Autumn Japan Photo Tour: Momiji
Japan · 14 days
- Group size
- Max 4 photographers
- Start & finish
- Tokyo
- Duration
- 14 days
- Edition
- 15th edition
Our photo tour in Autumn to Japan is an excellent opportunity to photograph the landscapes of the rising sun country during the fall colors, when its valleys, mountains and gardens turn red and yellow. A complete tour around Japan to photograph Mount Fuji, Nara, Matsumoto and other temples and iconic locations, without forgetting the two main cities, Tokyo and Kyoto.
Photography opportunities
- Tokyo Tower and Shinjuku street photography at night
- Chureito Pagoda and the Fuji Five Lakes
- Kyoto's autumn colors at Eikando Temple, Kiyomizudera and Gion
- Fushimi Inari's torii gates before sunrise
- Arashiyama bamboo grove and the Golden Pavilion
- Nara's deer park and Osaka Castle at sunset
- Kiso Valley's Tsumago-Juku ancient post town
- Matsumoto Castle illuminated at night
Itinerary
- 01
Arrive in Tokyo
Meet at our hotel in Tokyo, then head to Tokyo Tower for sunset before exploring Shinjuku's backstreets for street photography at night.
Shooting: Sunset, Street photography
- 02
Fuji Five Lakes
Drive to the Fuji Five Lakes area, arriving at Chureito Pagoda in time for sunset with Mount Fuji in the background.
Shooting: Chureito Pagoda, Mount Fuji
- 03
Fuji Five Lakes (days 3–5)
Three days exploring Kawaguchiko, Shoji and Tanuki lakes for sunrise and sunset, with detours to Oshino Hakkai and Lake Ashinoko depending on weather.
Shooting: Lake reflections, Mount Fuji
- 06
Fuji to Kyoto
Sunrise in the village, then drive to Kyoto with temple stops en route, finishing with sunset at Toji Temple.
Shooting: Temple architecture
- 07
Kyoto: Eikando & Gion
Sunrise at Shirahige Shrine's floating torii, Daigo-Ji Temple, then Eikando Temple's autumn colors and the geisha district of Gion in the afternoon.
Shooting: Autumn foliage, Gion streets
- 08
Arashiyama & the Golden Pavilion
Early entry to the Arashiyama bamboo grove, temple visits through the day, and the Golden Pavilion in the last light of the afternoon.
Shooting: Bamboo forest, Golden Pavilion
- 09
Fushimi Inari, Nara & Osaka
Fushimi Inari's torii corridors before the crowds, then Nara's deer park, finishing with sunset at Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori district.
Shooting: Torii gates, Cityscape
- 10
Kyoto to Kiso Valley
Drive toward Matsumoto, stopping at Tsumago-Juku, one of Japan's best-preserved post towns on the old Nakasendo road.
Shooting: Historic architecture
- 11
Kiso Valley to Matsumoto
Temple and park stops en route, arriving at Matsumoto in time for sunset and the night illumination of its castle.
Shooting: Matsumoto Castle
- 12
Matsumoto to Tokyo
Sunrise at the castle, then drive back to Tokyo with temple stops, ending with sunset and a night walk through Shibuya.
Shooting: Shibuya streets
- 13
Tokyo
Visit the Tokyo Forum and Ginza by day, then a viewpoint at sunset, finishing at Sensō-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree once the crowds thin out.
Shooting: Architecture, Night temple
- 14
Departure
The Autumn Japan photo tour ends in Tokyo.
What's included
Included
- + Accommodation in twin rooms, private bathroom and breakfast
- + Private luxury van during the tour
- + Fees and entrances to National Parks
- + Photographer Guide
- + Basic travel insurance
Not included
- − Flights to & from Tokyo
- − Any private expenses, including meals
- − Tips
- − Visa, check if you need one
- − Anything not mentioned in "Price includes"
From the same team
Explore at your own pace
Prefer to travel independently? Our Photo Maps cover photography locations for this destination and season, with GPS coordinates and field notes, on maps.photography. Locations may not match this tour's itinerary stop for stop.
Levels
Your photographer
Tour operator
Booking conditions
- A deposit secures your place; the remaining balance is due before departure.
- Deposits are not refundable; other payments are refunded according to Photoworldtours' cancellation policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the required physical level?
This tour is designed for photographers of all levels, but requires a basic level of fitness — please make sure you're comfortable carrying your camera gear across the days described in the itinerary above.
What do we do during bad weather?
Weather is unpredictable. According to the itinerary we can do editing lessons at our hotels, review your photos and/or visit other cultural spots.
What about group size?
We prioritize small groups — it helps that you can have support from our photo guides during all days and spots.
What is the cancellation policy?
Deposits are not refundable; other payments will be refunded according to our cancellation policy.
Request information
Have a question before booking directly with Photoworldtours? Tell us a little about you and their team will follow up.