I’m currently leading my annual cross-country cherry blossom photo workshop, an unforgettable journey through Japan’s most stunning spring landscapes. My participants and I traveled to Hakone before heading to Mt. Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes region.

While the famous Chureito Pagoda has long been a must-visit for photographers, overtourism has made it nearly impossible to capture a unique shot. BBC recently reported on efforts to deter crowds from overwhelming these iconic spots. Instead, I focus on taking my participants off the beaten path, ensuring they capture once-in-a-lifetime images without the hassle of long lines and overcrowding.

Our days start before dawn and continue through golden hour, when Mt. Fuji’s snow-capped peak glows in breathtaking hues—sometimes bright red (赤富士山 aka fujisan), sometimes pink. We visit ancient shrines and temples adorned with hundreds of Somei Yoshino cherry trees, creating stunning natural compositions. Birding photography is also a highlight, and today we photographed the elegant Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) gliding over serene waters.

This photography tour is about more than just cherry blossoms—it’s about capturing the soul of Japan through landscapes, wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences.