Hokkaido Brown Bears Photo Tour
Photograph the amazing Ezo bear
- Premier Bear Viewing Location: Witness and photograph Hokkaido’s majestic brown bears in their natural habitat.
- Diverse Experience: Enjoy 2 days of boat-based viewing and 5 days on foot, offering unique perspectives of these incredible animals.
- Immersive Scenery and Culture: Soak in Hokkaido’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage.
- Ease and Convenience: The tour includes meals (excluding lunch), comfortable accommodations, and transportation from Memanbetsu, Hokkaido.
- Scouting Trip: This tour serves as a scouting trip, giving you the chance to explore and experience this exceptional location, providing firsthand knowledge and insights for future bear viewing adventures.
Picture yourself on the rugged coastlines of Hokkaido, Japan’s northern jewel, where towering cliffs meet crystal-clear waters and lush forests hum with life. Here, in this untouched wilderness, you’ll encounter the rare Ezo brown bear—a subspecies found only on this island. Revered by the Ainu people as sacred beings, these majestic bears fish for salmon and forage beneath the dense canopy. Over nine unforgettable days, you’ll embark on a journey, combining two days of boat-based bear viewing with five days of guided exploration on foot through Hokkaido’s breathtaking landscapes.
Your adventure goes beyond wildlife—it’s a deep dive into the heart of Hokkaido. Led by experienced guides, you’ll hear stories of the bears’ role in the ecosystem. Watching a mother bear teach her cubs to fish or spotting a lone bear along the shore, you’ll form a connection with these magnificent creatures. Each night, Hokkaido’s renowned hospitality awaits, with comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and the warmth of Japanese culture. With transport from Memanbetsu arranged, all you need to do is immerse yourself in the magic of the experience. This is more than a tour; it’s a rare opportunity to blend wildlife, adventure, and culture into a story that will stay with you forever.
* Oct 9-17, 2025 (waitlist)
Tour Leaders: Cassie Noel
Group Size: 4
Price:
* 9 days = $7,495 (US dollars)
Price includes: All meals (excluding lunch), accommodation, and transport from Memanbetsu, Hokkaido
Accommodation: Single
Start/End: Memanbetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
Fitness Level: Easy
Interested? Contact us now
REASONS TO CHOOSE THIS TOUR
Best Location: This region of Hokkaido is one of the most reliable and rewarding destinations in the world to observe Ezo brown bears in their natural habitat. From rugged coastlines to dense forests, this area offers unparalleled opportunities to see and photograph these magnificent animals.
Stunning Landscapes: Immerse yourself in Hokkaido’s wild beauty, where dramatic cliffs, untouched forests, and crystal-clear waters create a breathtaking backdrop for your bear encounters. The rich, unspoiled scenery is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Unique Perspectives: Whether from the deck of a small fisherman’s boat or on foot in prime bear-viewing locations, this tour offers diverse vantage points to skillfully capture the Ezo brown bears in their element. Perfect for photographers of all skill levels, it’s an opportunity to create unforgettable images and memories.
Cultural Immersion: Beyond the wildlife, experience the warmth of Japanese culture, from traditional hospitality to the region’s delicious cuisine. Each moment reflects the harmony between Hokkaido’s people and its natural wonders.
ITINERARY
The tour begins in Memanbetsu, Hokkaido, and we recommend flying via ANA Flight 4777, which departs from Haneda Airport (Tokyo) at 11:15 AM and arrives in Memanbetsu at 1:00 PM on October 9th. Should you require any assistance with your travel arrangements, please let us know—we’re here to help ensure your journey is seamless and stress-free.
Oct 9 • Arrive at Shiretoko Peninsula
Upon your arrival at Memanbetsu Airport, our team will greet you and provide a comfortable two-hour transfer to your hotel. Once there, you can settle in and unwind, enjoying a relaxing evening to recharge after your journey.
Oct 10-14 • Full days with Brown Bears
Start your day early with an exciting full-day brown bear viewing experience. You’ll be driven to prime locations, carefully selected for the best opportunities to photograph these magnificent animals up close on foot. Along the way, you’ll pause to enjoy meals, though please note that lunch is not included in the tour price. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll gain valuable insights into the bears’ behavior and habitat, ensuring a safe and unforgettable adventure.
Oct 15-16 • Brown Bears by Boat
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we’ll embark on a scenic drive across the Shiretoko Peninsula to a charming town on the opposite side (approximately 1.5 hours). From there, we’ll board a small fisherman’s boat for an unforgettable brown bear viewing and photography cruise. The cruise, running from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, offers up to five hours on the water. Please note that the boat is open-air and does not have onboard restroom facilities. This boat-based experience provides a unique perspective for capturing stunning images of the brown bears against the breathtaking natural backdrop, offering a fresh and exciting angle for your photography.
The next day, we’ll head out on another boat-based tour, further enhancing your opportunity to witness and photograph these magnificent creatures from a different vantage point. Both days offer distinct, memorable views of the bears in their natural environment, ensuring an exceptional experience.
Oct 17 • Tour Ends
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll check out at 9:00 AM and begin our journey to Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at Notsuke Peninsula for some exceptional wildlife photography opportunities, capturing the stunning landscape and its diverse creatures. We expect to arrive at Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport around 1:00 PM, where our services will conclude.
For your return, we recommend ANA Flight 378, departing from Nemuro Nakashibetsu at 2:45 PM and arriving at Haneda Airport (Tokyo) at 4:40 PM.
Memanbetsu
WHAT’s INCLUDED?
• Photography instruction
• Accommodation
• Breakfast and Dinner
• All transportation
WHAT’s NOT INCLUDED?
• Flight to Memanbetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
• Lunch
• Tips for guides
• Travel medical insurance (required)
WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY?
5am: depart for brown bear viewing
8am: breakfast
9am-4:30pm: brown bear viewing
1pm: lunch (around this time)
7pm: dinner
* Actual times may vary and depend on weather conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many brown bears will I see?
Typically, we can expect see 5-8 bears per day, but we may not photograph every bear.
What other wildlife can we see?
Deer, eagles, and foxes are possible, as well as a variety of marine life during the boat excursions.
What will the weather be like?
In October, the Shiretoko Peninsula experiences the crisp and cool weather of early autumn. Here’s what to expect:
- Temperatures: Daytime highs typically range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), while nighttime lows can drop to 2°C to 5°C (36°F to 41°F).
- Weather Conditions: The region often sees a mix of sunny days, overcast skies, and occasional rain. Coastal areas may be breezy, especially on the water.
- Foliage: October is prime time for autumn colors in Shiretoko, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows blanketing the landscape.
- Clothing Recommendations: Dress in layers to adapt to changing conditions. A warm jacket, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear are essential.
Overall, October offers a stunning combination of pleasant weather and spectacular scenery, making it a perfect time to explore the peninsula and view wildlife.
What focal length do you recommend?
When photographing the Ezo brown bear, we’ll primarily be using focal lengths of 400mm or longer, making a good telephoto lens essential for capturing detailed shots of these magnificent animals. That said, don’t overlook opportunities to use wider focal lengths to incorporate Hokkaido’s breathtaking landscapes, creating stunning images that showcase both the bears and their natural environment.
What's the bathroom situation?
While out in nature, we’ll be relying on the great outdoors as our washroom. Please note that there are no bathroom facilities available on the boat tours, so plan accordingly before departure.
Will there be cell service or WiFi at the hotel?
If you have international roaming, the cell coverage is reasonably good. In addition, there is WiFi available at the hotel.
More Questions?
Send us an email and we’ll be happy to arrange a time to chat through everything with you and answer any questions you may have.
EZO BEAR CONSERVATION
The Ezo brown bear population in Hokkaido has experienced a remarkable recovery, with the Hokkaido government estimating that their numbers have more than doubled from 5,200 in 1990 to nearly 12,000 in 2020. However, despite this positive trend, threats to the bears’ survival still persist. Habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict continue to pose significant challenges for the species.
EZO BEAR FACTS
Scientific Classification: The Ezo brown bear (Ursus arctos yesoensis) is a subspecies of the brown bear native to Hokkaido, Japan, and is closely related to other brown bear subspecies across Asia and North America.
Distinctive Features: Ezo brown bears are larger than other Japanese bear species, with males weighing up to 350 kg (770 lbs). They have thick, dense fur that helps them survive the cold Hokkaido winters.
Facial Coloration: Ezo brown bears often have lighter-colored fur on their faces, ranging from light brown to cream, which can create a striking contrast against the darker fur of their bodies. This unique facial coloration, though not as pronounced as the Andean bear’s “spectacles,” is one of their most recognizable traits.
Habitat Range: These bears inhabit the rugged forests and coastal areas of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, where they roam through mountainous terrains and dense wilderness.
Omnivorous Diet: Ezo brown bears have a varied diet, including fish (especially salmon), berries, acorns, plants, and small mammals. In autumn, they focus on fattening up for hibernation by feeding on high-calorie foods like berries and salmon.
HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH EZO BEARS
Every bear is named and has its own unique personality. Some bears are more comfortable around us and some prefer to keep their distance. We will follow the directions of our guide who will put us in the best possible position, and importantly, ensure that all of our interactions are dictated by the best interest of the bears. We typically have 1-2 great sightings and photo opportunities per day, which means that a healthy dose of patience is required.
Read our bear photography guide, which covers practical advice on camera gear and settings, and composition tips that cater to photographers of all levels. We will have many opportunities to discuss different aspects of photography when we are watching bears.
We also provide optional 1-1 Zoom sessions before the tour, detailed prompts and guidance when we are in the field, and optional post-processing sessions after your tour. We will do everything we can to help you become a better photographer!
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Cassie Noel, Global Tour Leader
Cassie Noel is a wildlife photographer, guide, and storyteller who transforms trips into life-changing adventures. With countless days spent immersed in the wild, she leads small groups on journeys that inspire connection and wonder. From backcountry bear tours in Alaska to global expeditions across Patagonia and Sumatra, Cassie’s warmth and passion forge a deeper bond between people, nature, and conservation. Her dedication extends beyond photography to humanitarian efforts, making every tour an inspiring blend of adventure, purpose, and heart. Come for the wildlife, stay for the friendships, and leave with memories to last a lifetime.
JOIN US FOR A TRIP OF A LIFETIME!
Why Our Photo Tours Are Different
Experience
The essence of life lies in its experiences, and it is our unwavering mission to gift you the very best of them. We strive to craft our tours with care and authenticity, making each adventure a vibrant chapter in the story of your life.
Conservation
All of our tours have a conservation focus. We will learn about the challenges facing our primary subject and ongoing conservation work. Plus, every tour makes a donation to a conservation partner.
Locations
We take you to the world’s most amazing wilderness destinations, carefully selected for their unparalleled beauty and chosen based on our commitment to providing guests with the very best wildlife experiences.
Photography Focus
We welcome all levels of photography and provide optional photography sessions before, during, and after the tour. With our hands on learning, you are going to leave our tour as a better photographer. Ask us anything at anytime!
Small Groups
We believe that small groups give the best wildlife expereinces. We do not exceed 6 clients per guide, and in most tours, the ratio will be even smaller. This ensures that you get the personalized attention that you deserve.
Best Guides
We work with the world’s best wildlife guides, who also happen to be our good friends. They are experienced, keep us safe, and put us in the best possible position to have the best wildlife experience.