Date and Time
9.30am Wednesday 2nd – 8pm Saturday 13th April 2025
Duration
Eleven Nights
Price
£6,395
(£500 deposit, £5,895 balance to be paid by the 2nd January 2025. If booking after the 2nd January 2025, the full amount is payable)
Workshop Leaders
Melvin Nicholson
Francis Ansing
Maximum Workshop Attendees
7 (two tutors)
Meeting Place
9.30am, Wednesday 2nd April 2025 Hotel Sunroute, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Exertion Level
Easy / Medium – All locations within half a mile from the car, some much closer. Some slippery rocks near waterfalls and the odd uphill section with or without steps will be present. A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required.
Join Melvin Nicholson, and Francis Ansing on this once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the amazing country that is Japan. You will be spellbound not only by the stunning scenery, but also the Japanese culture. There is nowhere quite like the ‘land of the rising sun’.
On this photography tour, you will have two photography tutors, Melvin and his co-tour leader Francis Ansing. Francis recently lived in Japan for three years and knows the locations that we will be visiting extremely well.
On this eleven night, twelve day tour, you will experience a huge variety of locations including the wonderful cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Himeji. There will be lush waterfalls, seascapes, Buddhist temples, castles, traditional old Japanese towns featuring some wonderful buildings, national parks, mountains, pagodas, lakes, torii gates as well as street photography and architecture. This tour really does have it all.
Both Francis and Melvin will be on hand to assist you with your photography, from composing an image to understanding the settings while shooting in manual mode. They can guide you on how and when to use filters as well as offer advice on what camera equipment to use and how to use it.
There will be eight hotels provided during your eleven nights in Japan. They are all high quality and breakfast is included. You will really enjoy the experience especially the ones in Himeji and Takayama. We will have a large ten seat modern, comfortable and spacious Toyota HiAce Grand Cabin minibus during our time on the workshop and Francis shall be the solo driver.
We have no doubt that Japan will leave you with life long lasting memories. You will all absolutely fall in love with Japan. There are just ten places in total between two tour photography guides/tutors ensuring a small, informal group with plenty of personalised 1-2-1 tuition on offer. We hope that you can join us.
Here is a detailed itinerary outlining our schedule. Additional locations will also feature where time and weather will allow.
Day 1 – Wednesday 2nd April 2025
Tokyo
You will be collected at 9.30am from Hotel Sunroute in Shinjuka, Tokyo by your tour guides.
We will spend the entire day and well into the evening in Tokyo. We will spend the morning at the beautiful Gyeon National Park which has a stunning selection of Sakura trees (cherry blossom).
The nearby district of Shibuya and its iconic crossing (a road junction that sees up to 2500 people crossing at the same time) will feature mid-afternoon before we head into the Minato district to photograph the stunning Tokyo Tower at sunset and then onto the streets of Shinjuka for some night time photography, including the Omoide Yokocho alleyway.
Day 2 – Thursday 3rd April 2025
Mt Fuji, Lake Saiko, Saiko Nenba-hama Village & Lake Shoji
The day starts by heading south-west from Tokyo to most probably Japan’s most iconic landmark, the hugely impressive 3,776 metre snow capped Mt Fuji.
This region around the base of Mt Fuji is called Five Lakes and it encompasses the five lakes of Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Shōji and Motosu.
We will head to Lake Saiko for the morning before experiencing the unique setting of Saiko Nenba-hama, a charming restored village comprising 22 traditional thatched roof houses. This is an excellent location to capture some stunning images of traditional looking buildings of old.
Sunset will be spent photographing Mt Fuji from the shoreline of Lake Shoji. Mt Fuji takes on different shapes from the different lakes and from Shoji, the mountain looks stunning and if the water is calm, great reflections will be possible.
Day 3 – Friday 4th April 2025
Mt Fuji, Lake Yamanaka, Tenku Torii Gate, Lake Motosu
Sunrise will be spent on the shoreline of Lake Yamanaka where we aim to capture sunrays illuminating Mt Fuji. There are also some wonderful wooden jetties that extend out into the lake which allows for some great long exposure shooting.
After breakfast at the hotel, we shall venture to the hillside located near Tenku Torri gate which offers stunning vista from an elevated position. Francis is available to be photographed wearing a kimono, which is the traditional Japanese costume.
The rest of the day until sunset will be spent in and around Lake Motosu and Mt Fuji.
Day 4 – Saturday 5th April 2025
Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Tanuki and Chureito Pagoda
Sunrise shall be spent on the shoreline of Lake Kawaguchi photographing its famous Sakura trees, which will be full of the gorgeous cherry blossom flowers ranging from white to dark pink. To witness an abundance of Sakura is an absolute privilege and at this time of the year, Japan is famous for its lush offerings of Sakura. You can frame Mt Fuji under the branches of Sakura.
After breakfast, we shall visit Lake Yamanaka again before heading onto Lake Tanuki. This lake is probably the best of the local lakes for reflections, especially during the morning
For sunset, we shall visit perhaps the most iconic location during Sakura season, the Chureito Pagoda. This wonderfully elevated positioned pagoda offers unrivalled views of Mt Fuji and as the sun sets, the pagoda will be side lit from the right followed by the golden colours of sunset. The snow capped Mt Fuji is perfectly framed in the background.
Day 5 – Sunday 6th April 2025
Lake Yamanakako Panorame-dai, Shira-Ito Waterfalls, Matsumoto Castle
Sunrise will be spent photographing Mt Fuji from an elevated position and with a little bit of good fortune, a mist inversion will be taking place.
Back to the hotel for breakfast followed by visiting the stunning Shira-Ito waterfalls. To complete the day, a visit to Matsumoto and its famous and impressive castle complete with wonderful reflections in its moat will finish the day off at sunset going into blue hour.
Day 6 – Monday 7th April 2025
Matsumoto Castle, Shirakawa-go
Sunrise will be spent at Matsumoto Castle which will offer great reflections pre-dawn as well as a colourful sky as a fantastic backdrop.
After breakfast at the hotel, we head westwards to Shirakawa-go, one of Japan’s most iconic traditional little towns. Shirakawa-go is widely known as one of the most scenic places in Japan. It is surrounded by pine tree covered mountains, and there are approximately 180 unique Japanese thatched-roof farmhouses, sheds and barns with most of them built around 200-300 years ago. The residents of Shirakawago still live in several small villages.
We will have enough time to wander the streets of Shirakawa-go mid-afternoon before relocating to an elevated position to capture the town at dusk.
Day 7 – Tuesday 8th April 2025
Twin Arch 138, Meiko-Nishi Bridge, Meoto Iwa
No sunrise location this morning so a perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries before heading off to the stunning city of Kyoto. Our first stop en-route is the impressive Twin Arch 138 Tower which resides in the Kiso Sansen Park. It is a 138-metre tall lookout tower with 2 parabolic arches and amazing panoramic city views of Ichinomiya City. This park is famous for its wonderful array of flowers.
Following on from the Twin Arch 138 Tower is the Meiko-Nishi Bridge which will be photographed from the water’s edge at Nagoya Port. This is an impressive road bridge that allows for some fantastic architecture images to be created.
Our sunset destination is the iconic Meoto Iwa, two large rocks that are located in the ocean close to the mainland that are connected by a large, golden coloured rope. This location is perfect for long exposure photography and it can be shot pre-sunset and during the blue hour as it is lit up.
Day 8 – Wednesday 9th April 2025
Meoto Iwa, Mangetsu-ji Ukimido, Shirahige Shrine Torii at Lake Biwa, Gion Geisha District Kyoto
This is one of our busiest days as we visit four fantastic locations. Sunrise will be spent returning to Meoto Iwa to capture the pre-dawn colours followed by the rising sun behind the rocks.
After breakfast at the hotel we shall head onwards to Mangetsu-ji which is a temple on a large jetty beside Lake Biwa. Long exposure works extremely well here and there are numerous compositions to be had. This was one of my favourite locations during my time in Japan.
Late afternoon will be spent at the 2,000 year old Shirahige Shrine Torii which is the famous gate that is located in Lake Biwa. This location is the epitome of simplicity as we photograph the torii gate with the mountains as a wonderful backdrop. Long exposure works very well here too.
To finish the day off we shall visit the Gion area in Kyoto. Gion is Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district and is filled with traditional merchant houses and quaint ochaya, or teahouses, complete with people who are dressed in period Kimono clothing. The Hōkan-ji Temple, which was built in 592 and is Kyoto’s oldest temple, makes a wonderful subject to include at dusk as it is lit up.
Day 9 – Thursday 10th April 2025
6am Buddhist Ceremony, Shirahige Shrine Torii, Gion Geisha District, Kiyomizu-dera Koyasunoto Pagoda, Kyoto
Today will start with three options for sunrise. You may either attend a 6am Buddhist ceremony at the Chion-in-Temple which is located next door to the hotel or wander through the streets of the Gion district (ten minute walk away) or revisit the Shiraige Shrine Torii gate for sunrise (as we have two tour leaders, we can spilt up into two separate groups so that everyone has a guide).
During late morning, we shall visit the Kiyomizu-dera Koyasunoto Pagoda which is located on Mount Otawa. This is a wonderful park that houses several Buddhist temples and offers lots of compositions on a variety of subjects.
The afternoon will be spent back in the Gion Geisha District to allow for people to capture the more detailed elements to the district including street photography.
Day 10 – Friday 11th April 2025
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inar Tasiha (thousand red torii gates), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Himeji Castle
A very early start at the beautiful calm Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It is essential that we arrive pre-dawn to photograph this popular location to fully appreciate the calm, peaceful nature of this gorgeous bamboo forest.
After breakfast, we shall visit Fushimi Inar Tasiha, the iconic sight of a thousand red torii gates. This is a wonderful colourful subject to photograph and you can include people in your images too.
After lunch, we will head to the impressive Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This is one of the signature World Heritage sites in Kyoto and it has been steeped in history for over 1,200 years.
To finish the day off, we shall head to Himeji Castle to capture it within the grounds late afternoon followed by sunset from an elevated platform at the top of the nearby Otokoyama Haisuiike Park. The view of Himeji is stunning from here.
Day 11 – Saturday 12th April 2025
Himeji Castle, Osaka, Osaka Castle
Back to the hugely impressive Himeji Castle to capture sunrise before enjoying a hearty breakfast in the hotel.
After breakfast, we head eastwards to Osaka to spend the day discovering the city and its stunning castle, which was once occupied by the then Emperors of Kotoku and Nintoku.
After sunset, we shall head to your hotel which is located at the Kansai Airport in Osaka. The location of the hotel ensures that you are only a short walk from your terminal for your flight home the next day and time to reflect on what will be the most amazing trip to Japan for you.
Day 12 – Sunday 13th April 2025
Flight departure to your home country
Check out of your hotel
Flight home from Kansai Airport, Osaka
Our mode of transport for this tour will be a ten seat Toyota HiAce Grand Cabin minibus. It will be driven by my co-tour guide Francis Ansing.
This will ensure that there is plenty of space for us all including luggage, clothing and camera equipment while offering a refined and relaxing drive.
Included
Eleven nights hotel accommodation (double room, en-suite, single occupancy)
Breakfast
Dedicated 1-2-1 photography tuition from two tutors
Collection from Hotel Sunroute Plaza, Tokyo, and drop off at Kansai Airport, Osaka
Transport during the workshop in a modern, comfortable, 10 seat Toyota HiAce Grand Cabin minibus with an experienced driver (Francis Ansing)
All national park fees and entrance fees to various locations
Excluded
All meals and drinks other than breakfast
Flights to Japan
Travel and camera insurance
