How It Works / Booking Guide

Booking & Tour Process

STEP1
Select Your Preferred Date from the Calendar
Please choose a date marked with a circle (◯) on the calendar of each photography guide page.
When booking, please clearly indicate whether you will "visit the studio directly" or "request a pick-up service."
*Customers arriving in Aizu by car are kindly requested to meet directly at the site.
STEP2
Confirmation Email from Your Guide
After booking, we will send you an email with detailed information, including meeting times and locations.
Tour Day
Meeting & Departure
Crested Kingfisher Approx. 1 hour before dawn
Ruddy Kingfisher Approx. 1 hour before dawn
Mountain Hawk-Eagle Meeting around 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Pick-up
Pick-up Service Area
For those traveling by public transportation, pick-up service is available to and from accommodations in the following areas:
Around Aizu-Wakamatsu Station:Aizu Wakamatsu Washington HotelFuji Grand HotelHotel Alpha-1 Aizu WakamatsuToyoko INN Aizu-wakamatsu Ekimae
Around Kitakata Station:Garden Hotel KitakataGreen Hotel Kitakata
Consent
Photography Consent Form
We require a signature or a personal seal (Hanko) during check-in. A handwritten signature is acceptable in place of a seal, so you do not need to bring one.
Weather
In Case of Severe Weather
Tours may be canceled in the event of extreme weather or conditions that make photography impossible. No cancellation fees will be charged in such cases.
Fee
Cancellation Policy
2 days before: 50% ／ 1 day before: 75% ／ On the day: 100%

Rates & Options

Rate
Wild Bird Photography Guiding Rate
22,000 JPY (Tax Incl.)
*Applicable for bookings from April 2026 onwards
Chair
Chair Rental
500 JPY (Tax Incl.)
Tripod
Tripod Rental
3,000 JPY (Tax Incl.)
  • GITZO Series 5 / Sachtler FSB8
  • GITZO Series 5 Equivalent / Sachtler FSB4
  • GITZO Series 3 / GITZO Gimbal Head
  • LEOFOTO 324CEX / BV-10
Crested Kingfisher Photography Guide
Ruddy Kingfisher Photography Guide
Mountain Hawk-Eagle Photography Guide

April

Crested Kingfisher
  • This marks the peak of the breeding season.
  • Keep an eye out for Common Kingfishers, Mandarin Ducks, and other species while waiting.
Mountain Hawk-Eagle
  • Aim for shots with wild cherry blossoms in the background from mid to late April.
  • Capture them in flight against a backdrop of fresh spring greenery.
  • It would be wonderful if Copper Pheasants or other birds make an appearance as well.

May

Crested Kingfisher
  • Aim for photos featuring a beautiful combination with wisteria blossoms.
  • The fresh spring greenery begins to look stunning.
Mountain Hawk-Eagle
  • Capture them perching or in flight against a lush, green background.
  • Aim for shots composed beautifully with seasonal flowers.

June

Ruddy Kingfisher
  • The season is expected to begin.
  • Photography sessions are planned at their hunting grounds.
Crested Kingfisher
  • Chicks rearing reaches its peak, and the frequency of parents carrying food begins to increase.

July

Ruddy Kingfisher
  • Peak season to capture feeding scenes during chick rearing.
  • The prime period is generally from early July to around the 13th.
Crested Kingfisher
  • Capture dynamic summer diving and water-bathing scenes.
  • Juvenile birds begin to visit the hunting grounds.
  • The season reaches its full peak.

August

Ruddy Kingfisher
  • Great photography opportunities continue until early August.
  • We may switch locations for a final push to get the perfect shot.
Crested Kingfisher
  • Peak season! Numerous shutter opportunities are expected as juveniles flock to the hunting grounds.
  • Expect to capture scenes of them catching prey with beautiful nuptial coloration, such as Pale Chubs or Pale Chubs (Hasu).

September

Crested Kingfisher
  • As the time for independence approaches, occasional territorial disputes can be observed.
  • Hunting activities remain highly active during this period.

October

Crested Kingfisher
  • With chick rearing concluded, pairs can be observed moving at a more relaxed pace.
  • Aim for hunting scenes featuring prey unique to the autumn season.

November

Mountain Hawk-Eagle
  • The season is expected to begin.
  • Aim for photos showcasing a gorgeous combination of autumn foliage and the Mountain Hawk-Eagle.
Crested Kingfisher
  • The autumn foliage reaches its peak.
  • Activities as pairs become highly active once again.

December

Crested Kingfisher
  • The start of the winter season.
  • Aim for a beautiful contrast between snowy landscapes and the Crested Kingfisher.
Mountain Hawk-Eagle
  • The authentic winter season begins, offering stunning snow-covered backgrounds.
  • Capture their beautiful feather patterns enhanced by natural snow reflection (snow-reflector effect).

January

Crested Kingfisher
  • The winter season is in full swing.
  • Aim for a striking contrast between snowy landscapes and the Crested Kingfisher.
  • Please ensure you wear heavy, specialized winter clothing.
Mountain Hawk-Eagle
  • The winter season peaks—aim for shots with natural snow reflection.
  • Capture high-resolution, crisp shots through the clear winter air.

February

Mountain Hawk-Eagle
  • Peak winter season.
  • Aim for magnificent scenes enhanced by snow reflection.
  • Opportunities to capture intense hunting scenes also increase.
Crested Kingfisher
  • Photograph the Crested Kingfisher amidst the snowy landscape.
  • As prey fish become scarce, opportunities to capture hovering behavior increase significantly.

March

Crested Kingfisher
  • Entering the breeding season, interactions as pairs become more frequent.
  • Expect increasing opportunities to photograph pairs perching together.
Mountain Hawk-Eagle
  • Aim for shots in flight or perching against mountain slopes where the snow begins to melt.
  • Entering the nest-building period.