Japan Photography Tour

Our 5th tour to beautiful Japan offers a unique winter photography adventure. Photograph snow monkeys, iconic Mt Fuji, red-crowned cranes, swans and magnificent Steller’s sea eagles amongst Japan’s spectacular winter landscapes. Enjoy exceptional photographic opportunities, great food and a mix of luxury western and traditional Japanese accommodation, with expert photo guidance throughout.

• Targeting stunning winter landscapes.

• Snow monkeys.

• Mt Fuji adventures.

• Targeting Stella Sea-eagles.

• Targeting Japan’s cranes.

• Beautiful cultural shoots.

• We offer the best Japanese meals with western options.

Included

• All land tour costs as per itinerary.

• Accommodation.

• Two domestic flights.

• Two boat cruises for eagles.

• All meals as detailed in the itinerary.

• Entrance fees to parks as per itinerary.

• Professional photo guide.

• Local expert driver/guide, via minibus.

Not Included

• International Air tickets & flights

• Personal expenses

• Items not included in the itinerary

• Tips and drinks

• Travel Insurance

DAY 1 - TOKYO

February 3

We meet today at 5pm at reception for a chat about the adventures to come. Your WPA guide will offer a workshop to help you to be ready for the diverse imagery to come.

Dinner is included tonight.

Stay at Royal Park Hotel Haneda. (D)

DAY 2 - TOKYO TO MT FUJI

February 4

We meet our local guide and driver and head to the Mt Fuji area. We stop at Oshinohakkai Village to take photo’s of Mt Fuji and for lunch. Then we stop at Lake Kawaguchi-ko for new images. Mt Fuji is such a draw card! We arrive at our luxury hotel, Fuji Speedway Hotel, with commanding views to iconic Mt Fuji. You can enjoy great views of Mt Fuji from your room! This hotel has an indoor swimming pool, hot spring bathhouse and spa. Your room is confirmed to be upgraded to Deluxe with Mt Fuji views, WOW. Your stay also includes 100USD credit per room, which you can used for dinning and drinks in the hotel.

Accommodation at Fuji Speedway Hotel (Gotenba, Shizuoka pref.)

DAY 3 - MT FUJI TO YOROZUYA

February 5

Morning tour of Matsumoto, cultural city of Nagano Prefecture. This includes exploring Matsumoto Castle and the exhibition of modern art painter Yayoi Kusama at the city museum. The castle is a traditional old and famous structure.

In the afternoon, we depart to Yudanaka Onsen. Magic Japanese views are offered as we drive to this region. What a great day of iconic Japanese landscapes, architecture and finishing at a special traditional accommodation Onsen. This has been judged by many of our past adventurers as one of the highlights of their Japan visit.

Yudanaka Onsen Accommodation - (B,L,D)

DAY 4 - SNOW MONKEYS

February 6

Today is a magical winter wonderland shoot of the world famous Snow Monkeys. Your guides will help to optimise techniques and shoot opportunities. This location also offers fantastic and authentic Japanese winter wonderland photo opportunities. The snow monkeys are fed three times daily and 100 or more of them may be in the feeding area at the same time.

The feeding is traditional in an open location. Following the meal, many of them retire to the comfort of their geothermal hot pool for a comforting soak. We photograph these hot-tubbing monkeys, as well as babies clutching their mother’s fur, dominant males as they argue over territory, old matriarchs, and juveniles playing with “snowballs.” Some of the antics are hilarious!

Yudanaka Onsen Accommodation - (B,L,D)

The itinerary continues…