been wanting to photograph the magnificent Steller’s sea eagle for years, even decades, and finally, finally was able to on this trip!
The Japanese have the corner on cute. The snow monkeys are always a treat and great subjects to photograph.
We are just starting out on this workshop and look forward to the many sights of Japan ahead.
Here are some very nice images from workshop participant Richard Ross. Richard joined Art Wolfe on two international workshops this year. First to Japan and the beauty of Japanese culture, and then onto the amazing landscape of Iceland. Thanks for sharing, Richard.
>>CLICK HERE to view more of Richard’s photography:
