Japan Winter Workshop
9 Nights 10 Days
January 13th - 22nd , 2020
Max group size of 6 participants
$7495 AUD per person
9 Nights 10 Days
January 13th - 22nd , 2020
Max group size of 6 participants
$7495 AUD per person
Winter in Japan
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. 
Where we go
We start and finish in Tokyo, at this time of year it is quiet but believe me it is a hive of activity with people galore. Tokyo is fast, modern, and full of energy, it is also clean and safe and has some hidden gems.
A bullet train will take us to Kyoto, this is a beautiful place, full of tradition and charm, we will visit the Bamboo forest and Torri gates. I also have a Geisha shoot planned, this will include a studio shoot and location shoot, this will be confirmed closer to the workshop date as you can't book a Geisha 9 months in advance. From here we will head north via bullet 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. Next, we head to Matsumoto where we will photograph the Matsumoto Castle at night.
Watch Video- Shirakawago - Village in the snow
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, it can look busy when you first arrive, but people are coming and going so it's easy to get in close to get good shots, a 200-300mm lens is perfect.
Watch 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. We will have a night walk around the Neon City, which is always fun and fabulous to photograph.
  Our Guide Mayuko
Mayuko is our Japanese guide for this trip, and she is absolutely amazing. Mayuko will cover all the logistics like transport, food, and hotels. She is an experienced tour guide having led numerous tours through Japan.
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What's Included
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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. Mayuko organizes all the transportation, and it all runs very smoothly. Your JR rail pass is included as is all transport during the workshop.
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.
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. Mayuko organizes all the transportation, and it all runs very smoothly. Your JR rail pass is included as is all transport during the workshop.
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.
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Watch Video - Check how long this train is.
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Traditional room
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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, Mayuko 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.
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Watch Video - Trying Octopus
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Traditional Meal
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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.
There is a lot of walking on this trip, so you do need to be walk-fit.