BLOG - Blain Harasymiw

My Japanese Stone Garden - An Introduction into Jade Park and Japan's Gemstones

MAY

13

2022

One of my many hobbies is collecting stones, and I have been a rockhound since I was about six years old. I especially enjoy collecting turquoise, ...

MAY

09

2022

Species of Japan - The Edo Higan (江戸彼岸) ...

The Edo Higan cherry blossom tree is so widespread throughout Japan, that it is commonly a part of my annual Cherry Blossom photo workshops as well ...

APR

30

2022

The Fugenzo Cherry Blossom (Cerasus ...

The Fugenzo Cherry Blossom (Cerasus lannesiana ‘Albo-rosea' Makino) is one of the Oshima Satozakura cherry blossom cultivars that my ...

APR

16

2022

The Challenge of Zen Minimalist ...

During my annual Hokkaido Minimalist Wildlife Photography Workshop Tour, the weather always plays a huge factor. I have experienced snowstorms, ...

MAR

31

2022

Steller's Sea Eagles Pack Ice still in ...

Pack ice is a mainstay for my annual Hokkaido Photography workshops because some of the fiercest diurnal predators on the earth, Steller's Sea Eagles ...

MAR

26

2022

Mt. Fuji Maple Leaves Autumn ...

Understanding Mt. Fuji’s topography is key when leading a Mt. Fuji photo tour workshop. Around Mt. Fuji, there are five lakes Yamanaka, ...

MAR

13

2022

Mt. Fuji Maple Leaves Autumn Photo Tour ...

Japan and the entire world are striving to overcome the pandemic to enter the epidemic phase, and by this autumn, I expect to be able to lead my ...

MAR

01

2022

Hokkaido Birding Photo Workshops - ...

C. c. Kamtschaticus, the Kamchatkan Raven, and Common Ravens (Corvus Corax) are often overlooked, but they are one of the most intelligent wildlife ...

JAN

29

2022

Hokkaido Photo Tour Steller's Sea Eagle ...

One Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) has spent almost an entire year hunting far, far from home. One Steller’s Sea Eagle ...

JAN

20

2022

Hokkaido Birding Photography Tour - ...

Hokkaido’s Red-crowned cranes, often called snow ballerinas or tancho in Japanese, that I photograph during my annual Hokkaido birding photo ...

JAN

14

2022

Hokkaido Photo Tours - Hokkaido’s ...

The White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is one of dozens of birds that participants spot and photograph when they join my annual ...

JAN

09

2022

Hokkaido Photo Tour - Choose Your Own ...

While leading my annual Hokkaido wildlife photo workshop expedition, my exceptions and safety precautions are paramount, and I have a checklist with ...

JAN

04

2022

Hokkaido Photo Tour’s Crimson Hunters - ...

Hokkaido is a wildlife photography paradise, and around this time each year, I begin triple-checking all my camera equipment in preparation for my ...

NOV

24

2021

Steller's Sea Eagle Birding Hokkaido, ...

A fellow photographer friend of the family and colleague who often assists me on my annual Hokkaido photo tours called to say hello and that she was ...

JUL

30

2021

Prelude to Blain Harasymiw's 2nd Photo ...

I opened my discussion where I left off from the last photo conversation with John Cornicello at the Japanese Ryokan that inspired Hayao Miyazaki to ...

JUL

29

2021

Ezo Sika Deer An Off the Beaten Path ...

Those who are uninitiated in a wildlife safari or who have yet to lace up their boots and set those boots to ground with me on my Annual Hokkaido ...

JUL

16

2021

Kushiro Wetlands & The Red-crowned ...

Visiting the Kushiro Wetlands is always part of my annual Hokkaido Winter Birding Photography Workshop. In Hokkaido, I chase the light ...

JUL

09

2021

Whooper Swans Aplenty - Niigata Birding ...

If Whooper Swan birding photography is your goal for your Birding Photography Tour, then going to Hokkaido is a mistake. Hokkaido Winter Birding ...

JUL

05

2021

Hokkaido Photography Workshops - ...

My annual Hokkaido Photo Workshop is a bonanza of avian wildlife. Steller’s Sea Eagles, White-tailed Eagles, Glaucous Gulls, Whooper ...

JUN

28

2021

John Cornicello presents - Once wasn't ...

John Cornicello presents - Once wasn't enough! - Blain Harasymiw Vol. ll July 22nd, 10 am Pacific Daily Savings Time (2 am July 23rd JST) As a ...

MAY

24

2021

Myosenji Temple Niigata’s Only ...

In the thirteenth century, a power spot was once again uncovered on Sado Island in the Myosenji Temple region. It is believed that ...

MAY

05

2021

Japan Photo Tours - Wisteria, A ...

While leading my Cherry Blossom Photo Tours, I remind my clients and friends when they join me that there’s more than one type of hanami to ...

APR

15

2021

Japan’s Cultural and Wild Frontiers - ...

An Excerpt From An Article Recently Published on Luminous Landscapes Every photography tour workshop itinerary offered has sunshine and rainbows ...

APR

10

2021

The Three Greatest Sakura Cherry ...

During my annual Cherry Blossom tour, I always make it a point to stop at one of the three greatest cherry blossom trees. I feel like a cherry ...

APR

08

2021

Shidarezakura - The Weeping Sakura - ...

The shidarezakura variety is a cherry blossom variety most commonly associated with Kyoto, as it the official flower of the ...

APR

04

2021

Cherry Blossom Photo Workshops - The ...

One of the most famous cherry blossoms, and most likely the sakura that people inside and outside Japan think of when discussing cherry blossoms, is ...

MAR

31

2021

Japan Rings In Spring With Cherry ...

Spring 2021, the Japan Cherry Blossom spring tour is once again canceled to the outside world, sorry. My team and I are almost positive that by ...

MAR

17

2021

Chasing Cherry Blossoms Tour Japan

Japanese sakura or cherry blossoms flourish at different times depending on which region of Japan you are visiting, so my Japan Cherry blossom tours ...

MAR

09

2021

From Steller’s Sea Eagles to Sakura - ...

If social distancing were already a thing of the past in 2021, I would be enjoying a little downtime after my annual Hokkaido tour winter wonderland. ...

FEB

27

2021

Japan Cherry Blossom Tour - A ...

After completing my annual Cross country cherry blossom photography tour workshops which start in mid-March and are completed in mid-April, I take ...

FEB

08

2021

A Traditional Japanese Ryokan on a ...

When you make a reservation on my annual Hokkaido Photo Tour or any of my Japan Photography Workshops, there is a section to check off for your ...

FEB

05

2021

YukiGuni Niigata Tour - A Culinary and ...

Most people outside of Niigata prefecture identify the region as YukiGuni, meaning snow country, as if it snows all year long and dismiss all the ...

FEB

01

2021

Authentic Japan Photography Tour - ...

You cannot find authentic Japan in a tourist brochure; I have seen plenty of flashy ads, and to be perfectly honest with you, I used to be in top ...

JAN

17

2021

Snowy Zen Rock Garden - Niigata Japan

Typically, this time of year, I would be gearing up for my annual Hokkaido Photography Tour, but due to social distancing, I am staying put in ...

JAN

05

2021

The Ezo Red Fox - Hokkaido Photography ...

The Ezo Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes schrencki) is a subspecies of red fox that thrives in Hokkaido. And are a species that are highlighted on my annual ...

NOV

09

2020

Japan Photo Tour - Scouting New ...

One of the elements of being a professional explorer and photography workshop leader is scouting locations. And when I hear of other companies or ...

SEP

16

2020

Oriental Stork Revival - Japan Private ...

Many visiting photographers think that the best birding in Japan can only be found on a Hokkaido Photo Tour, and, honestly, I understand how people ...

SEP

03

2020

A Lone Baby Snow Monkey - Hokkaido ...

The snow monkeys are a must-see for any photographer in Japan. While leading my annual Hokkaido photo tour on a beautiful February morning, I got to ...

AUG

26

2020

Minimalist Snowy Landscape and Wildlife ...

Minimalist photography is one of my all-time favorite themes of photography. And the best place I have found on our planet to accomplish ...

JUL

29

2020

Mating Rituals of the Red-Crowned ...

I can think of no other bird gentler or more romantic than the Red-Crowned Cranes, which are one of the main species that I introduce to visiting ...

JUL

21

2020

Mating Season - Snow Monkey Japan Photo ...

I love photographing snow monkeys, and I love leading my annual Winter Wonderland Hokkaido Photo Tour, but February is not my favorite time to film ...

JUL

16

2020

Anyone Can Photograph a Bird on a Stick ...

One the hardest photos to successfully capture in nature photography is a bird in flight, but anyone can capture a bird on a stick, or can they? If ...

JUL

01

2020

Japanese Macaque - Their Battles

The Japanese macaque is a terrestrial Old World monkey species that is native to Japan. They have become known as the snow monkey due to them being ...

JUN

29

2020

Lake Mashu - Akan National Park ...

Lake Mashu is located in Akan National park on Japan's, northern island Hokkaido. I have a summer cottage in the area, and I usually would be there ...

JUN

23

2020

Hokkaido Photo Tour - Mating ...

JUN

21

2020

Hokkaido Wildlife Photo Tour - ...

Making preparations for my annual Hokkaido photography tour takes about two weeks with special care; my pro-support team and I leave nothing to ...

MAY

28

2020

Fact vs. Folklore - Japan’s Dilemma of ...

While leading photo tour expeditions across Japan, I am able to explain in detail facts of ancient wood, stone carvings, and priceless iron cast ...

MAY

15

2020

Tempting the Fates and Gods in Hokkaido ...

Today's Newsletter is a Retelling of a Harrowing Experience During a Hokkaido Wildlife Photography Workshop The sun had just set, and I had ...

MAY

04

2020

Landscape Photography - Depth of Field ...

Today's newsletter is a recommendation from our lead photo workshop leader about how to get the most of your landscape photo ops.We Photograph ...

APR

01

2020

Shima Enaga - Long Tailed Bushtit - ...

Shima-Enaga is one of my favorite birds on our planet, and they are a sweetheart looking “Bonnie of a Bird,” and they have a uniquely ...

MAR

12

2020

Kyushu Private Photography Workshop ...

I am currently in Kyushu for a few weeks on a private photography workshop/tour with a client who joined my Hokkaido Winter Wonderland Wildlife ...

MAR

08

2020

Sakura Photo Tours - Shidarezakura - ...

Of all the sakura available for viewing and photography on Cherry Blossom Photo Tours, the shidarezakura, or weeping cherry blossom trees are the ...

MAR

07

2020

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours - An ...

Visiting Japan for a Cherry Blossom Photo Tour means experiencing a variety of sakura beauty. The most cultivated variety of cherry blossoms is ...

MAR

03

2020

Glorious Fuji-san - The Inspiration of ...

If you choose to visit Japan for a Photography Workshop/Tour, all our workshop leaders agree that Mt. Fuji is a must see location. It has ...

FEB

24

2020

Hokkaido Photo Workshop - Steller’s Sea ...

I am currently on the Pacific Coast in Raptor Country, leading my annual Hokkaido, Mt. Fuji, Snow Monkey, Landscape, Wildlife Extravaganza. The ...

FEB

22

2020

The Red-Crowned Cranes - Wow! Get ...

I am currently in the Kushiro Wetlands, in Hokkaido photographing The Red-Crowned Cranes, for the next few days, a segment of my ...

FEB

21

2020

Snow Monkeys Up Close and Personal - ...

I am currently photographing the snow monkeys with participants on my annual winter wonderland Hokkaido Wildlife Birding Adventure. The snow ...

FEB

19

2020

Dragons and the World of the Samurai - ...

I am currently leading my annual Hokkaido, Mt. Fuji, Snow Monkey, World of Samurai, and birding in Hokkaido featuring several of Hokkaido’s ...

FEB

16

2020

Hokkaido Winter Wonderland Photo Tour - ...

I am currently in Mt. Fuji leading my annual Mt. Fuji, Snow Monkey, World of Samurai, and Hokkaido Wildlife Birding Landscape Photography Workshop ...

JAN

28

2020

Mount Fuji Autumn Leaves Photo Tours - ...

The Fuji Five Lakes are almost as famous at Mt. Fuji itself, and when Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) conducts a Fujisan Autumn Leaves Photography Workshop, ...

JAN

23

2020

Mount Fuji Autumn Leaves Photo Tours

Mount Fuji Autumn Photo Tours often include the Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival which starts on November 1st and lasts until November 23rd, but ...

JAN

21

2020

Tohoku’s Best Cherry Blossoms Tour

Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, Akita, and Aomori all have cherry blossoms, just like the other 42 prefectures across Japan. Tohoku's cherry blossoms ...

JAN

17

2020

Essence of Cherry Blossoms Photo Tour

Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) Photography Tour Leaders understand that Cherry Blossom Photo Tours are different every year. They know that the ...

JAN

13

2020

The True Untold Stories of Japan - The ...

Before I tell you what bliss and the Authentic Cherry Blossom Photo Tours of Japan is, allow me to tell you what the majority of visitors will ...

JAN

06

2020

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours - Shinjuku ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours are sometimes overlooked due to the sheer amount of activities to take part in while visiting Tokyo. Take, for ...

DEC

20

2019

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours - Untold ...

To effectively lead Cherry Blossom Photo Tours, we at Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) believe that means constantly honing our skills to further improve our ...

DEC

17

2019

Cherry Blossom Photo Tour - The Most ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours are appealing for so many reasons. It’s no wonder that they are the goal of so many visiting and native ...

DEC

16

2019

Japan Photo Tours - The Right Mindset ...

Sometimes following the itinerary on a Japan Photo Tour feels like following a rainbow to a hidden cache of treasure, but a seasoned adventurer ...

DEC

12

2019

Japan Photo Tours - Tunnel Art ...

While leading Japan Photo Tours, Japan Dreamscapes’ (JDS’s) veteran photography workshop leader often remarks on how the journey to the ...

DEC

08

2019

Mt. Fuji Photo Tours - Expecting the ...

The Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) Photography Workshop Leaders commonly check in with the rest of staff when leading a tour to give some feedback about how ...

DEC

05

2019

Looking Ahead to Cherry Blossom Photo ...

Although the Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) Winter Photo Tour Season is just beginning with the annual photo adventure to Hokkaido on the horizon, we at JDS ...

DEC

03

2019

Perspectives of Mt. Fuji Photo Tours

Mt. Fuji beckons amazing amounts of visiting photographers every year for a Mt. Fuji photo tour experience, but one thing that sets Japan Dreamscapes ...

NOV

27

2019

Versatility & Inspiration - Japan Photo ...

Leading Japan Photo Tours requires resourcefulness. No matter how vigilant at Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) Photo Workshop Leader is checking weather ...

NOV

24

2019

Japan’s Iconic Peak - Mt. Fuji Photo ...

One of Japan Dreamscapes’ (JDS) veteran Mt. Fuji photo tour leaders is finishing up his last day of the annual Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves Photo ...

NOV

18

2019

Yokohama Cherry Blossom Photo Tours

Most visitors associate Tokyo and Yokohama with exclusively cityscape photography, but both cities are amazing locations for Cherry Blossom Photo ...

NOV

14

2019

Tokyo's Blushing Cherry Blossoms

Tokyo Cherry Blossom Tours start with Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) often start in Hamarikyu Gardens which is nestled between the famous Tsukiji Fish ...

NOV

08

2019

Japan Dreamscapes Development of ...

March 14, 2015 was a watershed moment in Japan and changed Kanazawa and Niigata Photo Tours. The Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended to Toyama and ...

NOV

05

2019

Japan Private Photo Tour - Japan ...

As our leaders on Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) Private Photo Tours know all to well, enjoying a photo workshops to its fullest means paying attention to ...

OCT

28

2019

Niigata Private Photo Tours - Sado ...

Opening a satellite office in Niigata also meant becoming very familiar with the prefecture, from top to bottom. Niigata Private Photo Tours ...

OCT

26

2019

Niigata Private Photo Tours - An Off ...

Being able to host Niigata Private Photo Tours is pleasant because of our proximity to the prefecture’s capital city. With so many famous ...

OCT

15

2019

Safety as a No. 1 Priority - Japan ...

Today we're sharing a message from our lead Japan Photography Workshop Guide. Thank you all again for your kindness and well wishes. I am so ...

OCT

04

2019

Hokkaido Photo Tours - Angels in Flight ...

Wildlife photography is a large part of most Hokkaido Photo Tours. The volume of red-tailed foxes, sika deer, and brown bears makes Hokkaido a ...

SEP

29

2019

Niigata Private Photography Workshops - ...

Many people ask, “Why should I join a Japan Photo Workshop to see with Japan?” To experience the true beauty of a country, as a ...

SEP

21

2019

Downtown Tokyo Photo Tour - 23 ...

A Downtown Tokyo Photo Tour can be so many different photo ops. Very often, our Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) Photo Tour Leaders will allocate at ...

SEP

11

2019

All-Inclusive Japan Photo Tours - Myoko ...

Mt. Myoko and its surrounding area create the foundation for an all-inclusive Niigata, Japan Photo Tour. Niigata prefecture, one of the largest ...

AUG

27

2019

Spring Photo Tours - Mt. Fuji - Never ...

Of all the locations for Spring Photo Tours in Japan, Mt. Fuji is always at the top of the list. Our Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) Expert photo tour ...

AUG

24

2019

Spring Photo Tours - Unpredictable Snow ...

When people imagine snow monkeys, they think of them on Winter Photo Tours more than Spring Photo Tours, but snow monkeys are active during the ...

AUG

19

2019

Niigata Private Photography Tours - ...

Interest in Niigata Private Photography Tours spikes due to the transformation that occurs every August on Sado Island. The sunny, pastoral ...

AUG

15

2019

Hokkaido Photo Tours - Wildlife ...

Many photographers and enthusiasts join Hokkaido Photo Tour to take pictures of the amazing birding photo ops that exist all over Japan’s ...

AUG

09

2019

Hokkaido Birding Photo Tours - The ...

Every winter, I begin to look forward to guiding clients on one the Hokkaido Birding Photo Tours planned during the season. My expeditions have ...

AUG

03

2019

Tokyo Photo Tours & Volcanic Activity

Temperatures have been high for Tokyo Photo Tours, and, in fact for the entire country at the moment, as a heatwave has Japan in its clutches, and ...

JUL

31

2019

Tokyo Private Photo Tour - Traditional ...

Tokyo Private Photo Tours are often composed exclusively of cityscapes and the metropolitan sprawl that is the glory of one of the largest and most ...

JUL

26

2019

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours - Matsumoto ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours could be focused exclusively on Matsumoto Castle and the castle grounds. The castle was completed in the 16th ...

JUL

24

2019

Tokyo Private Photography Tour - An ...

The Olympics will arrive in Tokyo in just about one year, so why not come and create your own Tokyo Private Photography Tour and see the city so ...

JUL

18

2019

Mt. Fuji Photography Tours - Something ...

The best know symbol of Japan, Mt. Fuji, is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO. Fujisan has been worshiped over since humans have lived ...

JUL

14

2019

Photo Tours & Earthquake Preparedness

Recently, earthquakes have been in the headlines all over the world. Having been in several big earthquakes, over 7 magnitude, and having some ...

JUL

08

2019

Hokkaido Photo Tours - A Photographer’s ...

Hokkaido is a beautiful, breathtaking place to visit especially when the snow falls. It becomes the ultimate paradise for birding wildlife, and ...

JUL

01

2019

Niigata Photo Tours - Giving Back to ...

Conducting Niigata Photo Tours allow Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) to give back to the community in which we live and work. Niigata has so many off ...

JUN

29

2019

Niigata Private Photo Tours - An Off ...

Being able to host Niigata Private Photo Tours is one of the pleasures our photo workshop leaders at Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) enjoy because of our ...

JUN

27

2019

Nagano Photography Workshops - Japan’s ...

Nagano Photography Workshops enjoy an immense variety of photographic subjects, but few places in Japan have as much rich history and value as the ...