Japan Sakura Photo Tour: Cherry Blossom Season
Japan · 14 days
- Group size
- Max 4 photographers
- Start & finish
- Tokyo
- Duration
- 14 days
- Edition
- 17th edition
During this Japan Spring photo tour you will enjoy the sakura at the most famous Japanese landmarks over 14 days, from Tokyo to Kyoto with special attention to Mount Fuji. You'll also discover Japanese culture in sacred places like Fushimi Inari and Gion, photograph the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park, and chase cherry blossoms around castles including Hikone, Matsumoto and Himeji.
Photography opportunities
- 800 cherry trees illuminated at night along the Meguro River
- Chidorigafuchi and Inokashira Park cherry blossoms
- Jigokudani snow monkeys bathing in hot springs
- Magome and the historic Kiso Valley post road
- Hikone Castle and gardens at sunset
- Gion's geisha district and To-ji Temple's five-story pagoda
- Fushimi Inari at dawn and the Arashiyama bamboo forest
- Himeji Castle and the Koko-en Gardens
- Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji and sakura in the foreground
Itinerary
- 01
Arrive in Tokyo
Shiba Park and Tokyo Tower for sunset, then the Meguro River's illuminated cherry trees at night.
Shooting: Night sakura
- 02
Tokyo
Chidorigafuchi's sakura, the International Forum, and Asakusa's viewpoint over Tokyo Skytree and Sensō-ji.
Shooting: Cityscape
- 03
Tokyo to Matsumoto
Inokashira Park's 500 cherry trees en route, then Matsumoto Castle at sunset and night illumination.
Shooting: Matsumoto Castle
- 04
Jigokudani & Kiso Valley
Dawn at Matsumoto Castle, then Jigokudani Park's snow monkeys, finishing at sunset in the historic village of Magome.
Shooting: Snow monkeys, Historic village
- 05
Kiso Valley to Kyoto via Hikone
Sunrise in Magome, a traditional breakfast, then Hikone Castle and gardens at sunset before continuing to Kyoto.
Shooting: Castle gardens
- 06
Kyoto: Gion
A floating torii gate at sunrise, then Gion's geisha district and To-ji Temple's pagoda at night.
Shooting: Gion streets
- 07
Fushimi Inari & the Golden Pavilion
Fushimi Inari's 10,000 torii before the crowds, the Golden Pavilion, and the Philosopher's Path.
Shooting: Torii gates
- 08
Arashiyama & Himeji
Dawn in the Arashiyama bamboo forest, then Himeji Castle and the Koko-en Gardens at sunset.
Shooting: Bamboo forest, Himeji Castle
- 09
Nara & Tsubosaka Dera
Nara's deer and the ancient Kofukuji and Horyuji temples, then the Buddhist temple of Tsubosaka Dera.
Shooting: Temple architecture
- 10
Toward Fuji
A transition day via Takido Bridge, arriving at the Fuji Five Lakes for sunset.
Shooting: Mount Fuji
- 11
Mount Fuji (days 11–12)
Two days around Mount Fuji, aiming for sunrise or sunset at Chureito Pagoda with cherry trees in the foreground.
Shooting: Chureito Pagoda, Sakura
- 13
Back to Tokyo
Kawaguchi Lake or a repeat session, then an evening in Shibuya and Shinjuku for street photography.
Shooting: Street photography
- 14
Departure
The Japan Sakura photo tour ends in Tokyo.
What's included
Included
- + Accommodation in twin rooms, private bathroom and breakfast
- + 4-star hotels at Tokyo and Kyoto, 3-star at Matsumoto and Kiso Valley
- + 3-star hotel at Fuji with mountain views
- + 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.