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Japan Experience Workshop

7 Nights
February 9-16th, 2020
Max group size of 6 participants
$5495 AUD per person

Japan Experience

  • Amazing Itinerary
  • Single room accommodation
  • Twin share is available
  • English speaking Japanese Guide
  • Breakfast included each morning, some main diners included
  • Landscape - Street Photography - Architecture - People
Fushimi Inari Shrine - Kyoto
What Will We Shoot?

Japan is my most diverse workshop, although the landscapes are spectacular and unique we will shoot a wide genre of photography, there will be ample opportunities for Street Photography, Portraits, Architecture, Still life, Wildlife and Creative, so as you can see there is something for everyone.

Tokyo

Where we go
Our first three nights of the workshop are in beautiful Kyoto, full of tradition and charm, some of the highlights here are  the Bamboo forest and Fushimi Inari Shrine. We also head south for half a day where I have found a lesser known Torri Gate that sits in a lake, this will be a real treat to photograph.
Leaving Kyoto, we will head north by train to Takayama, a very scenic bus ride through the mountains brings us to Shirakawago. We have a couple of hours here to wander and photograph this village trapped in time.
We will shoot here for the afternoon and then head to Gokayama, this village is similar to Shirakawago but a bit quieter, we stay here overnight in the traditional houses.
Video- Shirakawago - Village in the snow
Kyoto
Our next destination is Yudanaka, staying in a Japanese Inn we can experience authentic rooms with futon beds, I just loved this place, we also have a traditional meal here that is absolutely superb. In the morning we head up the hill to see the Snow Monkeys. Watch, photograph and video them as they play in the hot springs, a 200-300mm lens is perfect and we have ample time to take in this experience.
Snow Monkeys
Video- Snow Monkeys
Back to Tokyo by bullet train for two nights. If the weather is clear, we will head out to Mt Fuji, if not, then we will shoot some architecture around the city. A night walk around the Neon City is a must, as is Shibuya Crossing, which is always fun and fabulous to photograph.
Tokyo Neon City Night Walk

Our Japanese Guide

In addition to myself, we will have a Japanese guide, this is essential to travel quickly and efficiently through Japan. With local knowledge and experience of the train systems we will travel each day without hassle. Our guide will also organize all our accommodation and food.
Culture - Kyoto
What's Included

  •  single room accommodation Western Style 3-4 star Hotels
  • 1-night single room accommodation Traditional Japanese Inn
  • 1 x night shared room in Traditional Japanese Farm House
  • Breakfast each morning
  • Welcome dinner the first night, 2 X Traditional diners, farewell dinner,
  • Entrance Fees to all parks and temples/shrines
  • Transport during Workshop
  • English speaking Japanese Guide with us at all times
  • Professional photographer guide/tutor
Not Included

  • International airfares
  • meals other than stated
  • Drinks
  • personal expenses
  • transfers from Airport to Hotel
Shirakawago
Street Scene - Kyoto
Shibuya Crossing - Tokyo
Kyoto - Geisha
A Real Zen Garden
Zen Temple
Japanese Architecture

Transport  -  Hotels  -  Onsens

We stay in 3-4 Star hotels, these are very nice, and you have your own room, but do be prepared as Japanese Hotel rooms are generally small. We do have a Farm House stay in Gokayama where we will room share for one night. Other than that, you will have your own space each night.
We use Bullet trains for our big moves, these travel at incredible speeds, are very comfortable and run to the minute, the Japanese are very punctual and hate to be running late. We also use the main train system for smaller journeys and some buses. Our guide organizes all the transportation, and it all runs very smoothly. All your transport and lodgings are included in this trip.
Some of the Hotels we stay at have an Onsen, this is a Japanese public bath that uses naturally hot water from a spring. It is very much a Japanese tradition, and I highly recommend them. Jump in at the end of the day for a total body relax.
Watch Video - Check how long this train is.
Traditional room

Food and Meals

Japanese food is just amazing and is another highlight of this trip.  A buffet breakfast is included each morning.  We will purchase our own lunch each day, Our guide will find us a cafe and help with translations and ordering. Our welcome and farewell dinners are included, as is a traditional feast at Yudanaka, plus another traditional dinner at Gokayama. For the other main meals, we will eat as a group at a restaurant, and Its not a problem if you have dietary requirements as they will be cared for.
Watch Video - Trying Octopus
Traditional Meal

Suitability - Fitness Level

This workshop is open to any skill level, I will be on hand during the workshop to help and guide you with your photography, as it is a small group I work at each persons level fine-tuning the areas that they wish to work on.
There is a lot of walking on this trip, so you do need to be walk-fit.