November 12 - 19, 2022 - Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves UNESCO - Japan Photography Tour
Now accepting bookings now for 2023!
For centuries artisans have been mesmerized by Mount Fuji and it's breathtaking beauty. Autumn is especially mesmerizingly beautiful, with lavish displays of vibrant fall foliage and the legendary Japanese maple tree in red-yellow and orange. By daylight or moonlight, I guarantee that Mount Fuji will capture your heart and imagination, that no one picture that you take will express the zen emotion that has overcome you. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, it will take a thousand pictures to express your one emotion of photographing autumn in Mount Fuji.
Day 1, 2, 3, 4: Arrival and meet Tokyo Haneda Airport, (HND). We travel the pilgrim’s route that artisans have used for centuries, such artists as Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hokusai, best known for his 36 views of Mount Fuji. La Vista Fuji Lake Kawaguchiko hotel will be our base as we explore beautiful autumn around the Fuji Five comprising of Yamanaka, Kawaguchi Saiko, Shoji and Motosu Lakes. On route to Itchiku Kubota art museum, Sengen Shrine Chureito Pagoda, Fuji-Kawaguchiko autumn leaves festival, Momiji corridor Yuyake no Nagisa fall foliage festival. Our nature course takes us to ‘aokigahara the Sea Of Trees,’ then to the 5th station on mt fuji, plus Shiraito Falls, Ice Caves, and Saiko Wildbird forest Park.
Day 5, 6, 7: After breakfast and checkout at La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko, we continue on the pilgrim's trail. We drive 2 hrs to Fujisan-Hongu Sengen-Taisha Grand Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture and is the head shrine of 1300 Sengen Shrines in Japan, including the entire top of Mount Fuji from the 8th stage upwards is part of the shrine grounds. After a busy day of autumn and architectural photography, we make our way to our lodgings in Hakone at The Fujiya Hotel where John Lennon, Albert Einstein stayed. Day 6, 7, we will take a pirate ship cruise and photograph Mt. Fuji and autumn colours on lake Ashinoko. The Hakone checkpoint stone-paved 400-year-old Tokaido offers us the majestic fall scenery, along the way we stop off at Amazake Chaya tea house serving travels for more than 350 years. Highlights include Komagate Ropeway, Owakudani, Hakone Shrine, Odawara Castle and the Enoura Observatory Hiroshi Sugimoto, plus more.
Day 8: After breakfast at our lodgings in Hakone, drop off and departure at Tokyo Haneda International Airport, (HND).
Why Choose this Photography Tour/Workshop?
- Photographers of all levels are welcome.
- All Camera formats are welcome, digital, handy camera, scoping with iPhone large format, film, etc.
- Photograph the legendary Japanese Maples tree in Red-Yellow and orange.
- Unique UNESCO World Heritage photo tour power spot.
- Activity level leisurely - moderate.
- Transportation Private Sports Utility Vehicles with Business Class Seating.
- Small group size equals quality time with participants questions are always welcome and encouraged.
- Each evening and morning we discuss our best shooting options with our weather conditions so that you will be well prepared.
- Your JDS tour leaders has more than 20 years leading photo workshops in Japan
Tour Cost: $7,200 Includes all lodging based on double room occupancy 3-5 star hotel, all breakfasts, 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, a detailed itinerary with clothing and gear recommendations.
Single Supplement: $1,100
Not included: Flights to or from Japan, alcohol beverages, travel health insurance, lunches, items of a personal nature.