Central Japan Autumn Photography Tour

 Travel photography courses in Japan. Learn how to shoot in manual modes and master composition with your DSLR. Discover the art and technical settings on your camera.

From beginner to advanced photography courses. Get taken to the best spots for landscape photography at the best time of day and months of the year.

Japan in autumn can last up to a month in each location but Cypress and Maple leaves peak for only two weeks. Weather can play an important role on being in the right place at the right time. Local knowledge and years of travelling through these parts has given me loads of options at the drop of a hat.

Despite having key locations to photograph we also work on serendipity when opportunities arise unplanned.

Autumn Dates: Nov 17- Nov 28, 2024 & 2025

4 min & 6 max, led by Alfonso Calero - fluent in Japanese, photographer, tutor and guide. Highlights include Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Tokyo, Kanazawa and Snow Monkeys in Nagano.

Pricing

AUD$7800 twin share
AUD$9000 single room

Price includes:

• All ground transport (Trains & Hire Car - Mt. Fuji & Ainokura)

• All 3 Star Accommodation for 11 nights (Small but comfortable)

• All Tuition (6 hours per day), translating, photography, tour-guiding

• Luggage Delivery x 2 (optional)

NOT included:

• International Flights and International Hotel Transfers

• Local Transport (i.e. taxis, buses, trains)

• All Meals

• Entrance Fees

• Travel Insurance

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Ueno, Tokyo Meet after breakfast at hotel and explore the many sight of Tokyo

Day 2 & 3  - Mt. Fuji

Travel after peak hour at 10am from Ueno Station in Tokyo. Shoot at Lake Kawaguchi from mid-afternoon to early evening. Next morning shoot at Chureito Pagoda. Back to to hotel for breakfast and checkout for travel to Kyoto.

While in this area we will hire a car for the night which will give us quick access to many of the lake with fabulous views of Mt. Fuji.

Highlights will include Shiraito Falls, Lakes Saiko & Yamanakako. Weather permitting our two night stay will give us many chances to photograph Mt. Fuji which can sometimes be covered with cloud. 

Day 4 & 5 Kyoto for 2 nights of temple/shrine hopping and gardens of Zen.

Highlights include Fushimi Inari (Orange Gates), Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama and the Golden Temple. There will be loads of opportunities to also shoot street portraits and if we are a lucky we can meet a Geisha.

Day 6 & 7 Omi-Hachiman 2nights stay known for its nicely preserved old town and canal where visitors can enjoy traditional boat cruises through the historic townscape.

We will be staying in traditional accomodation in the heart of the town's mercantile history which is reflected around the old town, where there are numerous buildings that in centuries past served as the merchants' homes and shops. This will be a welcome rest from busy Kyoto to slow down and experience rural Japan in the marshland areas surrounding the largest Lake Biwa.

Day 8 & 9 - Kanazawa (Gardens & Castles) 2 nights stay.

The tea district and Kenrokuen gardens are two of the best spots for photography. Another must see destination is the fish market in the heart of the city. Unlike Tokyo fish market it is easier to photograph and the array of seafood from the Japan sea can be sampled for breakfast or lunch. 

Day 10 -  Ainokura Village (Traditional Farmhouse) 1 nights stay.

The Unesco heritage village will be our stop for the night staying in a 250 year old farmhouse in traditional accommodation. This will be a truly unique experience.

Day 11 - 1 nights stay Nagano city. After we drop off our bag in Nagano City we will catch a late morning bus to Monkey Park and catch a train back to Nagano city from Yudanaka. On our way back from Yudanaka Station we might get a Japanese Archery demonstration from my friend. Final dinner in Nagano City.

Day 12 -  On Our final day we will explore Nagano City's Zenkouji Temple to end with a blessing and a safe journey back to Tokyo at lunch time.

Ever wanted to venture further with your photography and new cultural experiences? Our Japan Photography Tour gives you the chance to capture the colour and movement of a unique country while experiencing the sights with an experienced, Japanese speaker, guide and instructor with professional photographer Alfonso Calero.

We will learn:

• Master Composition & Manual Settings

• Advanced Editing Techniques (i.e. Focus Stacking, Bracketing, Composite, Luminosity Masking, H.D.R. & Panorama Stitch)

• Landscape Photography

• Street Portrait Photography

• Architectural Photography

Deposit and Cancellation Policy (per person)

• A deposit of 25% per person is required to secure booking

• Via Bank Transfer or Credit Card (2% Fees Apply)

• Cancellation More than 180 days before a trip: 100% refund of deposit.

• Cancellation Between 180 and 30 days: 50% refund

• Cancellation Less than 30 days: 0% refund

• Final payment is due 180 days before the workshop/trip starts.

Tour highlights:

• Riding a Japanese bullet train

• Visiting the famous Inari Shrine

• Staying in traditional accommodation - a 250 year old farmhouse!

• Seeing and photographing Nagano snow monkeys

• Going to a bamboo grove

• Sample fresh Japanese seafood and sushi from the fish market

• Very small group

• Learn at your own pace one on one

• Hand-picked BEST locations

• Led by an experienced photographer/guide/tutor fluent in Japanese

• Truly authentic travel experience - a trip of lifetime!

What to Bring: Photographic & General Gear

• DSLR or hybrid mirrorless digital camera (Smartphone Photographers Welcome)

• Lens 24-70mm range

• Tripod & Cable Release

• Dependable Portable External Drive

• Laptop and power supply

• Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop

• ND Variable Filter 

• Up to 20 kg luggage and appropriate clothing

• Moderate Level of Fitness is required with around 10,000-20,000 steps a day (2-4hrs)