Spring 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 in Central Hokkaido, the home to volcanic mountains, lush forests, rolling fields, and expansive lakes.  In Spring, the farmers prepare the fields to grow crops such as potatoes, wheat, and corn. Cherry blossoms adorn the fields and hillsides, and leaves begin to sprout. The water levels of rivers and lakes rise as snow on mountain peaks melts.

We meet in Tokyo on May 6 and fly to Central Hokkaido on May 7. The workshop takes place primarily in the Furano-Kamifurano-Biei region. We spend four nights in Furano, two nights in Shirogane-onsen, and two nights in Asahidake. During our stay, we wake up early to catch the sunrise (about 4:30 am) and photograph the beautiful landscape. In the afternoons, we visit local artisans, a sake brewery, onsen in the mountains, or discuss our images and learn more about this region’s natural phenomena. Our days end early with dinner at about 5:30 pm. 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 13 years. She first visited the place during winter as a child and it left a profound impression on her. Her solo exhibitions at Foto Relevance and the Griffin Museum of Photography and award-winning images feature many that were made in this region.

Class size:

Minimum of 5 participants. Limited to 7 participants.

itinerary

• May 6

  Arrive in Tokyo

• May 7

  Fly to Asahikawa in the morning

• May 8-11

  Explore Furano, Kamifurano, Minamifurano, Hidaka, Yubari

• May 11-13

  Explore Shirogane and Biei

• May 13-14

  Explore Asahidake, Asahikawa

• May 15

  Return to Tokyo

• May 16

  End of tour

Included

• 10-night accommodation: 4 nights at a hotel in Furano, 2 nights at a luxurious hot spring resort in Shirogane, 2 nights at a high-end hotel in Asahidake, 2 nights at an art hotel in Central Tokyo

• Domestic ground transportation from the start to the end of the expedition, including cabs and private van

• Domestic flights between Tokyo Haneda and Asahikawa airports

• All meals, starting with dinner on May 6 and ending with breakfast on May 16

• Admissions to museums, sake brewery, cable car, etc.

• 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

• 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

• $8,995 US per person, double occupancy for bank wire. For credit card payment add $345. Single supplement $555 ($9,550)

• $2,000 deposit to register

Limited to 8 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 January 15th