Japan Spring Photo Tour - Mar 28 - April 8

4 min & 6 people max, led by Alfonso Calero - fluent in Japanese, photographer, tutor and guide.

Smartphone Photographer’s Welcome!

Pricing:

AUD $7800 twin share
AUD $9000 single room

Payment by Bank Transfer

Price includes:

All ground transport (Trains & Car Hire - Mt. Fuji & Ainokura)
All 3 Star Accommodation for 11 nights
All Tuition (6 hours per day), translating, photography, tour-guiding
Luggage Delivery
All Breakfasts

NOT included:

International Flights and International Hotel Transfers
Local Transport
Lunches and Dinners
Entrance Fees
Travel Insurance

International flights should be booked separately once your Tour booking is confirmed.

Japan Photo Tour Itinerary Mar 28 - April 8

Day 1 - 2 Kyoto for 2 nights of temple/shrine hopping and gardens of Zen

Highlights include Fushimi Inari (Orange Gates), Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama and the Orange Gates at Fushimi Inari. There will be loads of opportunities to also shoot street portraits and if we are a lucky we can meet a Geisha.

Arashiyama,Kyoto Bamboo Grove. — Arashiyama, Kyoto Bamboo Grove.

Day 3 - 4 Omi Hachiman known for its nicely preserved old town and canal where visitors can enjoy traditional boat cruises through the historic townscape.

Staying 2 nights in traditional accomodation in our own home in the heart of the Omi Merchant district a stones throw away from the canal area. After the business of Kyoto this will be a welcome relief to relax and experience life in rural Japan.

Day 5 - 6 Kanazawa for 2 nights - Highlights include The tea district and Kenrokuen gardens are two of the best spots for photography. Another must see destination is the fish market in the heart of the city. Unlike Tokyo fish market it is easier to photograph and the array of seafood from the Japan sea can be sampled for breakfast or lunch. Geisha Experience inTea District for optional extra.

Day 7 Ainokura Village (Traditional Farmhouse)

The Unesco heritage village will be our stop for the night staying in a 250 year old farmhouse in traditional accommodation. This will be a truly unique experience.

Day 8 - Drive through the Japan Alps after checkout from Ainokura. Staying the night in Shiojiri - Explore surrounding old post town areas of Naraijuku. Another great UNESCO Heritage listed village cultural experience. If we are lucky to catch the Blossoms in full bloom.

Day 9 & 10 Mt. Fuji - 5 lakes surround the elusive Mt. Fuji so weather pending she won’t be shy and make an appearance at sunrise or sunset from a few key spots. We will have a hire car to get around easily and also enjoy some amazing iconic locations.

Japan Photo Tours Spring — Chureito Pago Mt. Fuji

Shinjuku Crossing (1 of 1).jpg — Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

Day 11 & 12 - Tokyo - Highlights include Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya for some day and night shooting in Neon Tokyo.

Ueno (9 of 26).jpg — Tokyo Street Portrait with permission.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy (per person)

A deposit of 25% per person is required to secure booking
Via Bank Transfer
Cancellation More than 180 days before a trip: 100% refund of deposit.
Cancellation Between 180 and 30 days: 50% refund
Cancellation Less than 30 days: 0% refund
Final payment is due 180 days before the workshop/trip starts.

What to Bring: Photographic & General Gear

DSLR or hybrid mirrorless digital camera (Smartphone Photographers Welcome)
Lens 24-70mm range
Tripod & Cable Release
Dependable Portable External Drive
Laptop and power supply
Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop
ND Variable Filter
Up to 20 kg luggage and appropriate clothing
Moderate Level of Fitness is required with around 10,000 steps a day (2hrs)

Tour highlights:

Riding a Japanese bullet train
Visiting the famous Inari Shrine
Staying in traditional accommodation - a 250 year old farmhouse!
Going to a bamboo grove
Sample fresh Japanese seafood and sushi from the fish market

Very small group
Learn at your own pace one on one
Hand-picked BEST locations
Led by an experienced photographer/guide/tutor fluent in Japanese
Truly authentic travel experience - a trip of lifetime!

We will learn:

Master Composition & Manual Settings
Advanced Editing Techniques (i.e. Focus Stacking, Bracketing, Composite, Luminosity Masking, H.D.R. & Panorama Stitch)
Landscape Photography
Street Portrait Photography
Architectural Photography

Booking Form