Matsumoto Castle, also known as "Crow Castle", in Jigokudani, is among the National Treasures of Japan. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Japanese Macaque, or "Snow Monkey" on the edge of a thermal spring. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Shirley Metz captures an image of a Japanese Macaque soaking in a thermal pool. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Photographic highlights abound while watching the fascinating Snow Monkeys. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Japanese Macaques. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Apex adventurers spending time with the Japanese Macaques. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Mother and surprised-looking baby Japanese Macaque, enjoying a soak. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Historical town of Magome. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Hooded Cranes in Arasaki, one of the largest winter gatherings of cranes in all of Asia. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Hooded Cranes silhouetted against the sky. Photo credit Peter Harrison
A festive traditional Japanese meal. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Red-crowned Cranes in the Kushiro Wetlands National Park. Photo credit Peter Harrison
The courtship display of the Red-crowned Cranes. Photo credit Edith Barschi
A White-tailed Eagle swoops through the air. Photo credit Peter Harrison
White-tailed Eagle with a fish in its talons. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Ural Owls perch in a tree in Kushiro. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Something fishy? This Red Fox thinks so. Photo credit Peter Harrison
A Sika Deer makes his way across a snowy field. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Whooper (pronounce "hooper") Swan in Hokkaido. Photo credit Peter Harrison
A Steller's Sea Eagle perches on a treetop on the Shiretoko Peninsula. Photo credit Peter Harrison
One of the world's largest and most powerful eagles, the Steller's Sea Eagle, is one and half times the size of a Bald Eagle. Photo credit Peter Harrison
The Blakiston's Fish Owl is one of the rarest owls in the World. Photo credit Peter Wick
A Star Wars-themed sculpture at the Sapporo Snow Festival. Photo credit Peter Harrison
A happy group of Apex-ers in Sapporo after a successful adventure in Japan. Photo credit Peter Harrison
Japan is a diverse assemblage of islands with a rich culture and a fascinating array of wildlife that draws visitors year round. But unbeknownst to the average traveler, there is a wonderland of rugged landscapes and fascinating congregations of wildlife that only occur in the snowy winter months. We’ve put together this sample slideshow from our 2015 Japan winter wildlife expedition in order to share some of the highlights with you.
For more information on our Japan expedition, including a map and detailed day-by-day itinerary, please visit our Japan Wildlife Tour page.