Come and Enjoy a private JDS Cherry Blossom Photo Tour of Morioka and Tohoku, Japan! 

Morioka is a jewel of the Tohoku region of Japan, and has some of the most amazing cherry blossoms in all of Japan.  Our photo workshop leaders have been scouting regions across Japan for more than two decades, so they know when the sakura will be in full bloom and some off the beaten path locations that you won’t be able to access using a Google search. Our main workshop leader traces his Japanese in-laws back to Tohoku, specifically Morioka, so the location has a place near and dear to his heart.  He's excited about introducing a little bit of his history along with the region's finest cherry blossoms.  The workshop includes Morioka, but it there are several more locations on the itinerary to ensure you’ll get photos of a lifetime!

Morioka in Iwate prefecture is a place of particular interest, as Morioka is the northern most city to have some of their sakura trees designated as natural monuments by Japan.  Cherry blossom viewings tend to circle around one tree in particular, the Ishiwari, which means ‘breaking stone’, which is precisely what the cherry tree has done to flourish.  The tree alone is nearly 11 meters (36 feet) and a maximum circumference of 4.7 meter (15.4 feet).  The stone that the cherry blossom tree appears to be growing from is itself 21 meters (68.9 feet) in circumference.  The tree is estimated to be 400 years old and Edo Higan (Prunus itosakura) sakura variety, named ‘Higan’ after the Japanese name for the spring equinox, the time when they are most often in full bloom.  Morioka is also home to the Somei Yoshino (Prunus yedoensis) cherry blossom variety boasting over 1,000 trees, spread across large parts of the city.

Your Workshop may include: Morioka Castle Ruins Park, the Rock-breaking Cherry Tree (Ishiwarizakura), Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building, Ishikawa Takuboku’s Residence grounds, Teramachi dori, Takamatsu Park, Hirosaki Castle, Aomori, and several other cherry blossom locations in the Tohoku region.

From $735 per day per person all inclusive based on 3-4 participants, 2 participants from $1,015 per day per person; single from $1,655 per day. 

Why Choose This Photography Tour/Workshop?

• All levels of photographers are welcome.
• Any type of camera is welcome: digital, pocket camera, scoping with an iPhone, large format, and others.
• Professional Photo Instruction available when requested (included in tour cost).
• Opportunity to photograph cultural and architectural masterpieces.
• Activity level varying from leisurely to moderate.
• Provided transportation: Sports Utility Vehicle with Business Class Seating.
• Small group size (minimum two people; maximum eight) means quality, in-depth time with your workshop leader.
• All questions are welcome and encouraged throughout your JDS adventure!
• During each morning and evening meal, your JDS photo workshop leader will discuss with you and the group the best shooting options with weather conditions in mind so each tour member will be well prepared to take spectacular photos. 
• No precious moments are wasted in needless seminars
• 2024 is the 27th year that your workshop photography instructors have lead workshops & tours throughout Japan.

The Perfect photography vacation adventure awaits! To start your adventure, all interested parties should fill out the contact form below to begin to process for a personalized cultural photography Japan adventure. Please include in your message your desired dates of travel.  The number of participants.

Perhaps you want to try a tour that JDS is already leading but with a more personal focus? Please let us know!

Tours Terms & Conditions