BLOG - Blain Harasymiw

Storms, Eagles, and Zen: Why Hokkaido Is a Minimalist Photographer’s Paradise

JUN

15

2025

Storms, Eagles, and Zen: Why Hokkaido ...

Each winter, Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, transforms into a dramatic stage for one of the most awe-inspiring photography experiences ...

JUN

04

2025

Experience the Power of the ...

Joining a Hokkaido photo workshop or Hokkaido photography tour means stepping into the realm of one of nature’s most powerful raptors: the ...

MAY

29

2025

Chasing Giants: Off-Road Adventure to ...

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Hokkaido wildlife photography adventure as the JDS Hokkaido workshop leader and our clients go off-road in ...

MAY

21

2025

Photograph the Iconic Shima Enaga on a ...

One of the most charming birds to photograph in Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes is the Shima Enaga (Aegithalos caudatus japonicus), ...

APR

28

2025

White-Tailed Eagles vs. Steller’s Sea ...

One of the most exhilarating highlights of the annual JDS Hokkaido Winter Wildlife Photography Tour is witnessing the breathtaking aerial ...

APR

24

2025

Exploring Hakone’s Hidden Cherry ...

Field Report from our Cherry Blossom Photography Workshop Leader! Join me on my annual cross-country cherry blossom photography workshop, where ...

APR

23

2025

Capturing Japan’s Cherry Blossoms: Mt. ...

I’m currently leading my annual cross-country cherry blossom photo workshop, an unforgettable journey through Japan’s most stunning ...

APR

20

2025

Ultimate Japan Cherry Blossom ...

Field Report from our Cherry Blossom Photo Workshop Leader I am currently leading my annual cherry blossom photo tour, visiting Uedajo—a ...

APR

18

2025

Cherry Blossoms & Samurai History: A ...

Currently, I am leading my annual cherry blossom photo tour, and we are visiting the iconic Matsumoto Castle in Nagano, Japan. Completed in the 16th ...

APR

13

2025

Ancient Cherry Blossoms & Wildlife: A ...

Field Report from the JDS Cherry Blossom Workshop Leader! I’m currently leading my annual cross-country Cherry Blossom photography ...

APR

10

2025

Discover Kofu’s Cherry Blossoms & ...

As I embark on my annual cross-country Cherry Blossom Photo Tour, our first stop is Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture—a destination that captivates ...

APR

05

2025

Yahiko Shrine: Discover Niigata’s ...

If you're visiting Niigata and seeking an unforgettable mix of history, photography, and spiritual depth, Yahiko Shrine should be at the ...

MAR

31

2025

Ultimate Japan Cherry Blossom ...

Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) Photography Tour Leaders know that no two Cherry Blossom Photo Tours are ever the same. With Japan stretching over 3,000 ...

MAR

27

2025

Steller's Sea Eagles - A Hokkaido ...

On the most recent Hokkaido photography workshop adventure, the JDS Hokkaido photo workshop leader spent three days on a chartered vessel focusing on ...

MAR

19

2025

Unforgettable Hokkaido Photo Workshop ...

As early spring arrives in Japan, our JDS Hokkaido Photo Workshop Leaders are reflecting on another extraordinary Hokkaido Photography ...

MAR

14

2025

Ultimate Guide to Birding in Japan: The ...

Japan is a premier destination for Hokkaido photo workshops and bird photography in general, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and professional ...

MAR

10

2025

Hokkaido Minimalist Wildlife Photo ...

Embarking on the annual Hokkaido Wildlife Minimalist Photo Adventure offers photographers the opportunity to explore a diverse range of ...

MAR

06

2025

Capturing Steller’s Sea Eagles and ...

Field Report from our Hokkaido photo workshop leader! I am currently leading my final winter 2025 Hokkaido photography workshop, where we delve ...

MAR

03

2025

Hokkaido Photo Workshop: Capture ...

The JDS Hokkaido Photography Workshop is an extraordinary opportunity to photograph some of Japan’s most stunning wildlife, ...

FEB

27

2025

Experience the Spirit of Hokkaido

I am currently leading my annual Hokkaido photography workshop, capturing the breathtaking beauty of Japan's northern island. Yesterday, we ...

FEB

27

2025

Photographing the Majestic Red-Crowned ...

I am currently leading my annual Hokkaido photography workshop, capturing the breathtaking beauty of Japan's northern island. We are now ...

FEB

20

2025

Hokkaido Winter Wildlife Photography: ...

Hokkaido is a premier destination for wildlife photography, drawing nature lovers and birders eager to witness the dramatic aerial battles ...

FEB

18

2025

Golden Hour at Mt. Fuji - Hokkaido ...

Field Report from our Hokkaido Photography Workshop Tour Leader! I am currently leading my annual Hokkaido Wildlife, Birding, and Landscape ...

FEB

16

2025

Ultimate Mount Fuji Autumn Photography ...

The Fuji Five Lakes are almost as legendary as Mount Fuji itself, and with Japan Dreamscapes (JDS), you can embark on the ...

FEB

14

2025

Master Minimalist Landscape Photography ...

Field Report from our Hokkaido photo workshop leader! I am currently experiencing the serene beauty of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost ...

FEB

13

2025

Experience the Majesty of Steller's Sea ...

Field Report from our Hokkaido Photography Tour Leader! I am currently leading an unforgettable birding photography workshop in Hokkaido, Japan, ...

FEB

12

2025

Celebrating the Ainu

I am now in Hokkaido, leading my annual winter photo tour. Participants and I joined an unforgettable journey into the culture and traditions of ...

FEB

11

2025

Explore Hokkaido’s Wonders - Grus ...

Field Report from Our Hokkaido Photo Workshop Leader! Yesterday, my Hokkaido photography workshop participants and I took an extraordinary ...

FEB

09

2025

Ultimate Mount Fuji Autumn Photo Tours: ...

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the breathtaking splendor of autumn at Mount Fuji? Our Ultimate Mount Fuji Autumn Photo Tours invite you to ...

FEB

05

2025

Capture Japan’s Stunning Cherry ...

Cherry blossoms seen on Japan photo tours are among the most breathtaking sights, second perhaps only to the iconic Mt. Fuji as a symbol of Japan. ...

FEB

03

2025

Discover Hokkaido Japan

Field Report from our Hokkaido Photo Workshop Leader I am currently leading my annual Hokkaido Photography ttours, which take place from January ...

JAN

27

2025

Capture the Magic of Mt. Fuji’s Autumn ...

At Japan Dreamscapes (JDS), we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences for photography enthusiasts. Our Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves Photo ...

JAN

21

2025

Discover the Rich Heritage of the Ainu ...

The Ainu people hold a vital place in Japan’s history, embodying a rich cultural heritage that predates and spans the Heian Period (794 - ...

JAN

09

2025

Explore Untold Stories of Japan: Cherry ...

At Japan Dreamscapes (JDS), we are passionate about crafting unparalleled photography experiences. Leading Cherry Blossom Photo Tours means ...

JAN

06

2025

Capture the Splendor of Mt. Fuji: ...

Explore Lake Shojiko, the Fuji Five Lakes, and the Enigmatic Sea of TreesEmbarking on a Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves Photo Workshop is an unparalleled ...

JAN

04

2025

Unlock the Magic of Japan with Expertly ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours are among the most challenging and rewarding Japan Photo Tours to conduct. Many novice photographers fail to grasp why ...

JAN

01

2025

Discover the Magic of Hokkaido: Unveil ...

Hokkaido, Japan’s enchanting northern island, offers a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Our 2026 Hokkaido ...

DEC

31

2024

Happy New Year 2025 - Year of the ...

As 2025, the Year of the Snake, begins, it is a time to embrace a holiday season brimming with joy, anticipation, and new opportunities. Reflecting ...

DEC

22

2024

The Ezo Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes ...

The Ezo Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes schrencki) is a captivating subspecies of red fox that thrives in Hokkaido, Japan. This stunning creature is a ...

DEC

20

2024

Discover Ainu Culture in Hokkaido: ...

The Ainu, Indigenous people of Japan, have a rich cultural heritage deeply tied to the natural world. After years of struggle to preserve their ...

DEC

18

2024

Hokkaido Birding & Wildlife Photo ...

During the latest Hokkaido Photo Tour, the team at JDS Photography Workshops captured a striking harmony between Hokkaido’s breathtaking winter ...

DEC

17

2024

Discover Hokkaido’s Winter Wonderland: ...

Experience the Magic of Hokkaido’s Shima Enaga on Our Exclusive 2026 Birding Tours! Hokkaido, Japan, is one of the most magical winter ...

DEC

15

2024

Hokkaido Photography Workshops: Capture ...

The Haliaeetus pelagicus (Steller’s sea eagle) is the undisputed champion of raptors, a glacial relic that has survived multiple ice ages. ...

DEC

13

2024

Discover Hokkaido's Winter Wonders: ...

While organizing and cataloging photos from a recent Hokkaido Photo Tour, the JDS workshop leaders noticed something extraordinary. On ...

DEC

10

2024

Discover the Essence of Autumn: JDS ...

If you're passionate about capturing breathtaking landscapes, JDS Japan Photography Workshops offer a unique opportunity to explore some of the most ...

DEC

06

2024

Autumn Leaves Photo Tour - Guaranteed ...

The JDS workshop leaders are currently in Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park leading a private Autumn Leaves Japan Photo Tour. They’ve spent ...

DEC

03

2024

Japan Autumn Leaves Photography - ...

Currently, our JDS workshop leaders are leading a private Essence of Autumn Photography workshop. Hakone is a two-hour drive from Mt. Fuji, so ...

DEC

02

2024

‘The Tiger of Kai’ Takeda Shingen’s - ...

Currently, our workshop leaders are leading a private essence of autumn photo tour in Nagano. During the past couple of days, they have ...

NOV

28

2024

Mt. Fuji Autumn Photography Tour

For more than 25 years, our workshop leaders have been leading Mt. Fuji Japan photography tours including autumn leaves. The UNESCO World ...

NOV

25

2024

Forest Reflections - Autumn leaves ...

At present, our workshop leaders are in the Japanese backcountry leading the annual JDS Autumn Leaves Niigata tour. The Japanese ...

NOV

15

2024

Japan Photo Workshops - Akiyamago - A ...

Presently, our JDS Japan photography workshop leaders are in the field for the annual Japan Autumn Leaves Essence of Japan photo workshop tour ...

NOV

10

2024

Essence of Autumn Photo workshop tour - ...

Our workshop leaders are currently leading the annual JDS Autumn Leaves Niigata Photo tour exploring rice terraces. Our Japan photo ...

NOV

08

2024

Niigata Photo Workshop - Koi Ponds

JDS Japan photo workshop leaders are currently leading the annual JDS Essence of Autumn leaves photo tour. As is the workshop ...

NOV

05

2024

Japan Sea Of Clouds

Currently, the JDS Japan photography workshop leaders are leading the annual JDS Essence of Autumn photography workshop. This morning, ...

NOV

04

2024

Mt. Fuji’s Dragon Cave

In our workshop leaders' close to thirty years in Japan, they have visited the Mt. Fuji region more times that they can count, for ...

NOV

02

2024

Hokkaido Photography Tour - Birding In ...

While leading participants on my annual Hokkaido photography tour, our workshop leaders and clients spot and photograph various different ...

OCT

28

2024

Exploring Authentic Mt. Fuji - JAPAN ...

Iconic Mt. Fuji and the Fuji Five lakes is always part of the annual JDS Essence of Autumn Leaves photography tour, and for our annual ...

OCT

23

2024

Essence of Cherry Blossom Photo ...

Leading participants on the annual JDS Essence of Japan Sakura Cherry Blossom Photo Workshop Tour provides me with the opportunity to introduce ...

OCT

21

2024

Cross-country Cherry Blossom ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours require versatility and back up plans for back up plans. Non-resident photographers of Japan and others with limited ...

OCT

18

2024

Hokkaido Photography Tour

While the Japan Dreamscapes workshop leaders take care of the annual Hokkaido photography tour, they can indulge in two of their favorite ...

SEP

27

2024

Akan National Park Hokkaido Japan - ...

Hokkaido is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers such as our entire team, plus one of our Japan photo workshop leaders has a summer cottage in ...

SEP

25

2024

Hokkaido Photo Workshops - Owls

Joining a Hokkaido Photo Workshop Tour means witnessing and photographing natural treasures. The Blakiston’s Fish Owl (Bubo blakistoni) ...

SEP

22

2024

Japan's Indigenous People the Ainu - ...

During the annual JDS Hokkaido photography workshop tour, the First Nations people of Japan, the Ainu and their vibrant culture are always a ...

SEP

20

2024

Hokkaido Photo Tours - Red-Crowned ...

The annual Japan Dreamscapes Hokkaido Photo Workshop means another opportunity to spot and photograph Red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis), one ...

SEP

16

2024

Hokkaido Red Foxes - Hokkaido Photo ...

The annual JDS Hokkaido photography tours include numerous opportunities to spot and photograph wildlife such as the Ezo Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes ...

SEP

12

2024

Akan National Park Hokkaido, Japan - ...

Hokkaido is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers such as all of our Japan Dreamscapes photography workshop leaders, and one of them has a summer ...

AUG

30

2024

Hokkaido Photography Workshops - ...

Having led Hokkaido Photography Tours for over 25 years, our workshop leaders understand the huge responsibility associated with leading visiting ...

AUG

26

2024

Two Ice Age Relic Raptors - The ...

During the annual Japan Dreamscapes Hokkaido birding photography workshop tour, our workshop leaders find themselves in awe each year when ...

AUG

21

2024

Hokkaido Birds of Prey - Hokkaido ...

Our photo workshop leaders always look forward to leading the annual JDS Hokkaido photography tour. The main JDS Hokkaido tour includes ...

AUG

07

2024

Lake Akan - Birding photography

The woods surrounding Lake Akanko and everywhere our workshop leaders take participants on the annual JDS Hokkaido photography tours are a ...

AUG

06

2024

Forest Bathing - Hokkaido Photography ...

A Hokkaido photography workshop means exploring off the beaten path locations and seeing amazing wildlife, but it’s also an opportunity to ...

AUG

05

2024

Japan's Ecological Lines - Hokkaido ...

Having explored a vast majority of Japan while scouting or leading Japan photography workshop tours, and when colleagues or friends ask our main ...

AUG

04

2024

Akan National Park Hokkaido, Japan - ...

Hokkaido is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers such as our JDS workshop leaders, and one of our leaders has a summer cottage in Hokkaido where he ...

AUG

02

2024

Red-crowned cranes - Ainu Totem Poles

One of our JDS Hokkaido photography workshop tour leaders traces his upbringing back to the Cree Nations Community in Northern Canada and ...

JUL

30

2024

Tracking The Hunting Raptor

During the annual JapanDreamscapes Hokkaido bird watching photography workshop tour, spotting and photographing the Steller's Sea Eagles ...

JUL

24

2024

Midsummer Ox Day (土用の丑の日)

Having staff that has lived in Japan all of their lives mixed in with transplants from around the world, our team makes a habit of sharing ...

JUL

24

2024

Hokkaido Photo Tours - Birding and ...

Hokkaido Photo Tours should always include a visit with the Red-Crowned Cranes (Grus japonensis). As a Japan photo workshop leader, I always ...

JUL

02

2024

Japan Onsen Hot Springs - Japan Photo ...

Natural mineral hot springs (onsens) are not hard to find in Japan. We have countless ryokans (Traditional Japanese Inns), hotels, and resort ...

JUL

01

2024

Hokkaido Photo Workshops

Hokkaido Wildlife Birding Photography Tours always provide participants with hundreds of amazing up close and personal encounters with rare bird ...

JUN

28

2024

Dispute of the Kofun period - Japan ...

The image attached to this newsletter is of an ancient Buddhist sanctuary that I visit annually on my Essence of Autumn photo tour and my Essence of ...

JUN

24

2024

Shinrin Yoku Hokkaido Photo Tour

Over 70% of Japan is unpopulated mountains and forest, making Japan the perfect spot for 森林浴 (Shinren Yoku or as it is called in the West, Forest ...

JUN

23

2024

Hokkaido Birding Photography Workshop ...

Participants who join me for my annual Hokkaido photo tours benefit from the more than 25 years of experience that I have leading adventures and ...

MAY

31

2024

Autumn Colors Japan Tour

Each year as the cherry blossom season concludes around the end of May, I begin thinking ahead to my annual Essence of Japan autumn leaves ...

MAY

22

2024

The Hokkaido Pony (Do-San-Ko) - ...

The Hokkaido Pony (Do-San-Ko) (Equus caballus) is an old breed, a tough horse that have lived in Hokkaido for hundreds of years, and they ...

MAY

13

2024

Autumn Leaves Photography Workshop

The annual JDS Essence of Autumn Photography workshop always includes Japan’s most iconic symbol, Mt. Fuji, as does the annual Essence of ...

MAY

10

2024

Autumn Leaves Photography Workshop

The annual JapanDreamscapes Essence of Autumn Photography workshop always includes iconic Mt. Fuji. In our Japan photo workshop leaders’ ...

APR

30

2024

Spring and Autumn Leaves Tour Japan ...

I am currently leading my annual cross-country cherry blossom photography workshop tour extension. For close to thirty years, I have ...

APR

29

2024

Cherry Blossom Photography Tour Japan

Currently, I am leading my annual cherry blossom photo tour. We are visiting Uedajo, a park that has been built around the main gates and ...

APR

19

2024

Snow Monkeys

Currently, I am leading my annual cross-country Cherry Blossoms photo workshop tour, and we are in Nagano photographing Japanese macaques at the Snow ...