Arrive in Tokyo and settle into your hotel before travelling to the Fuji Five Lakes region to photograph the majestic presence of Mount Fuji from Lake Motosuko and Lake Tanuki. Capture dramatic sunsets, reflections, and night skies with opportunities for star trail photography, and explore locations such as Shiraito Falls and the traditional village of Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba before returning to Tokyo.
GROUP SIZE
10-12
NOVEMBER 2026
14th - 24th
My first ever visit to Japan was in autumn, and I was immediately taken aback by its spectacular beauty. While cherry blossom season is a crowd favorite, autumn in Japan is just as special. The autumnal foliage looming over Japan’s old temples is a truly magical sight and probably one of my most favorite travel memories of all time.
Japan’s distinctive geography provides an unparalleled visual feast—from the dynamic cityscapes of Tokyo to the spectacular vistas of Mount Fuji – it’s a photographer’s paradise. The distinct geography also means that autumn arrives at different times across Japan. While Tokyo is still immersed in a sea of crimson, Kyoto’s foliage begins to transition into shades of orange. This geographical diversity presents a myriad of photographic opportunities, with surprises awaiting at every turn.
Delving into Japan’s culinary tapestry is an equally unforgettable experience. Even a humble bowl of ramen carries within it a wealth of history, skill, and cultural significance. The endless possibilities for exploration are what initially drew me to Japan and continue to beckon me for a return visit.
What to expect ?
Embark on a 11-day photography tour of Japan, where vibrant nature and captivating culture await. From bustling cities to serene temples and blooming countryside, immerse yourself in diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.
This tour promises a blend of cityscapes, landscapes, and cultural immersion. Together, let's capture the majestic tapestry of colors during Japan’s magical autumn season.
Itinerary Summary
Day 1 to 4- Tokyo & Kawaguchiko
Photography styles covered:
Arrival | Landscape | Night | Long Exposure
Day 5 to 7- Tokyo & Kamakura
Photography styles covered:
📷: Street | Cityscape | Night | Food
Experience Tokyo’s vibrant contrasts, from immersive digital art at teamLab Borderless to sunset views from Tokyo Skytree. Photograph the calm beauty of Nezu Shrine before exploring Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, and the neon lit streets of Akihabara, ending the evening at the illuminated gardens of Rikugien. A day trip to Kamakura offers temples, coastal scenery, and the iconic Great Buddha.
Day 8–11- Kyoto & Tokyo
Photography styles covered:
📷: Street | Nature | Architecture
Travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto and explore the atmospheric lanes of Pontocho Alley. Photograph the autumn colours of Arashiyama with visits to temples such as Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, capture the foliage at Yusai-tei, and walk through the historic district of Gion. Visit Eikan-do Temple before exploring the lively food streets of Nishiki Market, then return to Tokyo on the final day to conclude the journey.
PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES COVERED DURING THE TOUR
- Mastering the Basics: RAW, Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO
- Light Mastery: Exposure and understanding of how to get the best out of the light
- Mastering Composition: Techniques to create striking and balanced images
- Lens choice and focal length: Wide-angle lenses are common in landscapes, but in mountains, telephoto lenses are also heavily used
- Panoramic photography: How to best compose the beautiful panoramas that we’ll see during the photography tour
- Long Exposures: Learn how to use long exposures so you can create dramatic and interesting photographs
- Unlock the full potential of your mobile device for photography
SOCIALIZE
After long days of photography, evenings will be spent socializing and discussing our captured images with fellow photographers, sharing experiences, and indulging in the vibrant local food scene to unwind and immerse ourselves in Japanese culinary delights.
All transportation throughout the tour*
Accommodation ( Private twin Share Room)
Any entrance fees.
Photographic guidance if required
International and domestic flights
Meals and beverages
Travel and equipment insurance
Visa fees and arrangements
Personal insurance
Local guide services
Costs due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the organiser’s control
This tour is perfect for:
- Photographers of all levels
- Travelers who love to explore new places
Fitness level:
For this photo tour, a moderate level of fitness is necessary. You should comfortably walk for a few hours, primarily while photographing and exploring at a gentle pace. Being able to stand for extended periods and manage getting on and off trains is also essential.
Your Guide
MEET DWARAKESH, YOUR AWARD WINNING MENTOR
An award-winning photographer from India whose work is rooted in observation and quiet storytelling.
At the heart of Dwarakesh's practice is street and landscape photography. He is drawn to fleeting light, human gestures, and the rhythm of everyday life, finding meaning in moments many might overlook. His images carry an atmosphere that is intimate, thoughtful and quietly powerful.
His professional work spans architecture, food and portraiture, each discipline sharpening the same eye that he brings to the streets and landscapes he loves most.
With a post-graduation degree in photography from Light and Life Academy and having travelled through 23 countries across India, Central Asia, Japan and Europe, his work reflects a deep engagement with places and people. Rather than documenting destinations, he documents presence. The silence between movements. The texture of time. The stories held within spaces.
Dwarakesh curates and leads photography tours, having already taken groups through the ancient landscapes of Uzbekistan and now bringing that same depth of experience to Japan in autumn.
For Dwarakesh, photography is not only about creating images.
It is about learning how to see.
MEET PRIYA, YOUR INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY MENTOR
Priya Banik is a seasoned visual storyteller, photography educator, and mentor with over two decades of experience in the field, bringing together artistic vision, academic depth, and extensive international exposure. She holds a research-based Master’s degree in Photography from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom, where her work focused on the commercial and conceptual aspects of visual practice.
Priya has worked across different countries, gaining a global perspective and collaborating with internationally acclaimed photographers and institutions and further shaped her approach to critical thinking, and real-world exposure.
Priya is deeply passionate about mentoring and has guided many emerging photographers through workshops, fellowships, and immersive travel-based learning experiences, helping them develop both technical skill and a strong personal voice. Priya continues to inspire the next generation of photographers with her empathetic approach and commitment to excellence and actively contribute to the evolving contemporary visual storytelling.
Japan Autumn Photography Tour
Thank you for your interest in joining our Japan Autumn Photography Tour from November 14 to 24 2026. We would love to have you with us as we explore Japan through the lens together. Fill in your details below and we will personally reach out to you.
