Snow Monkeys of Japan
Limited to only 4 participants!
Date: January 28 - February 4 2012 (FULLY BOOKED)
Date: January 26 - February 2 2013
Price: €2850
Join wildlife photographer Jasper Doest during this unforgettable workshop in the land of the rising sun to photograph the famous Japanese Macaques as they play in the snow, or chill in their own natural hot spring!
Jigokudani Yean-Koen literally means hell's valley, however it is the closest thing to heaven on earth for a spoiled group of monkeys who live there. The Japanese Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Wild Monkey Park is the only place in the world to observe and photograph the extremely photogenic Japanese Macaques, also known as Snow Monkeys, up close in their natural habitat.
Winter is a great time to visit the park. Not only because of the likelihood of large amounts of snow, but also because the baby monkeys are almost a year old and very active. They bounce around bulling each other's tails, wrestling around, annoying the adults, and generally just being kids. They are extremely fun to observe and photograph!
Accommodation
We’ll be accommodated in a traditional Japanese Ryokan, only a couple of minutes away from the park’s entry. The rooms are basic but clean. Price of the workshop is based on shared accommodation. Japanese meals are served at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m..
What to bring?
- Camera body and spare battery (and spare camera body),
- Lenses in the range of 10mm to 300mm can all be employed, although a simple set-up that includes a wide-angle lens and a short telephoto zoom will suffice,
- Enough films or digital storage-space,
- Beanbag,
- A tripod can be useful in some occasions, however this is not necessary at this location,
- Flash (and enough flash batteries).
The winter temperatures, the mountain climate, lack of direct sunshine and the moist environment all contribute to rather low windchill temperature. One should still be prepared for low temperatures by bringing enough thin layers of clothes.
- Waterproof snow boots (preferably with spikes as you'll be walking on slippery surface),
- Wear layers of thin clothing topped off by a good windproof and waterproof jacket. Waterproof ski-trousers are also recommended,
- Gloves, woolen/fleece hat,
- Enough fleece sweaters, thermo-underwear,
The accommodation is situated in the mountains and therefore we need to walk about 40 minutes (with camera equipment and luggage) to reach the Ryokan. Please keep your equipment and luggage to an absolute minimum! Also note that because of this 40 minute hike you need to be in reasonably physical shape.
Costs
The cost of this photographic workshop in Japan is €2850,- based on double supplements.
The price includes:
- All local transfers
- 6 nights of accommodation at the Ryokan (breakfast and dinner included).
- 2 nights of accommodation at the airport hotel. (including breakfast)
- Photographic tuition
The price excludes:
- Flights to Tokyo Narita Airport
- Dinner at the airport hotel
- Drinks
For specific questions and booking information please contact me at:Info@Doest-Photography.com
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