Day 1

Meet and greet at Tokyo Station at 8 am (place inside to be announced).  Immediately after assembling all members, we will sojourn into Tokyo, a city always in motion with a geisha-like poise.  After stepping outside the Marunouchi building, your JDS Photography Tour Leader will help you frame a stunning photo capturing the contrast between Tokyo’s Metropolitan steel and the carefully preserved tradition of the Marunouchi station exit's red brick.  During the lunch hour, you will have the opportunity to photograph the Shibuya pedestrian crossing, the busiest intersection in Japan and perhaps the world.  Modern day corporate samurais effortlessly negotiate the narrow capillaries created as thousands of people barely avoiding collision with the trademark Japanese precision.  As the sun reaches the horizon, your JDS Photography Workshop Guide will lead you on an illuminated adventure to see the two glistening beacons of the Tokyo Skyline, The Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree.  Shinjuku is yet another resplendent gem with thousands of LED lights and towering screens inviting you to capture one memorable image after another.  Check into your lodgings, and your JDS photo workshop leader will discuss the weather conditions and the best gear for the following day.

Day 2

Rise early to allow for maximum shutter time with Japan’s premier mountain, Fujisan.  Transfer to Mt. Fuji in a luxury SUV with private seating and watch as the space between buildings widens, your adventure transforming from a cityscape focus to one of Japan’s most photogenic locations.  Your JDS Photography Tour Leader knows location has an enormous impact on photos, so using his 21+ years of experience, he will help elevate your photographic techniques and get you the pictures of a lifetime!  In the evening, you will join the Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, and you will see the ‘Momiji’ (Maple) Corridor which resembles a garland, crowning Fujisan and providing a supreme accent to your Mt. Fuji photos.  Everywhere you turn, a spectacular orange-red will catch your eye, reminiscent of a raging camp fire from which Mt. Fuji emerges as sort of a natural phoenix for your camera to capture.  Once you catalogue enough photos for your personal Fujisan gallery, you can relax at nearby lodgings to discuss if any weather conditions will require changes to your gear and equipment for the following day.  Once the photographic discussion has concluded, you may indulge in one or more of the splendid sakés available for your consumption.  Having enough delicious saké, rest and prepare for one more day of Fujisan and another Autumn Leaves festival even more spectacular than Kawaguchiko.

Day 3

Rise before dawn to catch Fujisan at the blue hour and keep photographing straight through the golden hour.  From the golden hour, your JDS Photography Workshop Leader will conduct you to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station for photography of the golden and eye-catching reds in the foreground as you enjoy a photographic feast for the eyes.  After that marvel, you will visit all the Fuji Five Lakes.  They are comprised Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shōjiko, and Motosuko lakes.  Over 95% of Japanese and 99.9% of foreign visitors have never visited all the Fuji Five Lakes.  Your JDS Photo Guide will ensure that you become one of the elite photographers to interact with all of Fuji’s Five Lakes.  Your exploration of Fujisan continues with another distinct and breathtaking Autumn Leaves festival.  The festival is so amazing that your JDS Guide will only share the location the same day you will attend and capture more one-of-a-kind shots.  Be prepared for an experience you will never forget!  Return to your lodgings and once again discuss any significant changes or alterations necessary for one more interaction with Fujisan.

Day 4

Awake before dawn for blue to golden hour photography of Mt. Fuji.  Everyday as your experience has grown with JDS Photography Workshop Leader advice, you will learn how, when, and where to capture all 36 of the infamous Mt. Fuji views.  Upon returning to your lodgings, you will have discussion over a warm, replenishing breakfast, check out, and then your private transportation will return you to Tokyo Station until your next JDS adventure.

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 four people; maximum six) 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 instructor has lead workshops & tours throughout Japan.

This Photo Workshop has a minimum of four (4) participants, so the minimum tour cost is: $3,315 (cost for one person) * 4 = $13,260; 5 = $16,575; 6 = $19,890; 7 = $23,205; 8 = $26,520

This cost is based on double occupancy) in 3 - 5 star accommodations with western style toiletries, and all breakfasts and dinners included.  All group ground transportation will be in sports utility vehicles with business class seating.  All entrance fees and all donations at temples and shrines are included in tour cost.  Also included is professional photography instruction as well as a detailed itinerary with clothing and gear recommendations.