WINTER in CENTRAL Hokkaido

A Photography Workshop with Xuan-Hui Ng & Masumi Takahashi

presented by Nobechi Creative

Join Xuan-Hui Ng and Masumi Takahashi to explore winter in their backyard of Central Hokkaido. On clear days, the shadows on snow appear blue, reflecting the color of the sky. The low temperatures, characteristic of February, result in higher chances of witnessing magical phenomena such as diamond dust / sun-pillars, frost-covered trees, iridescent clouds and morning mist.

The workshop begins and ends in Furano, Central Hokkaido, and takes place primarily in the Furano-Kamifurano-Biei region. During our stay, we wake up early to catch the sunrise (about 6:30am)  and photograph the breathtaking landscape. Xuan and Masumi will teach you their techniques for photographing various winter phenomena. Our days end early with dinner at about 5:00pm, 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 and the Griffin Museum of Photography, and 2024 Critical Mass Top 50 images feature many that were made in this region.

Class size:

Minimum of 5 participants. Limited to 7 participants.

itinerary

• February 2

  Arrive in Furano.

  (The nearest airport is Asahikawa Airport, which is a 90mins flight from Haneda Airport in Tokyo.)

• February 3 to 9

  Explore Furano, Kamifurano, Biei, Minamifurano, etc.

• February 9

  Tour ends after lunch.

Included

• 7-nights accommodations in a 4-start hotel in Furano

• All meals, starting with dinner on Feb 2nd and ending with lunch on Feb 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 Airfare

• Domestic Airfare

• Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)

• Airport Transfers to/from international flights

• Medical expenses

• Meals not mentioned above

• Alcohol

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

Tuition

$8,285 US per person, double occupancy for bank wire. For credit card payment add $345. Single supplement $555 ($9,550)

Limited to 7 students, minimum 5

Payment schedule

• $2,000 deposit per person to register

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

• The remaining balance is due November 1st, 2025.

2025 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.