18th of May to 2nd of June 2023
The ultimate exploration of Japan’s wilderness, beyond its national parks and last frontier – Hokkaido. Translating in English to ‘Northern Sea Circuit’, Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost and least developed island, and a world away from the country’s more traditional and contemporary cities.
WildNature Photo Expeditions and Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising, invite you to join them on the ultimate exploration of Japan’s wilderness, beyond its national parks and last frontier – Hokkaido. Translating in English to ‘Northern Sea Circuit’, Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost and least developed island, and a world away from the country’s more traditional and contemporary cities.
Bordered by the Sea of Japan, Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean, Hokkaido’s rugged landscape features a mountainous centre, complete with volcanic plateau, and is rightly famous for its volcanoes and hot springs. Among its multiple plains is Kushiro, the largest wetland in Japan and home of the Red-crowned Crane, one of the world’s largest and rarest cranes and iconic symbol of Japan where it is also known as the ‘bird of happiness’.
During our semi circumnavigation of this remarkable island we plan to explore to the outlying Rebun and Rishiri Islands, venture into national parklands, observe wildlife and experience traditional cultures and the swathes of colourful flowers Hokkaido is renowned for. Our voyage also includes a day in South Korea’s Ulsan visiting the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site Gyeongju – the ‘museum without walls’ among other highlights. We’ll also visit the incredible UNESCO registered Global Geopark Dogojima Island, world famous gardens, the serene lakes and forest of Juniko (12 Lakes) park, observe wildlife and discover the fascinating art of Japanese paper making on our visit to the historic town of Matsue with its impressive 17th Century castle.
We hope you can join us for this rare opportunity to join this voyage including Japan’s most enchanting isle as we explore the unspoiled nature, primeval wilderness, astounding rare wildlife, limpid lakes and alpine flowers during this unforgettable adventure.
Contact Michael Snedic directly
on +61 408 941 965
Your photography leader and tutor - Michael Snedic
On this expedition you will have access every day to a professional nature photographer and instructor. Michael is there to help you photograph the stunning scenery, wildlife and culture we will encounter. Michael will be conducting a series of classes throughout the voyage, as well as being on-hand throughout the outings.
Michael is a professional wildlife and nature photographer and an experienced photographic tutor (19 years.) He has been photographing wildlife and nature for 26 years and is widely published writer. His articles and images have featured in magazines, calendars, diaries, books, brochures, billboards and many other publications, across Australia and the world.
He is the author of two books on Australian wildlife, and is a Nikon School tutor for Australia. Michael regularly presents audio-visual presentations at photographic organisations, and has been conducting photography workshops and tours across Australia for many years. He also conducts photography tours to Africa (including Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia, Sabi Sabi, Madagascar and the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda), Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, the Arctic (Svalbard) and the Subantarctic. Michael loves sharing his photographic knowledge and passion with workshop participants, helping them improve their photographic skills.
Itinerary:
Please contact Michael to receive a detailed daily itinerary.
Health and Fitness
Anyone in normal good health can join us on this adventure. There are no special fitness requirements, although we will be often climbing into and out of the inflatable Zodiac boats, and walking on shore. Out on the ocean and exposed to the elements it can get quite cold. But it is summer and at times in the sun it can be quite warm.
The ship has a doctor and basic medical facilities on board. If you have specific health concerns or dietary requirements the staff at Heritage will be able to advise you. There’s also a gym on board if you feel the need to get extra workouts. Actually, with the excellent meals provided on these trips it’s not hard to put weight on, so some people like this option.
Inclusions
- Photography tuition throughout the expedition with Michael Snedic.
- Shipboard accommodation onboard Heritage Expedition's 'Heritage Adventurer'.
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners onboard. Coffee, tea and cocoa is available around the clock.
- All zodiac and land excursions.
- Pre- and post-departure materials.
Exclusions
- Airfares and other travel expenses
- Passport/visa expenses.
- Personal/travel insurance coverage. Heritage will discuss with you the required insurance coverage
- Onboard bar, laundry, and telecommunications charges. Internet access is not available onboard.
Prices
The trip is being put together with our partners at Heritage Expeditions in Christchurch, and they take care of the bookings and travel arrangements for us, while Michael runs the photography program.
There are a variety of cabin classes. As usual with these ships your choice of berth/cabin type directly impacts the price of your ticket.
These prices below are in US dollars.
| Main Deck Triple | AU$17 775 pp |
| Superior Triple | AU$18 250 pp |
| Superior Deck 4 | AU$19 475 pp |
| Superior Deck 5 | AU$20 450 pp |
| Main deck Single | AU$23 950 pp |
| Superior Single | AU$25 750 pp |
| Worsley Suite | AU$27 250 pp |
| Heritage Suite: | AU$31 500 pp |
A 25% deposit is required to secure your place.
NB: PRICING SHOWN ABOVE INCLUDES PHOTOGRAPHY TUITION FEE BY MICHAEL SNEDIC, WHICH WILL BE INVOICED SEPARATELY. THE AMOUNT SHOWN IS THE TOTAL YOU PAY.
How to book
To reserve your place or just to ask more questions about this photo expedition, please contact Michael either via his Contact Form or by calling +61 408 941 965.
