Before Nikko awakes, we will capture the sacred Shinkyo bridge, the gateway to the Futarasan Jinja best viewed at first light. Nikko's Toshogu is Japans most lavishly decorated shrine complex. The buildings are lacquered and decorated with vibrant colors, and the pillars and other structures are covered in a multitude of carvings. The carvings are not simply design elements; they are expressions of spirituality (Reiju Holy Spiritual animals) as well as scholarly and philosophical mystical beings. The Rinno-Ji Buddhist Temple founded in the 8th-century is most serene and mesmerizing.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples of Nikko encompasses over 100 buildings and structures, for centuries together with their natural surrounding, have been a sacred site. They are closely associated with the history of ‘The Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu,’ and the Tokugawa Shoguns that followed. The shrines and temples contain both Shinto and Buddhist elements which are common throughout Japan; Your experienced guide is well versed with most of these symbolic elements and is most happy to share his knowledge in what he loves to photograph. 

Kegon Waterfalls the top 3 most picturesque throughout Japan, at 97 meters (318 feet) with a breathtaking combination of Lake Chuzenji photographed from Akechidaira observatory. Various waterfalls, lakes, and places of natural beauty we will visit while exploring Lake Chuzenji region.

Mt. Fuji World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO has been worshipped as a sacred mountain for as long as humans have lived nearby. Originally a sacred mountain of the Ainu the First Nations people of Japan. The Fuji Five Lakes at the base of Mount Fuji comprises of Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Shoji and Motsosu lakes. Over 95% of Japanese have never visited all the fuji five lakes; you will be among the few that have photographed and walked the shores of all the fuji five lakes. And enjoy Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴) with camera in hand at the base of Mt. Fuji. 

Day 1, 2, 3: Arrival and meet Tokyo, Haneda Airport, (HND)
An ancient samurai bamboo forest, Photo Tour Nikko UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Toshogu and Futarasan-Jinja Shinto Shrines, Rinno-Ji Buddhist Temple.

Day 4: Kegon waterfalls, Chuzenji Lake, Akechidaira Plateau Senjougahara, various other lakes and waterfalls.

Day 5, 6, 7: Mt. Fuji, The Fuji five Lakes, The Sea of Trees and Caves, Shinto Shrines. Overnight La Vista Fuji-Kawaguchiko.  Lodgings La Vista Fuji-Kawaguchiko.

Day 8: Drop off and departure from Tokyo, Haneda Airport, (HND).
Thank you, and we look forward to the next adventure together.

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 Japanese architectural masterpieces.
• Unique UNESCO World Heritage photo tour power points.
• 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. 
• 2023 will be the tour leaders 26th year leading photo adventures in Japan.

Tour cost: $7,200 Includes all lodging based on double room occupancy 3-5 star with western style toiletries, all breakfast, and dinners, all group ground transportation sports utility vehicles with business class seating, all entrance fees, all donations at temples and shrines, professional photography guide instruction, detailed itinerary, clothing and gear recommendations.

Single supplement: $1,100

Not included: Flight to JPN and from JPN, alcohol beverages, travel health insurance, lunches, items of a personal nature.