Japan in red: autumn leaves photo tour, 19 – 27 November

2024 tour is guided by Albert Dros and Andy Marty

Japan is one of the most enigmatic countries in the world. Although having a lot of technologies, cosmic looking trains and modern mega cities, Japan keeps its secrets and enigmas – there are many magnificent temples, parks and gardens, unusual traditional cuisine. We offer you to go to Japan in one of the most wonderful seasons of the year – in autumn, when the maples are in bloom. The Japanese enjoy viewing autumn colors. They call it Momijigari. Momiji is the Japanese name for Acer palmatum, the Japanese maple tree. Colorful leaves (koyo) are to the Japanese autumn what cherry blossoms are to spring. The viewing of autumn leaves has been a popular activity in Japan for centuries. Maples begin turning red from September on Hokkaido and end at the beginning of December in the Southern regions of Honshu. Our trip is mainly dedicated to peak in colors in Kyoto. Of course, we’ll also visit Kawaguchiko Lake under the legendary Mount Fuji.

DAY 1, November, 19

This day we meet at the hotel lobby (hotel will be recommended) at 10:00. We depart towards Kawaguchiko lake (Fuji five lakes) on a privately chartered shuttle (2-3 h). We spend the evening walking along the beautiful places of Kawaguchiko Lake near which we’ll live. We manage not only to see the biggest lake near Fuji but also to admire the volcano in the autumn maples’ leaves setting. Mid November sometimes can be little late for Fuji but to be in Japan and not to see Fuji is a crime. Although many maples become even more beautiful in mid November – the colors can reach vinous tones.

Day 2

We spend the whole day near Fuji at the shore of Kawaguchiko. This time of the year sacred japanese mountain is framed with beautiful autumn foliage.

Day 3

We move by our private bus to the beautiful Kiso valley area at Nagano. With rural villages and stunning mountains scenery around. Who knows maybe we have a chance to see a samurai because these villages look like straight from 17th century Japanese wood blocks.

Day 7 and 8

We move to the sacred Koyasan mountain. This is one of my most favourite places in Japan. Ancient Okunoin cemetery, vast temple complex and old shrines. Accommodation for 2 nights at ryokan Ekoin – traditional temple.

Day 9

This day we say goodbye to traditional Japan and move to OSAKA. You may optionally continue travelling to Tokyo or leave from Osaka airport. Tour finishes at Osaka main train station around noon.

 

Pricing:

Total price: 8900 usd per person
Maximum Number of Participants: 12
Difficulty:
easy

 

Included in the price:

– All transfers (privately chartered bus for the whole trip duration)
– Lodging in traditional japanese-style rooms or western-style rooms (up to your choice), but at Koyasan only ryokan option
– Instruction and master classes by two professional guides

Not included in the price:

– Meals
– Airfare
– Visas (if applicable)
– Single supplement 1500 USD


What to bring

 
Gear:
– DSLR camera with tripod and remote shutter release
– A wide angle lens. For example, Nikkor 14-24 or Canon 17-40. Best lens for use in wide-angle scenes or architecture photography
– A middle-zoom lens such as a 24-70 mm
– A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 70-200 mm. One of the most important lenses in Tuscany. Be sure to have additional tripod mount to this lens.

Wear:
– Waterproof and windproof jacket (consider the average temperature +5 – +10 C at nights and +10 – +20 C during the daytime)
– Waterproof pants
– Warm jacket and thermal pants
– Wellingtons or fishing boots

– Casual clothes for dinners and lunches and photography workshops at villa Gaia


Tour leaders

 

 

Albert Dros, Andy Marty