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INTRODUCTION
Experience the poetic beauty of Japan in full bloom on our Japan Spring Photo Tour—a carefully curated journey through iconic and culturally rich regions at the height of cherry blossom season. From grand castles and ancient temples to sacred forests and majestic mountains, this tour is designed to inspire photographers of all levels with some of the most photogenic scenes on Earth. We begin in Himeji, home to Japan’s most stunning feudal-era castle. Framed by clouds of soft pink sakura, Himeji Castle becomes a living postcard and an unforgettable start to your springtime journey. In Kyoto, cherry blossoms line canals and drape gracefully over historic temples. Wander through the timeless charm of Gion, capture golden-hour light at Kiyomizu-dera, and photograph reflections of weeping sakura in peaceful Zen gardens. Step into the calm elegance of Nara, where deer roam freely among cherry trees and centuries-old shrines. The light, the tradition, and the quiet moments here are a photographer’s dream. Our path leads south to the sacred trails and waterfalls of Wakayama, where spring breathes new life into mossy forests and ancient pilgrimage routes. You’ll have the chance to photograph unique cultural rituals and hidden temples tucked deep in nature. Finally, stand in awe before the mighty Mount Fuji, surrounded by sakura in full bloom. Whether reflected in still waters or silhouetted against a glowing sunset sky, Fuji offers a timeless and iconic finale to your journey. This small-group tour is led by experienced photography guides who know the best locations and timing for capturing Japan’s spring magic. With comfortable accommodations, hands-on coaching, and thoughtfully paced travel, you’ll return not just with beautiful images—but with a deeper connection to the spirit of Japan. |
DATE
1st - 12th April 2026 DURATION 12 days and 11 nights START Osaka, Japan END Tokyo, Japan AIRPORT ARRIVAL Kansai International Airport (Osaka) AIRPORT DEPARTURE Narita or Haneda International Airport (Tokyo) SEASON Spring GROUP SIZE 6 - 8 ACCOMMODATION 3- or 4-star hotels FITNESS LEVEL Easy LANGUAGE English TOUR LEADER Francis Ansing / Fitz Borre DRIVER Michael Atienza / Francis Ansing |
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
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Marh 31: Osaka
Arrival at Kansai International Airport. You have to book your own hotel for tonight. Please book a hotel near or around Osaka Station. We will meet in the evening for dinner and a tour briefing. April 1: Himeji (Official Start) Shooting locations: Himeji Castle April 2: Himeji, Kyoto Shooting locations: Himeji Castle, Katsura River, Eikando Zenrinji Temple April 3: Kyoto Shooting locations: Katsuoji Temple, Toji Temple, Daigoji Temple April 4: Kyoto, Nara Shooting locations: Byodoin Temple, Nara Park April 5: Nara Shooting locations: Yamato Koriyama Castle Ruins, Takada Zenbonsakura, Tsubokasa Dera April 6: Nara, Wakayama Shooting locations: Nachi Waterfalls, Seiganto-ji Pagoda |
April 7: Wakayama, Mie
Shooting locations: Hashigui Iwa, Meoto Iwa April 8: Mie, Mount Fuji Shooting locations: Meoto Iwa, Kawaguchiko April 9: Mount Fuji Shooting locations: Shojiko, Motosuko, Lake Yamanakako, Tanuki April 10: Mount Fuji Shooting locations: Chureito Pagoda, Kawaguchiko, Nemba Village April 11: Mount Fuji Shooting locations: Hakone, Shizuoka Tea Plantation April 12: Mount Fuji, Tokyo (Official End) Last sunrise shoot around Mount Fuji. Head back to Tokyo. Book your hotel near Shinjuku Station. We will drop you at your hotel, or if you are flying in the evening, we will drop you at Haneda Airport. If you are flying out of Narita, we will drop you off at the bus station in Shinjuku to take the bus to Narita Airport. It takes 2 hours to get to Narita Airport from Shinjuku. |
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TOUR COST
4450 USD or the equivalent in PHP (double / twin room rate) 5250 USD or the equivalent in PHP (single room rate) A monthly installment plan is available. Please enquire. WHAT'S INCLUDED? ✓ Twin accommodations for 11 nights (3 or 4-star hotels) ✓ Breakfasts ✓ Transportation van service for 12 days ✓ Parking fees ✓ 1 photo tour leader ✓ 1 Driver ✓ Entrance fees to locations |
NOT INCLUDED
X Accommodation outside the tour date X International flights X Airport transfers X Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, water bottles and the likes X Personal and incidental expenses X Meals not stated in the inclusions (lunches and dinner) X Visa fees X Travel insurance X Laundry |
PAYMENT AND RESERVATION
1. A 500 USD or the equivalent in PHP down payment or deposit is required upon registration. Down payment is non-refundable and non-transferable.
2. A monthly installment plan is available. Please message us if you want to avail of this payment scheme.
3. Down payment can be made using credit or debit cards. Click the "RESERVE NOW" link below.
4. If you are paying the down payment via wire/bank transfer, please send it to any of the bank accounts below and e-mail the proof of payment to [email protected] or [email protected]. Include your full name and the photography tour name in your email.
5. After payment, please fill out this REGISTRATION FORM.
6. We will send a receipt of payment and PDFs containing more information about the photo tour.
7. The balance is required to be fully settled 90 days before the first day of the tour. You may send the balance by wire/bank transfer, or by credit/debit card via a secure PayPal payment link.
1. A 500 USD or the equivalent in PHP down payment or deposit is required upon registration. Down payment is non-refundable and non-transferable.
2. A monthly installment plan is available. Please message us if you want to avail of this payment scheme.
3. Down payment can be made using credit or debit cards. Click the "RESERVE NOW" link below.
4. If you are paying the down payment via wire/bank transfer, please send it to any of the bank accounts below and e-mail the proof of payment to [email protected] or [email protected]. Include your full name and the photography tour name in your email.
5. After payment, please fill out this REGISTRATION FORM.
6. We will send a receipt of payment and PDFs containing more information about the photo tour.
7. The balance is required to be fully settled 90 days before the first day of the tour. You may send the balance by wire/bank transfer, or by credit/debit card via a secure PayPal payment link.
FOR BANK/WIRE TRANSFERS, PLEASE USE ANY OF THE ACCOUNTS BELOW
Bank: UnionBank of the Philippines (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Shutter Adventures Co
Account Number: 0005-8002-0812
BIC/Swift Code: UBPHPHMM
Bank Code: 010419995
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (US DOLLAR ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 3254-0482-07
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 9809-2077-33
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018
Bank: BDO, Unibank, Inc. (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account Number: 008180116757
BIC/Swift Code: BNORPHMM
Bank Code: 010530667
Paypal
[email protected]
Bank: UnionBank of the Philippines (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Shutter Adventures Co
Account Number: 0005-8002-0812
BIC/Swift Code: UBPHPHMM
Bank Code: 010419995
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (US DOLLAR ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 3254-0482-07
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 9809-2077-33
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018
Bank: BDO, Unibank, Inc. (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account Number: 008180116757
BIC/Swift Code: BNORPHMM
Bank Code: 010530667
Paypal
[email protected]
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THINGS TO BRING
- Travel document (passport) - Warm clothing for 10 days (laundry is available at hotels) - Warm jacket (waterproof) - Comfortable pants - Comfortable shoes (waterproof) - Warm bonnet/beanie - Moisturizer - Flashlight or headlamp - Personal medicines - Pocket money - Cellular phone - Wifi - Pocket money or a credit card |
CAMERA GEAR
- Camera body (mirrorless or DSLR) - Lenses (16-35mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm) - Sturdy tripod - Filters (CPL, NDs, and GND) - Extra batteries - Extra memory cards - Rain protector - Laptop or tablet for transferring and reviewing files - External hard drive |