Hokkaido Winter Wildlife Photography: Capturing the Elusive Shima Enaga and Majestic Birds of Japan

Hokkaido is a premier destination for wildlife photography, drawing nature lovers and birders eager to witness the dramatic aerial battles of Steller’s Sea Eagles (Haliaeetus pelagicus) and White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla)over the pack ice during Shiretoko nature cruises. While these raptors steal the spotlight, smaller, elusive wildlife—like the enchanting Shima Enaga (Parus caudatus japonicus)—offer a refined challenge for photographers on a Japan wildlife photography tour.

The Shima Enaga: Hokkaido’s Snow Fairy

A subspecies of the long-tailed bushtit, the Shima Enaga is a tiny (12-16 cm) songbird that remains in Hokkaido year-round. Unlike its mainland relatives, which retain dark "eyebrows" into adulthood, the Hokkaido subspecies boasts a completely white face, enhancing its ethereal beauty. These highly social birds travel in family flocks, announcing their presence with high-pitched “juri juri” and “tsee-tsee-tsee” calls. Spotting them against the pristine snow is challenging, but their delicate presence makes every sighting magical.

Mastering Snow Photography: Essential Camera Settings

Photographing in snowy landscapes requires precise exposure control. Snow can trick camera meters into underexposing shots, so manual adjustments are essential. One of our JDS Hokkaido photography tour leaders recommends:

• Small birds (Shima Enaga, Blakiston’s Fish Owl Ketupa blakistoni): 1/2500s to 1/5000s, f/7.1–f/8
• Large birds (Red-crowned Crane Grus japonensis, Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus): f/11 for full-body clarity
• ISO: Adjust manually to balance shutter speed and aperture
  Underexposing slightly is preferable to avoid blown highlights, as modern sensors can recover shadow details in post-processing.

Why Join a Hokkaido Wildlife Photography Tour?

Hokkaido offers unparalleled opportunities to capture Japan’s iconic winter wildlife, from the majestic Red-crowned Crane to the mystical Shima Enaga. Whether aboard a Shiretoko nature cruise or deep in the forests of Daisetsuzan National Park, expert guidance ensures photographers maximize every moment in the field.