Arrival and meet at Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND). We will transfer to Yamanashi Prefecture home prefecture to the Iconic Mt. Fuji about an hour and a half from Mt. Fuji we will book into our lodgings and ready ourselves to be dazzled by authentic Japanese countryside lifestyle and the perfect cherry blossom festival, at night the cherry blossoms will be illuminated. Throughout this Japan photography workshop/tour, we will have many opportunities for low lighting photography. Blain, our most veteran photography workshop leader, will be by your side to help you with low lighting techniques white balance so your images will be gallery-worthy.

Matsumoto Castle is a Japanese National Treasure built in 1504, used officially by the samurai until 1868. Locally, it is known as 'Karasu-Jo' or Crow Castle due to its resplendent black exterior. During cherry blossom season, the castle and cherry trees are masterfully illuminated, and the reflection of the castle in its moat is awe-inspiringly dramatic and singularly beautiful when captured with your camera. You will be able to photograph the castle using Blain's 22 years of experience to guide you. Live musicians will also entertain you inside the castle grounds while you partake in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

You will have up close and personal encounters with the wild Japanese macaques, better known as snow monkeys. Proud mothers of newborn snow monkeys gather to showcase their new family members while enjoying the healing hot springs. Blain, your photography workshop leader, knows Yaen-Koen Snow Monkey Park inhabitants and behaviors well, allowing you to take photos you will always treasure.

By the Sea of Japan, you will be counted among the few experiencing a cherry blossom field of dreams and the crimson beauty of the Takeda Castle Cherry Blossoms and Sunset. The area is renowned for the excellence of the staples of Japanese cuisine, sake, and rice. Every dining experience will be a photo opportunity due to its immaculate presentation. Areas adjacent to the Sea of Japan are a repository of Japanese culture, reaching back to the times when Geisha, Maiko, and Shinto Maidens were a common sight, and you will not ask where you are but when you are.</P.

Returning to the Pacific Ocean side of Japan, we will take in majestic views of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mt. Fuji from the golden hour to twilight and between. As we explore Fuji-san, we will visit and touch the waters of the Fuji Five Lakes which are comprised of Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saikoko, Shojiko, and Motosuko lakes. At each turn, clients have a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of Japan's perfect cherry blossom with iconic Mt. Fuji in the backdrop. At Lake Kawaguchiko's Chureito Pagoda, you will have another moment to snap an image of Japan’s flawless cherry blossom. As a finale, clients will be conveyed to Mt. Fuji’s ‘Subaru Line 5th Station', receiving the gift of a bird’s eye view from 2,300 meters up the mountain face. After sunset, we will use the grandeur below our feet to satisfy our photographic cravings casting our gaze skyward for astrophotography.

Departure late afternoon from Tokyo, Haneda Airport, (HND). Please accept our warmest thanks, and we look forward to our next adventure together.

Why Choose this Photography Tour/Workshop?

☞Any level of photographer is welcome.

☞All camera formats are welcome: digital, handy-cams, scoping with iPhone large format, film, etc.

☞Professional photo instruction available when requested [included].

☞Photograph Japanese cultural and architectural masterpieces.

☞Activity level varying from leisurely to moderate.

☞Provided transportation: Sports Utility Vehicles with Business Class Seating.

☞Small group size means quality, in-depth time with your workshop leader.

☞All questions are welcome and encouraged throughout your adventure!

☞Each morning and evening, we will discuss our best shooting options with our weather conditions in hand, so that we will be well prepared.

☞2023 represents the 26th year your photo workshop guide has been leading photo tours in Japan.

Tour Cost: USD $8,300 This price includes all lodging based on double room occupancy in 3 - 5 star accommodations with western-style toiletries, all breakfast and dinners, all group ground transportation in sports utility vehicles with business class seating, all entrance fees, all donations at temples and shrines, professional photography guide instruction, and a detailed itinerary with clothing and gear recommendations.

Single Supplement: USD $1,350

Not Included: Flight to and from Japan, alcoholic beverages, travel health insurance

A deposit of USD $1,000 will secure your spot on this tour!